Happy Fte nationale: What you need to know about Montreal celebrations and closures

Fte nationale, Quebec's official holiday, will bring a flurry of festivities and closures to Montreal this Saturday.

The holiday is oneone of the province'sbiggest parties, with live outdoor shows, fireworks, bonfires and other festivities throughout Quebec.

For those planning to celebrate, you'll find events all around Montreal and its boroughs.

We've broken down a list of what you'll want to get to, what you can't get to and what kind of weather you'll be treated to(including possible thunderstorms, sorry).

It's best to shop before the weekend sinceall SAQ outlets and most supermarkets will be closed Saturday.

You'll also have to wait until Tuesday to access and government offices, as most are closed Friday through to Monday.

Events

• Montreal's main event is theLe Grand SpectacleFriday at theQuartier des Spectacles. The opening acts, including Patrick Watson, startat 7:30 p.m., with the show's official start time at 9 p.m., when you can catchQuebec mainstayssuch asRobert Charlebois andClaude Dubois.
• The sights, sounds and flavours ofA Taste of the Caribbeanare happening throughout the weekendin the Old Port.
• Mile End music festival POP Montreal is launching itsMarchdes possiblesat the corner of Bernard and St-Dominique. You'll findmusical acts, DJs, food vendors and workshops, such asa water fight, drum playing and yoga.
• St-Denis Street will be hosting this year'sFtenationaleparadeSaturday. The procession of animated storytellingstarts at 1 p.m.
• If you prefer sticking around your area, or going to a different neighbourhood there's a host of activities shows, art and fireworksall over the city and its outskirts.

Weather

• Friday and Sunday you'll most likely be braving some showers and possiblythunderstorms. But Saturday, the sun will peekthrough the clouds.Get a detailed forecast here.

What's open and closed

• Most municipal officeswill be closed Monday, whileQuebec government offices are closedFriday through Sunday.
• The SAQ is completely closed. Customer services and online SAQ delivery will also be closedMonday, June 26.
• Most shopping centres, banks andsupermarkets are closed. But many pharmacies, gas stations and restaurants remain open despite the holiday; some may have reduced hours.
• Garbage, green waste and recycling pickup keep their regular schedule;eco-centres, too.
• For more on city installations and whether they're open, consult this list (French only).

Transit

• The STM will be running on a holiday schedule.Several bus routes are also changedto accommodate the annual holiday parade.
• The AMT train servicewill varyaccording to line. Some trains are running on holiday schedule and others are cancelled entirely.See the full list here.
• Iron ManMontTremblantwill affect traffic June 24 and25. Here's amapthat can help you plan your route.
• The second showing of theJacquesCartierBridge light upis Sunday, so the bridge will beclosed from 9:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
• Going south of the border? Check the latestborder wait times.
• St-Denis Street will be closed between Sherbrooke Street and deMaisonneuveBoulevard fromJune 24 at 3 a.m.untilSunday, June 25 at 2 p.m. Parts of Emery Street will also be closed.