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Francouvertes

Feburary 15 – May 9

Only one can be the best, but over the next few months let your ears decide which of these artists deserves to advance to the next round: Nicolet, Éric Charland, Vincent Appelby (February 15), Miss Sassoeur & Les Sassys, Sarahmée, Guillaume Mansour Expérience (February 22), Mclean, Les Passagers, Édwar 7 (February 29), Dans l’Shed, La Famille Ouellette, Caltâr-Bateau (March 7), Cy, Mon Doux Saigneur, Marie-Claire (March 14), Simon Daniel, Perdrix, La Valérie (March 21), VULGAIRE, PONTEIX, Fudge (March 28). For mroe info, click HERE.

ART SOUTERRAIN: Must Art Be Appealing?

February 27-March 20

Montreal Underground + Satellite Locations

Get ready to go underground with a festival that puts art where the people are. Art Souterrain works with international art institutions to make visual art more accessible by putting it in the tunnels of the underground city. This year’s theme focuses on the diversity of art beyond aesthetic considerations. In other words, art can be provocative, ugly, a tool, a way to further thinking, challenging… not just seductive and appealing. 70 artists and collectives are participating in 7 km worth of pathways under 13 buildings. As an example, you can see the work of Dina Goldstein, Israeli artist and pop surrealist photographer who lives in Canada and Zhang Kechum, a celebrated international photographer. For those wanting a tour, there are guided tours available. There are also cinq a septs, workshops, and even audio downloads to go with the event. More info can be found HERE.

Edgy Redux Festival

Feb 27, March 5 and 12

The celebration of feminism and performance claims that this will be the end of its 23 year history. The festival will hold its annual event during the Nuit Blanche (Feb 27) in Studio 303. On March 5, six feminist performers take over Lion d’Or, and on March 12, the Wiki-Thon will put the writing of participants into Internet posterity. Click HERE for more info.

Festival International de Marionnettes Pour Adultes et Enfants/Festival des Casteliers

March 2 – March 6

The magic of puppetry is always in how the puppeteer gets an inanimate object not just to move, but to move you. This annual festival is in its 11th year and over 12 troupes will be presenting shows. If you missed Louis Riel by RustWerk ReFinery, you can catch the show again. More info can be found HERE. Tickets range from $16 to 30 per show.

Art Matters

March 4 – March 26

We believe that art matters. Do you? The annual Concordia festival that celebrates art in its many forms has an appeal that goes well beyond students. Check out who is up and coming as both artists and curators in the city of Montreal. All areas are covered — writing, dance, design, theatre, video, theatre, and digital arts. The opening party this year has Nancy Pants, Hand Cream, Organ Mood and more at Lion d’Or. Then check out the eight exhibitions featuring 85 different artists as vernissage yields to vernissage. Click HERE for more information.

Barbegazi Festival

March 5 – March 6

For two days, Olympic Stadium becomes the centre of an outdoor sports fest. Hockey, obstacle courses, snowskating, fatbiking, running. Get ready to watch these winter athletes blow your mind. If not, just enjoy the music and ice carvings. Info HERE. 

Mac & Cheese Festival

March 7 to March 13

Le Cheese has put together a food festival to celebrate pasta’s childhood friend: cheese. The restaurants are hand picked and include a list of places that know how to raise the bar when it comes to mixing these two great tastes together. Look for Olive + Gormando, Reuben, and Blackstrap BBQ. Facebook page with info HERE. 

 

FIFA (Festival International du Film Sur l’Art)

March 10-20

It might sound meta — movies about art, but it’s so much more than that. The FIFA has gone strong for 34 years showcasing films from the last year and year to come related to art topics. These include biographies and documentaries, but also a smattering of fictional works as well. All arts are covered too, from storytelling to painting to dance to filmmaking to… Information HERE. 

Expo de Manger Santé et Vivre Vert

March 11-13

An annual favorite with everyone who likes free samples and green smoothies, the health food festival takes over Palais des Congrès with rows of people who want to help you improve your health. Try the latest organic chocolate and tempeh, learn about different holistic health methods, and enjoy the crowd. Tickets $13/11, but coupons for a $2 reduction are usually easy to find. More info HERE.

Festival de la Voix

March 18-March 20

Vox Aeterna presents three days of concerts and vocal workshops with the Festival de la Voix. This festival promotes live music and young singers. Although you have to hit the West Island to attend, works from Mozart to Broadway are in the programming. More information can be found HERE.

Under the Snow

March 19 – March 20

Under the snow started as a series of indie concerts. Now, it’s grown into a proper underground arts festival to help us get out from under whatever weather is still keeping us down. In addition to music, there’s a bazaar where you can enjoy comix, graphic novels, records, t-shirts, seriographic prints, and all manner of awesome goods. Info HERE.

St Patrick’s Day Parade

March 20

We’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s day. Some would vote it the best holiday in Montreal. You can put a Guinness on that if you like. Watch the parade, squeeze into a packed bar on or off St. Catherine’s street, and enjoy. Info HERE.

Montreal Digital Spring

March 21 – June 21

Celebrating all of Montreal’s electro-talents, the Digital Spring unites different artistic venues and organizations and gives them recognition for their digital exhibits. Places to keep an eye on include the DHC/ART, the SAT, and the MAC. More info HERE.

Bal en Blanc

March 27

One of the biggest DJ events every year in Montreal is the Bal en Blanc at Palais des Congres. Dance all night to KSHMR, DJ Sneak, Gareth Emery, Mark Knight, Shaun Frank, Lee Foss, Deorro, Emma Hewitt, Sultan + Shepard, technasia, Art Department, and more. $125. Info HERE.

Festival de Robotique

March 31-April 2

Some ding, some ring, some walk, some roll, some don’t move at all. Robots are awesome and this festival brings out the digital people of the world for all the admire in Montreal. More info HERE.

Festival du Cinéma Latino-Américain de Montréal

March 31-April 10

The Cinema du Parc is known for showcasing films from around the world. 11 Latin-American films will be showcased for this festival, all of which were winners and selections at notable film festivals like Cannes and Toronto. More info can be found HERE.