Nuit Blanche Montréal is the one night of the year when the city refuses to sleep.
On February 28, 2026, Montréal turns into an all-night playground filled with art, music, pop-up performances, and unexpected surprises everywhere. Galleries stay open late, streets come alive, and downtown buzzes with an infectious energy you can’t miss.
If you’re thinking about going, this guide is for you.
We’ll share with you the must-do activities, can’t-miss installations and pop-ups, and the best parking spots around downtown Montréal so you’re not stuck searching all night. Just use the Indigo Neo app or any of the parking links in this post to book your spot ahead of time or on the way downtown.
And if you’re looking for activities that go beyond just one night, the Montréal en Lumière festival is exactly what you need.
Now, let’s plan your perfect Nuit Blanche night.
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Nuit Blanche Montréal Art Exhibits
Art is at the heart of Nuit Blanche Montréal. For one night, museums, galleries, and cultural spaces stay open late and offer special programming you will not see any other time of year. It is the perfect chance to explore major institutions and discover new artists, all in one night.
Here are some exhibits and art experiences worth adding to your route.
A Night at the Children’s Museum
Redpath Museum | February 28 |5pm to 7:15pm | Paid event
This special edition at the Children’s Museum opens the doors after hours for a playful and creative experience. Families are invited to enjoy a unique experience: exploring the museum by flashlight alone. It is lively, engaging, and a great option if you are doing Nuit Blanche Montréal with younger visitors.
ECHOES
Maison France Montréal | February 28- March 1 | 5pm to 5am | Free event, Paid entry starting at 1 AM
ECHOES is an immersive installation with more than 40 multidisciplinary artists that blends sound and visual elements to create a reflective atmosphere. Visitors can expect painting, photography, performance, tattooing, music, and new media as they move through the space.
Nuit blanche MAC x MOMENTA x PVM
Montreal Museum of Contemporary Arts of Montreal | February 28- March 1 | 5pm to 1am | Free event
This collaboration brings together the Musée d’art contemporain, MOMENTA Biennale, and PVM for a special night of contemporary art programming. Expect exhibitions, video works, and installations that highlight current artistic practices. It is a strong stop if you want to experience bold, modern art during Nuit Blanche Montréal.
Paramètres XXV
Place des Arts | February 28- March 1 | 11:59pm to 1am | Free event
Paramètres XXV focuses on experimental art and media. The event showcases students’ work, highlighting the diversity of practices and approaches taught at UQAM’s School of Visual and Media Arts. You can expect projections, multimedia pieces, and thought-provoking concepts that push beyond traditional gallery formats.
La Nuit de la poésie
Place des Arts | February 28 – March 1 | 8pm to 1am | Free event
La Nuit de la poésie celebrates spoken word and literary art. Poets take the stage to share original works, creating an intimate and emotional atmosphere. It is a great way to experience a different side of Nuit Blanche Montréal, one centered on language, rhythm, and storytelling.
Nuit blanche at Pointe-à-Callière
Pointe-à-Callière | February 28 – March 1 | 7pm to 1am | Free event
At Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, the night takes on a historical twist. Special tours and activities allow visitors to explore the city’s past in a unique late-night setting. It is a great mix of culture and discovery, especially if you enjoy history.
Nuit blanche at Le Vivier: Whispers
Sainte-Hilda – espace sonore | February 28 – March 1 | 6pm to 1am | Free event
Hosted at Le Vivier, Whispers focuses on quiet reflection and intimate listening. The program invites visitors to stroll through a poetic environment crafted from glass, paper, and various organic materials. It is a great stop if you want something more meditative and music-focused during Nuit Blanche Montréal, offering a quiet contrast to the larger, louder events happening across the city.
Nuit Blanche Montréal Events
One of the best things about Nuit Blanche Montréal is that you can build your own adventure. You might start with skating and a DJ set, wander into an art installation, then end up at a poetry performance or late-night party.
Here are some standout experiences worth checking out.
Odyssée M.A.D. takes over La Patinoire sous l’Anneau & Time Out Market
Time Out Market and Patinoire sous l’Anneau | February 28- March 1 | 11:30 pm to 1am | Free event
This event blends fashion, music, and skating in one energetic setting. Odyssée M.A.D. brings creative flair to La Patinoire sous l’Anneau, turning the rink into a stylish, high-energy space. With DJs, bold looks, and the buzz of Time Out Market nearby for food and drinks, it’s a great stop if you want something lively and social.
