Festivals and Events in Montreal November 2016

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Why is it so dark already? November. Right. The grey, rainy, and cold month before it gets snowy and cold. Well, that’s what parkas are for and Canadians know how to work their parkas. There are so many festivals going on, it’d be a shame to spend all your time watching Stranger Things on Netflix. Get out and shake that gorgeous booty of yours.

La Biennale de Montréal

October 19, 2016-January 15, 2017

The annual art show is a hub for international artists to showcase the most innovative and challenging pieces in Montreal. The works are generally intriguing and provocative. Amog those participating are Le Grand Balcon, Valérie Blass, Myriam-Jacob Allard, and many more. For info, click HERE.

Festival du Monde Arabe de Montreal

October 29- November 13 2016

various places

With music, theatre, film, and food, this festival brings in stars from around the world to showcase arabic culture. Cultural diversity and community are two words that appear again and again on the website, stressing that this is a bold but welcoming festival for all. More info about events and locations, HERE.

 

Le Grande Dégustation de Montreal

November 3-5 2016

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

Over 200 wine producers come to Montreal to showcase their reds, their whites, and everything in-between. Tastings vary in price, but at the very least, you walk away with a glass. $12/15 More info HERE.

HTMLLES

November 3-6 2013

Women interested in radical and indie computing celebrate with this fascinating festival. This year’s theme deals with visual identity and privacy. An opening party, conference, exhibitions, performances, hacks, and workshops pack the weekend. Check out more HERE.

Montreal À Table

November 3-13 2016

various places

Trying new restaurants (and old favorites) is a breeze with this food festival. Select restaurants price their menus with plates and complete meals at set price points ($21, $31, $41). It’s a bargain and an adventure. The favorites sell out quickly, so make reservations early. There are over 150 to choose from. Some good ones to try: Modavie, Le Margaux, Imadake, Guru, H4C, Assomoir, and many others. More info HERE.

Montreal Improv Festival

November 3 to 13 2016
Montreal Improv Theatre

The Montreal Improv festival gets bigger and more diverse each year. Three days of French programming are followed by a line up of groups you don’t want to miss. Locals include GROSS, Ladies & Gentlemen, and Jess and Vance. Other groups come from Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Winnipeg, and Ottawa. Total win! Tickets range from $6 per show to $25 for the night (3 per night). Click HERE for details.

Cinemania French Film Festival

November 3 to 13 2016

Imperial Cinema (1430 Bleury)

French film gets its day(s) on the screen at Cinemania and as long as you can read English, you can follow along. The films are subtitled en anglais (in English). Amateurs de film can check out all the latest offerings from around the French speaking world. For more info on what’s showing and when, click HERE. 

Coup de Coeur Francophone

November 3-13 2016

Get ready for eleven nights of your favourite francophone artists performing all over the city. Artists performing include Autruche, Les Paiens, Samito, and plenty more. More info HERE. 

One-Act Play Festival

November 9 – 13 2016

D.B. Clarke Theatre, Henry Hall Building (1455 Maisonneuve W). 

Theatre sorts from Concordia showcase their productions with this festival of short works. Themes include romantic love, politics, and virginity. Shows take place nightly at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. $12/7 Click HERE for more details.

Annual Gem and Mineral Show

November 4-6 2016

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

If rocks are your thing, this show is a good place to pick up a few of your favorite things! Gems, jewelry, sculptures, pearls, beads, fossils, tools, and minerals are all available here. The stones come from around the world too. Professional jewelers are on site to turn your purchases into jewellery. Also, representatives from the école de gemmologie de Montréal will provide you with information about your gems. $8/6. Info HERE. 

South Asian Film Festival of Montréal

November 4-6 2016
Cinéma de Sève, Concordia University, 1400 Maisonneuve W.

Films from the Indian Sub-continent (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka feature in this weekend long festival. In addition to screenings, there are discussions and panels. For schedule and tickets, click HERE.

Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie

November 5-6 2016

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

A public event for the animal lover, pet fanatic. Breeders, vets, behaviorists, 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 dog agility competition. $13.50/$11.50. More info HERE.

Vegan Festival

November 5 and 6 2016

Marche Bonsecours (350 St Paul E)

The one day festival just got bigger to accomodate all the yummy. For those who abstain from eating and using animal products, the vegan festival might be just up your alley. There’s a film screening this year, along with workshops (DIY cosmetics!), tastings, and products to buy. Info HERE. 

