March is a month we like to throw away in Montreal because it’s the last month of winter (and April will be milder, we hope). In March, some people simply head for the sun during spring break—a total escape from the month’s 31 days and the snow turning to slush. Everything is forgotten under the blazing sun.
Otherwise, the answer to this transitional month is to immerse yourself completely in Les Sucres, in the culture and festivals that are picking up again after a respectable—and, frankly, necessary—hibernation period. In March, Montreal’s sidewalks are melting and hearts are thawing.
February 26–March 6: Montréal en Lumière — 2026 Festival
The Festival of Lights illuminates the Quartier des Spectacles from February 27 to March 7, 2026—free admission.
The Montréal en Lumière festival returns from February 27 to March 7, 2026, to the Quartier des Spectacles with arts, music, gastronomy, outdoor activities, and Nuit Blanche. Admission is free; the gourmet village will feature dishes from 80 restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments.
February 27–March 13: Galerie des Glaces — Village
A walking exhibition through the Village’s storefront windows to liven up the street at nightfall.
An exhibition in the storefront windows of the Village de Montréal featuring works by an intergenerational group of queer Montreal artists: projections, sculptures, photography, and performances visible from the street.
February 27–March 29: Notre-Dame de Paris—virtual reality experience
Forget the hours of flying: you can see Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral without leaving Montreal thanks to Éternelle Notre-Dame, the new virtual reality experience from Excurio and Expériences Infinity! From its medieval construction to its current restoration, Notre-Dame de Paris has witnessed the triumphs, struggles, and transformations of the City of Light. Éternelle Notre-Dame invites you to discover the iconic cathedral through 850 years of history.
March 2–8: Spring Break Week
It’s vacation time for the kids, the exhausted, and those who strategically scheduled their days off—and for those staying in Montreal, there are plenty of activities to make you feel a bit like you’re at the beach with a cocktail, but under the snow.
Tuesday , March 3: Worm Moon—and a total lunar eclipse on March 3
The full moon in March is the Worm Moon—because the ground thaws and the worms emerge from hibernation. This year, we’ll also be able to see a total lunar eclipse—a “blood moon”…
An alpine experience right in the heart of Montreal.
Alpine presentation by Meredith Erickson with chefs Janice Tiefenbach (Gia Vin & Grill) and Luca Caviola (Orso Grigio)—special menu over two evenings.
Thursday, March 5: Sugar Shack at Nevski
The Sugar Season officially kicks off with an evening at Nevski.
Sugar shack evening at Nevski featuring maple taffy, cider on ice, a special menu, and cocktails inspired by the Sugar Shack season, hosted by DJ Duza.
Friday, March 6: Freaks — Midnight Screening
A strange and memorable classic to see in theaters.
Screening of Tod Browning’s Freaks (1932), presented as part of the Minuit au Parc retrospective. An opportunity to (re)discover this unsettling classic.
Saturday, March 7: Morvern Callar — Surreal Saturdays
A punk, atmospheric, and unsettling film to discover on the big screen.
Screening of the cult classic *Morvern Callar* (2002) at the Cinéma du Musée as part of the film series.
Sunday, March 8: Daylight Saving Time begins in Montreal
On March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m., we set the clock forward one hour.
Montreal will switch to daylight saving time on March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m.: clocks will be set forward one hour. This change will better align our days with sunlight and extend the duration of sunsets in the evening.
March 12–29: FIFA – Film Festival on Art
From March 12 to 29, 2026, it’s the 44th edition of the Montreal Film Festival on Art, and the opening film is the highly anticipated documentary “Mon amour, c’est pour le restant de mes jours” by Montreal director André-Line Beauparlant.
Friday, March 13: Night of the Living Dead — Midnight Movie
A classic date night —and horror movie…
Screening of George A. Romero’s *Night of the Living Dead* (1968) as part of the *Minuit au Parc* anniversary series. A cult classic to (re)watch on the big screen.
Friday, March 13: 70mm screening of Project Hail Mary
Seeing Project Hail Mary in 70mm is an immersive visual experience not to be missed.
Montreal will host a special 70mm screening of the film Project Hail Mary on March 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Cineplex, ahead of its official theatrical release on March 20, 2026. The film, starring Ryan Gosling, is an adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel blending science, extraterrestrial friendship, and space adventure.
Friday , March 20: Spring Equinox
The spring equinox (when day and night are of equal length) will be on March 20, 2026.
Friday, March 20: Eraserhead — Midnight Movie
Our favorite David Lynch film—and the trippiest in his repertoire—is playing at Cinéma du Parc on the big screen.
Screening of David Lynch’s Eraserhead (1977), featured in the special programming for the 10th anniversary of Minuit au Parc.
March 19–22: Festival des Sucres – Cabane Panache
While waiting for spring, it’s the most important mid-season event of the year in Montreal: Les Sucres. If you don’t have time to visit one of the region’s many sugar shacks, you can at least celebrate at the nostalgic Cabane Panache festival.
March 21–22: Turquoise’s Treasures Spring Fling Market
One of our favorite vintage stores—and the most pastel-colored one—is hosting a market to get us dressed for Montreal spring—which is finally arriving quickly.
Sunday, March 22: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Montreal
Floats, bagpipes, dancing, a queen, and beer: this year it’s the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Montreal!
March 24–28: SAT Fest 2026 at the Satosphère
Experience cinema in 360° at SAT Fest 2026 under the immersive dome of the Satosphère.
A five-day fulldome film festival presented at the Satosphère of the Society for Arts and Technology, featuring 52 short films, panels, workshops, and networking activities.
Friday, March 27: Harold and Maude — Midnight Movie
For lovers, an almost-romantic comedy to (re)watch at a midnight screening.
Screening of Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude (1972) as part of the Minuit au Parc anniversary series, featuring films beloved by Montreal audiences.
Saturday, March 28: Persona — Surreal Saturdays
An intense cinematic experience to be seen on the big screen.
Screening of Ingmar Bergman’s *Persona* (1966), a classic of the unconscious, at the Cinéma du Musée.
Through April 3: Show at Théâtre Duceppe
Tickets starting at $40 for Indigenous people—25 performances from March 4 to April 4, 2026.
Play presented at Théâtre Duceppe, March 4–April 4, 2026 (25 performances). Tickets starting at $40 for Indigenous people and $45 for general admission.
Four exceptional dancers dressed in luminous costumes who twirl and light up the stage, breathing new energy into this timeless tale.
After winning over audiences around the world with Peter Pan, Ballet of Lights is back with Cinderella, transformed into a daring and resolutely modern ballet! Let yourself be enchanted by four exceptional dancers dressed in luminous costumes who twirl and light up the stage at L’Olympia, breathing new life into this timeless tale. A magical experience lasting about 60 minutes to enjoy with family or friends, suitable for ages 5 and up.
