We love free things to do and thankfully Montreal is full of them! Here are my top free things to do in Montreal from July 15 to July 31!

1) FESTIVAL NUITS D’AFRIQUE offers free outdoor concerts featuring the music and dance of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s a great opportunity to show off the tribal-print shirt that’s hanging in your closet!  (July 14 – July 26)

2) FREE GROUP MEDITATION. I started this just last week and realized how much I needed it! Take advantage of your trip to forget about the worries back at home. The KANKALA CENTER, in the heart of Montreal’s über-trendy Mile End neighbourhood, offers lunch-hour meditation sessions for people of all walks of life. (Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:15 and 12:45, starting July 7). Tip: get there ten minutes early!

2) JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL. What better opportunity than the world’s largest comedy event to cackle, chuckle, giggle, roar, shout, etc. Call it as you want, laughter is great for your health. Take a stroll on St-Denis Street and you will find plenty of free performances. Corner Maisonneuve (July 3 – July 26)

3) Outdoor Ballroom Dancing. Why not? You’re on vacation and it’s time to try something new. And in gorgeous Parc Jean-Drapeau, you just can’t go wrong, even if you’ve got two left feet. Learn the basic steps of the waltz, cha cha, mambo, while mingling with locals of all ages. I swear, it’s really fun! Turn left after exiting Metro Jean-Drapeau. You can’t miss it! (July 15 at 7pm. July 18 at 6.30pm. July 19 at 6.30pm. July 22 at 7pm. July 25 at 6.30pm. July 26 at 6.30pm. July 29 at 7pm.)

4) INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS COMPETITION.  For the best view of this festival of sight and sound, head to Jacques Cartier bridge. Take the metro to Papineau station, exit on Cartier Street and follow the crowd. (Every Wednesday and Saturday until August 22. Check the FIREWORKS COMPETITION SCHEDULE to find out which country is presenting.)

5) DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK SALE. There’s so many street sales in Montreal, the city might as well be a giant sidewalk. Ste-Catherine’s street, the city’s major shopping desination, closes to traffic between St-Marc and Jeanne-Mance Streets on July 18 and 19. Metro: McGill or Peel

6) CHINATOWN SIDEWALK SALE. Best place for unusual souvenirs and bubble tea. Hit De la Gauchetière Street between St-Dominique and Côté Streets from July 22 to July 26. Metro: Place D’armes

7) TAM-TAMS! That’s local terminology for “enormous drum circle.” Sit in the park and enjoy this unique Montreal celebration of laid-backism. Or you may even find yourself dancing to the beat. Make a day of it with a picnic lunch followed by a stroll up Mount Royal.

Did I miss something? Please drop a comment and let me know about more Montreal freebies!