RIDM

November 10-20 2016

Lovers of documentary film can catch RIDM’s offerings all year round at their doc circuit. Their festival happens in November. The best documentaries from around the world screen in Montreal in this 11 day festival. Find out what issues you need to know about yesterday. More info HERE.

Montreal Startup Weekend

November 11-13 2016

La Gare (5333 Casgrain #102)

Focusing on the Internet of things, Google tries to help Montreal entrepreneurs get their businesses started. Pitches are proposed on the first day. This is a bilingual event. More info HERE.

Expozine

November 12-13 2016

Eglise St. Denis, 5075 Rivard

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 written word gathers. All you need to know HERE. 

Les Coups de Theâtre

November 13-20 2016

Theatre goers young and old should enjoy this international festival celebrating arts intended for those under 18. International companies from Belgium, Norway, France, and Porgutal perform alongside those from Quebec. Spectacular. Tickets and info HERE. 

MIGS 16

November 13-15 2016

Palais de Congès

The Montreal International Game Summit is the largest technical conference on the East Coast. It brings together developers and industry professionals, with exhibitors including indie gaming studios and the big guns like EA. More info HERE. 

World Fringe Conference

November 16-18 2016

Montreal has the honor of hosting delegates from around the world to talk about all things Fringe Festival. It’s a chance for collaboration, creation, and mayhem. Details HERE.

Montreal Infrignement Festival

November 15-20 2016

Coinciding with the World Fringe Conference, the infringement festival focuses on grassroots, anti-corporate sponsored theatre. Expect the unexpected in these activist performances. They also are having the first ever World Infringement Congress on November 19. For details, click HERE. 

 

M for Montreal

November 16-19 2016

various

Over 100 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. Among those playing are Groenland, John Jacob Magistery, Poirier Migration Soundsystem, Shash’U, and Busty and the Bass. Info HERE. 

Salon du Livre

November 16-21 2016

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

The not independent book gets its moment at this festival that focuses on French publications. Quebec literature in particular gets plenty of visibility. This year, Mexico also gets a spotlight. Author talks, discussions, debates, and public readings make this an exciting event. $8.  More info HERE.

Old Wig Noel Vintage

tbd

Bain Mathieu (2915 Ontario E)

Old Wig is another annual favourite for picking up unique gifts for the holidays. Look for vintage clothing, housewares, and all kinds of random stuff. Info HERE. 

Restaurant Day

November 12 2016

Get ready to find out if your neighbours can cook when everyone in the city is invited to open their own restaurant. Check the website to find out where in Montreal you can find a home cooked meal. More info HERE.

Bach Festival

November 18-December 4

various

As the church composer extraordinaire, enjoy works by Bach in a variety of venues performed by musicians who range from classical to avant-garde. 193 concerts and Yo Yo Ma.  More info HERE.

SAT Souk

November 29 – December 4

SAT (1201 St Laurent)

The annual Christmas market at the SOUK is a not to be missed event where you can get one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans who produce high quality stuff. It has a real designer flair. Keep an eye HERE for more info.

 

Tibetan Cultural Fair

November 26, 2016; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Eglise Santa Cruz (60 Rachel W)

Tibetans have migrated around the world. Those in Montreal, and those connected to Montreal gather this weekend to perform Tibetan dances and music, as well as vend wares from the Himalayas. Get what you need most this winter, a kidney/butt warmers. These handy things are used by sherpas to stay warm. $5 entry. More info HERE.

Nutcracker Market

November 26-December 6

Mall of Palais de Congrès de Montréal (1001 place Jean Paul Riopelle)

Enjoy shopping for all kinds of goods in this Austrian style Christmas market. The market raises money to allow disadvantaged children to attend a free performance of the Nutcracker as well as participate in educational workshops.  Info HERE.

Sommets du Cinéma d’Animation

November 25-29

Cinémathèque Québécoise (335 de Maisonneuve E)

This international festival celebrates animation in all its forms, both new and old. Exhibits, discussion forums, workshops, film classes, it’s all there. There are also prizes awarded at this festival. More info HERE. 

Got another event that we didn’t cover here. Let us know at [email protected]