Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience! Montreal is turning its gaze towards the Red Planet this June as the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan hosts its annual AstroFest. This free astronomy festival invites everyone, from curious kids to seasoned skywatchers, to explore the mysteries of Mars and the cosmos. If you’re looking for things to do that are both educational and fun, this event is a must-add to your list.
Contents
This year marks the 5th edition of AstroFest, and it promises two days packed with free activities themed “Mars – Life in Red.” It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into astronomy, learn about our planetary neighbor, and maybe even enjoy some cocktails under the stars.
What is AstroFest?
AstroFest has become Montreal’s premier annual event for anyone fascinated by space. Hosted at the Planétarium in Montreal’s Olympic Park, it transforms the area into a hub of cosmic exploration for a weekend. It’s designed to spark wonder and provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages, blending hands-on science with evening entertainment.
The futuristic dome of the Montreal Planetarium lit up at night, hosting the annual AstroFest.
Why Mars Now? Unlocking the Red Planet
The focus this year is squarely on Mars, the intriguing red world that has captured humanity’s imagination for centuries. Why Mars? Besides the ongoing scientific missions searching for signs of past or present life, this year offers a special celestial treat: Mars will be high above the horizon during the event. This optimal viewing position for observing Mars from Earth is a rare alignment, happening only once every 26 months. It’s like getting a special invitation from the cosmos to get a clearer look at our rusty neighbor.
Explore the Cosmos: AstroFest Activities
AstroFest offers a packed schedule across two days, catering to different interests and times of day.
Daytime Adventures (Saturday & Sunday)
During the day, the focus is on hands-on family fun and scientific discovery. You can join interactive workshops and visit information kiosks manned by experts. Activities include a great stamp hunt to guide you through the festival, building and launching your own water rockets, crafting surprisingly realistic plasticine meteorites, and even assembling your own robot “Mars-mobile” for an imaginary mission to the Red Planet.
Children building model rockets during a science workshop at the free AstroFest event in Montreal.
Evening Under the Stars (Saturday)
As the sun sets on Saturday, the atmosphere shifts. The evening kicks off with a duo of fascinating lectures presented under the immersive dome, covering topics like the physical characteristics of Mars and the ethical questions surrounding future human missions to the planet. Later, from 9 p.m. to midnight, head outside for stargazing opportunities using telescopes. The evening features live music from DJ Vincent Lemieux around a firepit, with marshmallows available for roasting and cocktails (for purchase) to enjoy. Don’t worry about the weather; if it rains, the music moves inside the Chaos Theatre with stunning night sky projections.
Attendees gather outdoors at the AstroFest festival, looking towards the sky or participating in activities near the Montreal Planetarium.
The ROUGE 2100 Exhibition
Adding to the Mars theme is the free ROUGE 2100 immersive exhibition, accessible throughout AstroFest hours. This exhibit offers a deeper dive into the science and wonder of Mars, available to explore until midnight on Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday. While AstroFest activities are free, note that standard fees still apply for regular shows inside the Planétarium theaters.
Plan Your Visit
AstroFest takes place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, and Sunday, June 8, 2025, at The Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan, located in Montreal Olympic Park.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight (Activities until 10 p.m., stargazing/music until midnight)
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore one of the key Montreal attractions while engaging with cutting-edge astronomy. For more detailed information on the programming, you can visit the official event page.
This free festival offers a unique chance to connect with science, explore the mysteries of Mars, and enjoy a stellar weekend in Montreal. Whether you’re bringing the family or going with friends, AstroFest promises an engaging and memorable experience.
Looking for more family fun? Check out the Best things to do with kids in Montreal.