Glisse & Groove – Nuit blanche edition: Disco under the stars
Parc Jean Drapeau | February 28- March 1 | 4:30 pm to 1am | Free event
If you love the idea of dancing on ice, this one’s for you. Glisse & Groove transforms the skating rink into a disco party under the night sky. Expect upbeat music, lights, and a crowd that is there to have fun. It’s playful, a little nostalgic, and one of the most feel-good ways to experience Nuit Blanche.
Artist Trading Cards: Create & Trade
Espace culturel de la Caserne 26 | February 28 | 6pm to 11: 59pm | Free event
This hands-on workshop invites you to design your own mini works of art and trade them with other participants. It’s relaxed, creative, and perfect if you want a break from big crowds. You leave not only with your own creation but also with small pieces made by others, which makes the experience personal and memorable.
Autotrophia by Safia Nihil and Line Katcho
White Wall Studio | February 28 | 6pm to 10pm | Free event
Autotrophia is an immersive installation that combines sound, visuals, and technology to create a sensory experience. Artists Safia Nihil and Line Katcho explore themes tied to nature and transformation through layered projections and audio design. It’s thoughtful, atmospheric, and ideal if you want something artistic and reflective during your Nuit Blanche route.
Poetic Brigades
Place des Festivals | February 28 – March 1 | 10pm to 2am | Free event
Poetic Brigades bring live poetry directly to the streets. Performers move through public spaces, sharing spoken word pieces with passersby. It feels spontaneous and intimate, which fits the spirit of Nuit Blanche Montréal perfectly. You never quite know where you’ll encounter them, which makes it even more special.
Nuit blanche at Complexe Desjardins
Complexe Desjardins | February 28 – March 1 | 10pm to 1am | Free event
Complexe Desjardins becomes a hub of activity during the night, hosting a mix of Latin performances, art, and interactive experiences indoors. It’s a good place to warm up while still staying in the heart of the action. Expect music, visual displays, and a steady flow of people coming in and out throughout the night.
LUMIÈRE NOIRE – Phase 2
Ste-Catherine Hall | February 28 – March 1 | 8pm to 7am | Paid event
LUMIÈRE NOIRE leans into the festival’s dramatic side with bold lighting and a darker atmosphere. It’s a large-scale immersive artistic journey, unfolding in two complementary phases across five rooms, each offering a distinct atmosphere with its own visual and sensory identity.
The Best Spots to Park
We know parking can be a hassle. So, we’ve put together the most convenient parking spots close to downtown Montréal.
All you have to do is use Indigo Neo, search for any of these locations, and book your spot.
Théâtre St-Denis:1601 Rue Sanguinet
4-minute walk to Quartier des Spectacles
This 24/7 underground garage has 212 spaces available. It is close to UQAM and Quartier des Spectacles, making it a great choice for quick access to art installations and performances.
Complexe Desjardins:1251 Rue Jeanne-Mance
3-minute walk to Place des Festivals
This 24/7 underground garage has 1,042 spaces available, EV charging, and puts you steps away from some of Nuit Blanche’s biggest light shows and music events. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
Place Dupuis: 800 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Est
11-minute walk to Place des Festivals
This 24/7 underground garage has 400 spaces available. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
Carré Saint-Laurent: 1200 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
7-minute walk to Quartier des Spectacles
This 24/7 underground garage has 150 spaces available. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
Place Ville Marie: 1 Place Ville Marie
12-minute walk to Place des Festivals
This 24/7 underground garage has 916 spaces available. Payment at this location is available on-site only. EV charging is available on-site.
Quartier International: 249 Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest
10-minute walk to Place des Festivals
This 24/7 underground garage has 1283 spots available. Payment at this location is available on-site only. EV charging is available on-site.
Place du Quartier:1071 Rue Saint-Urbain
8-minute walk to Place des Festivals
This underground lot is open from 6am to 11pm with 128 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site.
M273 – Humaniti: 1035 Rue Hermine
10-minute walk to Place des Festivals
This underground lot is open 24/7 with 482 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site.
Cité Internationale: 629 Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest
15-minute walk to Place des Festivals
This underground lot is open 24/7 with 360 spaces available. EV chargers are also available for use on-site.
Conclusion
Nuit Blanche Montréal is not just another event on the calendar. It is one full night where the city feels wide awake and full of possibility. You can skate under the lights, step into immersive art installations, catch live performances, explore museums after dark, and still discover something unexpected at 2 am.
The key is to plan just enough so you can enjoy the night without stress. Pick a few must-see events, leave room to wander, and make sure your parking is sorted before you head downtown.
Use the Indigo Neo app or the parking links in this guide to book your spot near the action, whether you plan ahead or decide last-minute.
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