I got distracted by the election to the south and had to recover from having slime of six different colours smeared into my hair during Malefycia’s 10th anniversary show, C1own. But not to fret, here’s your November breakdown.
Bixi Season
April 15 – Nov 15, 2026
The Bixis are back. They’re even appearing in different Quebec cities like Sherbrooke and Quebec City. They’re easier than ever to use in the city with different pricing levels based on how far you go and how long you use the bike or opt in for the usual annual or monthly membership. Electric Bixis will change your life.$115 + tax for the season, $24 for the month, or pay per ride. Info about Bixis is HERE.
Gardens of Light
September 3 – November 1, 2026
Botanical Garden
4101 Sherbrooke E
The Botanic Gardens light up with hundreds of intricate lanterns shaped to look like animals, flowers, and objects. The lanterns come from Shanghai and take three months to mount in the Botanic Gardens. Every year there are about 200 new lanterns added to the group. This is one of the most beloved fall seasonal activities in Montreal and anyone can enjoy it. More info HERE.
Massimadi Festival
October 15 – November 8, 2026
Various
With the theme of Living Memories and answering in response to global setbacks to LGBTQ+ rights, the Massimadi festival aims to raise awareness of the richness and diversity of Queer Afro-descendant and Indigenous voices. Opening film includes My Gender is Black with lots of other events planned. Details HERE.
Stella Musica Festival
October 27 – December 6, 2026
Stella Musica promotes women’s contribution to music. It inclues music, dance, and performance art that will be shown over four planned events. For details, click HERE.
MTL à TABLE
October 29- November 15, 2026
Various restaurants
For two weeks (and a little extra), top restaurants offer fixed price meals. If there’s a restaurant you’ve been hoping to check out, now is your chance. The faves sell out quickly, but there are plenty of undiscovered gems among the 165 participating restaurants. ($28, $38, $55, $70, or $90). It’s a chance to dine at old faves and try new places too. Weekend brunches are back! On the list are Foiegwa, Renoir, Maggie Oakes, Fishbone, Heni, Bonaparte, and more. Information HERE.
Festival du Monde Arabe / Montreal Arab World Festival
October 30 – Nov 15, 2026
Various venues in the city
Celebrating Arab culture and art through performing arts and cinema, the Arab World Festival delights the city with dance, music, film, and more. This year’s event includes Leila Shahid, Al Qahwa, and Zeina Maan, and many more. The offerings are extensive and diverse. More info HERE.
Martin McDonagh Film Festival
November 2 – Dec 1, 2026
La Cinémathèque Québéchoise
With four films from the director featured, get to know the world of this Irish-British filmmaker. He has a dark, humorous outlook that comes through in every film: In Bruges, The Banshees of Inisherin, Seven Psychopaths, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Details HERE.
Cinemania
November 4 – 15, 2026
This festival brings French films from around the globe to Montreal. Films compete for best in Quebec as well as globally. There’s even Francophone Series Days, dedicating to showcasing 16 television series. In addition there is a competition for documentaries and another for shorts. North American Premieres include Paradis by Jérémy Comte and the highly anticipated premiere of Yan Lanouette Turgeon’s Villeneuve: l’ascension d’une légende. Info about the festival available HERE.
La Meche Courte
Nov 4 – 8, 2026
Various Venues
Geared towards the young public, this festival features concerts, magic, dance, paper theatre, and all kinds of delights. Some interesting proposals: Après Le Déluge “danse kaléidoscope” and The Watching Machine “Théâtre trompe-l’oeil”. It might even be better than legos. Info HERE.
Bach Festival
Nov 4 – December 9, 2026
Various venues
Everyone loves Bach. Now find out just how many ways Bach can be played, from classical to avant-garde. Things open with Elias by Mendelssohn with Samy Moussa directing. Things begin with Schaghajegh Nosrati performing the Goldberg Variations, the Ensemble Jupiter plays with Léa Desandre and Thomas Dunford on November 25, the 1001 Voix pour la Nuit des Choeurs takes place (free!) on November 14th. There’s also an Off-Bach Festival! More info HERE.
Coupe de Coeur Francophone
November 5 – 15, 2026
Various locations
The Coupe de Coeur Francophone brings in… surprise… francophone singers from around the globe. Most play in small venues, which is an absolute treat to catch some outstanding international acts. Some to watch out for are Canicule, Richard Desjardins, Noé Lira, Duu and Nana QUinn, and Princesses and Oli Féra. Details HERE.
