Out of all the cities in the Great White North, it’s Montreal which truly stands out due to its numerous cultural happenings. From concerts and art exhibitions to performances, the culture and fashion capital of Canada is home to events to suit culture vultures of every variety. However, it’s also a well-known fact that attending all these functions isn’t exactly budget-friendly. For Quebecois culture fanatics and Canadian art appreciators, the city is also home to several worldly and creative events that are free. From publishing fairs to musical competitions, there’s no shortage of exciting events that won’t hurt the bank.

Photo: fleurde.lys on Instagram

Future Memories Mixed Media Exhibition, November 5- December 4: 

For the month of November, watch as four artists interpret and reflect on technology as a narrative and sharing space – each in their own, unique way. The exhibition, “Future Memories,” will see artists Zinnia Naqvi, Ambivalently Yours, Zeesy Powers and Sophia Borowska use a variety of mediums to convey their message, from video to textile. The exhibition will raise questions such as what separates the private from the public, and the limitations of sharing. “Future Memories” will take place at articule, an artist-run centre dedicated to presenting a range of contemporary practices, with an emphasis on emerging artists.

Expozine Fair, November 12-13: 

Join 20,000 visitors in appreciating little known publishers from across the globe. “Expozine” is one of the largest small press fairs in North America and was founded in 2002 with the goal of promoting smaller, local publications that stray from the mainstream. Over 250 vendors of comics, newspapers and magazines are expected to attend 2016’s fair. “Expozine” is an opportunity to find reading material that you might not have come across elsewhere.

Notes Vagabondes Exhibition, November 17- December 11: 

Nelu Wolfenson is a Bucharest-born graphic designer who now works in Montreal as a professor at the UQAM School of Design. On November 16^th, UQAM will honour the artist with a retrospective of his works entitled “Notes Vagabondes.” The exhibition will feature internationally renowned posters by Wolfenson that deal with topics such as human rights, terrorism, academic life, the arts, and more. The social, political, and cultural issues tackled are said to be both reflective to Quebec realties while also universally relevant. 

Classical Concerto Competition, November 19: 

Watch some of the finest up and coming classical musicians battle it out at the “Classical Concerto Competition”. Run by McGill’s prestigious Schulich School of Music, this competition will see some of the top voice, strings, winds, brass and piano musicians compete for a chance to perform with the McGill Symphony Orchestra, as well as a cash prize. The performers will take to McGill’s Strathcona Music Building to perform a concerto of their choice written between 1750-1800.