What to Do in Montreal : November Festivals and Events 2021

Game of Thrones Beyond the Wall. VR. MEGA MIGS 2019. Photo Rachel Levine Game of Thrones Beyond the Wall. VR. MEGA MIGS 2019. Photo Rachel Levine

Orange cone, orange cone, soon to be covered in snow, orange cone. November is the time to hit all the bazaars and puces that park themselves in the basements of churches in hopes of finding that amazing, one-of-a-kind gift for the people you love. Or yourself. Just saying. There’s plenty to do in the city as we pack in as much as we possibly can before first snowfall. Oh, there are actual TICKETS for sale for habs games. Like legit tickets in the nosebleed zones (and other places) still available.

Festival du Monde Arabe / Montreal Arab World Festival

October 29 – November 13, 2021
Various venues in the city

Celebrating Arab culture and art through performing arts and cinema, the Arab World Festival delights the city with dance, theatre, film, debate, conference, lectures, and more. This year’s event includes Bassem Youssef of Egypt, Lubana Al Quntar from Syria, and Ranine Chaar from Lebanon. The offerings are extensive and diverse. More info HERE.

Cinemania

November 2 -21, 2021

Bringing French films to an English speaking audience is the goal of this film festival. Among the things to watch are Jane by Charlotte (directed by Charlotte Gainsbourg) about her mother Jane Birkin, Une Révision , and Benedetta. The festival is in theatres until Nov 14, and online until Nov 21. Info about the festival available HERE.

Coup de Coeur Francophone

November 4 – 14, 2021
Various Venues

Get ready for eleven nights of your favourite francophone artists performing all over the city. Three or more performances take place each night. Artists performing include Connaisseur Ticaso + Mikezup, Julien Sagot, Caracol and Moka,. Venues vary. More info HERE. 

Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie / National Salon for Pets

November 6 -7, 2021
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. $18.25 adults/ $16.25 seniors and students/ $ 14.25 for children / free for children under 5. More info HERE.

Festival Sefarad de Montréal / Montreal Sephardic Festival

November 6 – 21, 2019
Various Venues

Sephardic culture is explored through comedy, song, film, and performance. Lectures are being offered as well, including the This year, check out a virtual culinary night on how to make Chanukah donuts. Info about this festival is HERE.

MEGA MIGS 2019. Photo Rachel Levine
MEGA MIGS 2019. Photo Rachel Levine

MEGA and MIGS

November 10 – 13, 2021

Players and creators celebrate all things video games. Considering how many studios are here, this a see and be seen events. Also a chance to check out the video games you’ve been waiting for ahead of everyone else. Info HERE.

RIDM / Montreal International Documentary Festival

November 10 – 21, 2021
Online and in 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. Main themes this year include haunted territories, family topographies, and gestures of resistance. Info HERE.

Bach Festival

November 15 – December 5, 2021

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

Mundial Montreal / North America World Music Summit

November 16 – 19, 2021
Online and various venues

This festival celebrates the diversity of Montreal through its many residents. Cultural events, but especially concerts are on offer. Some of the acts this year include Melisande, Polky, Kizaba, and Beatrice Deer, For information about shows and venues, click HERE. 

Image + Nation: Montreal International LGBTQ Film Festival / Festival Film LGBTQUEER Montréal

November 18 – 28, 2021

This is the oldest film festival of its kind in Canada and often is the place to catch both innovative and new films that relate to the LGBTQueer community. Watch here for more details.

Festival des Films de l’Asie du Sud de Montréal — South East Asian Film Festival

November 19 – 28, 2021

The festival showcases films from South Asia, especially the Indian subcontinent, and near-by regions. This year the event is online. All films are subtitled in English or French. Details HERE.

Queer scout badges. Expozine. Photo Rachel Levine
Queer scout badges. Expozine. Photo Rachel Levine

Expozine

November 20 – 21, 2021

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. 

Salon du Livre de Montreal / Montreal Book Fair

November 23 – 28, 2021
Palais de Congres

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. More info HERE.

M for Montreal

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. Lineup for public announced November 3, watch HERE. 

Upcoming and Announced

Monthly Festival Links

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

For Montreal Rampage’s daily events calendar, click HERE. If you have an event you would like to include, send an email to [email protected]