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal
Nov 5 – 7, 2026
Grand Quay
200 R. de la Commune O, Montréal, QC H2Y 4B2
Ticket entry gets you a tasting glass so you can head from kiosk to kiosk and see what alcoholic beverages are avails this holiday season and beyond. Information about this boozy event can be found HERE.
Tibetan Bazaar and Cultural Fair
November 7, 2026
Eglise Santa Cruz
60 Rachel Ouest
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Come for the momos, stay for the mask dances. The annual Tibetan cultural fair happens just in time for the holidays, so you can pick up a singing bowl, a set of flags, and some good eats all at once. Details HERE.
Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie / National Salon for Pets
November 7 – 8 , 2026
Stade olympique
A public event for the animal lover, pet fanatic. Breeders, vets, and anyone associated with pets will be around to talk about their expertise. And this isn’t just cats and dogs — it’s also reptiles, rodents, ponies, and exotic birds. Not quite Crufts, but this is Montreal’s cat show and national canine agility competition. Also, there are the famous Aqua-dogs. More info HERE.
MIGS – Montreal International Game Summit
November 10 – 11, 2026
Grand Quay
200 De la Commune Street West, Montreal, QC H2Y 4B2
Players and creators celebrate all things video games. This is the largest and longest running B2B video game conference, allowing for participants to partner up, find some funding, and stay ahead of the ever moving target. Also it’s a chance to check out the video games you’ve been waiting for ahead of everyone else. Info HERE.
Montreal Heels Festival
November 13 – 15, 2026
Doubletree by Hilton
1225 Rue Jeanne-Mance
A festival dedicated to Heels, a style of dance that combines jazz, burlesque, groove, and twerking, all done on high heeled shoes, typically stilettos or platform pole heels. Artists coming are Emma Rosa, Hector Lopez, Nina Li, Rose Harris, Ksena Kondratova, and Tamara Valle, and others. It’s sexy, it’s stylish, it Take workshops with world-class instructors or watch performers with awe and envy. Newbies are welcome too. Info HERE
The Great Montreal Christmas Market
Nov 13 – January 3, 2026
Quartier des Spectacles
Walk along St. Catherine Street in front of Place des Arts for booth after booth of unique boutique goods from 50+ different artisans. Some are food, some are not. If you get lucky, you might catch a musical or theatre performance on the street too. The ambiance is lovely and festive. Info HERE.
Salon du Livre de Montreal / Montreal Book Fair
Nov 13 – 29, 2026
Palais de Congrès
201 Ave Viger O
The not-independent-book gets its moment at this festival that focuses on French publications. Quebec literature in particular gets plenty of visibility. Author talks, discussions, debates, and public readings make this an exciting event. Meet your favourite Quebecois authors and watch live recordings for Radio Canada. More info HERE.
Bachata Festival
November 13 – 15, 2026
Doubletree by Hilton
1225 Rue Jeanne-Mance
Concurrently with the Heels festival is the Bachata Festival, which is a social partner dance that began in the Dominican Republic. There are competitions, social dances, galas, and workshops. Get yourself prepared the dance. Info HERE.
Expozine
November 14- 15, 2026
Église Saint Arsène
1025 Bélanger
Every year Montreal Rampage relishes in this celebration of the zine, small press, pinback button, poster, and other indie creations. It’s a total madhouse, but a good one. Artists draw, knitters knit, and everyone who loves the independently written word gathers to celebrate what it means to publish without a net… or a publisher. All you need to know HERE.
Marché des Fêtes
November 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2026
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Locoshop Angus
2600 Rue William-Tremblay
If gift giving and/or getting is your favourite part of the holidays, there’s no better way to do it Montreal style than to grab things by local designers. Locoshop Angus hosts its annual market. Details HERE.
Mundial Montreal / North America World Music Summit
November 17 – 21, 2026
Various venues
This boutique festival celebrates musical diversity by bringing musicians from around the world to perform in Montreal. Over 50 different cultures and communities are represented this year. While some shows are intended for industry folk, there are plenty of showcases available to the public. Some of the acts this year include Boogat, DIVKA, Princess Vinia from Cameroon, Valya Levchenko from Ukraine/Brazil, and Zaynab Wilson MoZayic from Canada. For information about shows and venues, click HERE.
M for Montreal
Nov 18 – 21, 2026
Various Venues
Many bands play at this festival, designed to spotlight Montreal’s music community. These are bands about to break through to “selling out” or just widespread acclaim. Music industry types come in to see what’s hot right now or what’s on the rise. Public shows include Geoffroy, Les Shirley, zouz, We are Wolves, and Perceval. Get tickets and info HERE.
RIDM / Montreal International Documentary Festival
November 19 – 29, 2026
Various Venues
How lucky we are to get to see the world’s greatest documentaries in the cinemas of the city. There’s something for everyone in the selection and collectively the experience feels like a blend of edutainment and arte (emphasis e on arte), Ladies and Gentlemen – Brian Mulroney, Kubana about the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, and Itilli Gathering about three generations of Inuit gathering in Nunavut. Info HERE.
Image + Nation Film Festival
Nov 19 – 29, 2026
Various Venues
The longest running festival dedicated to queer, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and two spirit film around. Every year offers fantastic full length films and shorts that are moving, enlightening, and offer a multiplicity of voices. Opening film directed by Lukas Dhont is Les Braves (Coward) while the closer is The Restoration at Grayson Manor. For details, click HERE.
Pere Noel / Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026 11 a.m.
Rue René Levesque Ouest
Centre Ville gets to be the North Pole for a few hours as Santa, his elves, local organizations, and marching bands take to the street for this annual event. Dress for the weather and bring a smile to enjoy the floats and fun. No surprise to anyone, this is an event for kids more than adults
Festival Triste
November 24 – 29, 2026
various
If all the cheer makes you sneer (the pun hurts, I know), spend time around other like-minded people who know that things just suck after Daylight Savings Time. Musicians, cinema, and multimedia artists come together to spend time among others who are just not feeling it. Tihs yea’rs festival includes a showing of Lilya 4-Ever, Lia Kuri and Mon Doux Saigneur, and art by Sofiia Melehanych and others. Info HERE.
Village de Noel / Atwater Christmas Market
November 26 – December 25, 2026
Atwater Market
138 Ave Atwater
Perennial favourite in the St. Henri hood, small cabins create a little outdoor village of 45 different artisans. There’s plenty to eat, a sugar shack and fries. There are also circus performances, sledding and movie nights, and kind of general joy. For info, click HERE.
Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink
mid-November, 2026 – April, 2026
Espace Tranquille, Quartier des Spectacles
Free to access and with skates to rent, take a few laps around the city’s calmest public space in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. Up to 400 skaters can skate at once. Rent your skates on site or bring your own. There’s free instruction, musical lunches and Saturday night disco to make this a skate to remember. Details HERE.
Out of Town
Canada Holiday Train (CPKC Holiday Train)
Montreal West (November 19) 19:00 – 19:30
Beaconsfield (November 19) 20:30 – 21:00
Kahnawake Old Malone Road (Nov 24) 17:00 – 17:30
Dorion (November 28) 11:30-12:00
Traveling across the country, the Canada Holiday Train raises money for foodbanks and delights crowds with its select artists. This year, Rafaelle Roy and some American Authors will be stopping in Kahnawake on November 24, while a different train makes stops in Montreal West and Beaconsfield with Magic! and Maris as the named acts. To find out more, click HERE.
Upcoming and Announced
Amnesty International Marathon of Writing
December 5, 2026
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Maison du Developpement Durable
50 St Catherine Ouest
Stand up for human rights, especially political prisoners and the wrongfully detained by writing letters to governments and political leaders as part of Amnesty International’s writing marathons. Use a prepared letter or write one from your own heart. Info and details HERE.
Disney on Ice
December 17 – March 1, 2027
Place Bell, Laval
If you’ve got kids to treat for the holidays, an early gift for fans of the Mouse, but also Frozen, Encanto, and Moana too. The skaters are incredibly talented, and adults are sure to be wowed by their athleticism and skill. Tickets and showtimes HERE.
Igloofest
January 15 – February 7, 2026
Old Port
Strap on your snowpants and don your parka. Attache ta tuque! Dance away the cold every weekend and claim the long nights. Igloofest brings in top DJs from around the world and offers a selection of art and other delights to bring the city back from the weeks of post-holiday quiet. Kaytranada, Mosimann, Chris Lorenzo, Deadmau5, Fatboy Slim, and Subtronics are headlining. Info HERE.
Monthly Festival Links
November
For Montreal Rampage’s daily events calendar, click HERE. If you have an event you would like to include, send an email to montrealrampage@gmail.com
Be the first to comment