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Short days, long nights? Not a problem. Slap a down-alternative parka over that crop top and carry on brave Montrealer. The clubs, concerts, performance, and arts scene await you. Breathe in that smell of a stinky heaters bunring off its summer dust. The Christmas lights come up as soon as Halloween ends… so hopefully the LEDs will brighten your way into adventure.

The Rocky Horror Show

Oct 17 – Nov 2, 2024
The Mainline Theatre
3997 St Laurent Blvd

It wouldn’t be Halloween without the annual performance of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. If you want to shout at two very clueless virgins and help them discover just how sexy their night can get (and yours) with the help of Frank N Furter and Rocky, attend this campy cult classic. Details HERE.

SPASM

October 23 – Nov 24, 2024
Théâtre Plaza
6505 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2S 2M5, Canada

The cinema festival that is all about zombies and horror, with plenty of oldies to revisit. The Man is premiering, and there are themes such as Ceci n’est pas du David Lynch, and Les Insolites Quebecois. There’s also a quiz night and a dance party. Keep an eye HERE to know more.

Festival du Monde Arabe / Montreal Arab World Festival

Oct 25 – Nov 23, 2024
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 Myriam Beldi, Cheikha Rimitti, Mais Harb, and many more. The offerings are extensive and diverse. More info HERE.

MTL à TABLE

October 31 – November 17, 2024
Various restaurants

If there’s a restaurant you’ve been hoping to check out, perhaps it’s part of MTL à TABLE. 150 restaurants around the city offer meals at fixed prices ($25, $35, $50, $65, or $80). It’s a chance to dine at old faves and try new places too. Weekend brunches are back! On the list is Restaurant H3, Babacool, Satu Lagi, Les Enfants Terribles, Graziella, 325F, and more. Information HERE.

Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie / National Salon for Pets

November 2 – 3, 2024
Palais des Congrès de Montréal

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.

Cinemania

November 6 – 17, 2024

This festival brings French films from around the globe to Montreal. Films compete for best in Quebec as well as globally. In addition there is a competition for documentaries and another for shorts. North American Premieres include In His Own Image and The Mohican. From Nov 7 – 10 is an immersive film experience as well. Info about the festival available HERE.

Coupe de Coeur Francophone

November 7 – 17, 2024
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 Lost & Guessmi and Émile Leforest and Jeanne Laforest et le Forestuor. Details HERE.

Montreal Vegan Festival

November 9 – 10, 2024
Palais des Congres
1001 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle

Eat and taste your way through aisles of animal-free products. There is plenty of food, but also booths for activists and more. All totally free too. Click HERE for more info.

Montreal Heels Festival

November 14 – 17, 2024
Sheraton Hotel

A festival dedicated to Heels, a new style of dance that combines jazz, burlesque, groove. Take classes or watch performers, and learn about this hot crave. Info HERE.

Bachata Festival

November 15 – 17, 2024
Sheraton Hotel
1194 Rue Stanley

Concurrently with the Heels festival is the Bachata Festival, which brings in DJs from around the world. Artisans and instructors offer workshops. Get yourself prepared the dance. Info HERE.

Salon du Livre de Montreal / Montreal Book Fair

Nov 15 – Dec 1, 2024
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.

Tibetan Bazaar and Cultural Fair

November 16, 2024
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.

Bach Festival

Nov 16 – Dec 8, 2024
Various venues

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. Things open with a Mass in C Minor conducted by Leonardo García Alarcón, feature artists like Bruno Philippe and Serhiy Salov, and a closing concert with JS Bach, extracts from Magnificat, and works by Haydn. There’s also an Off-Bach Festival! More info HERE.

Mundial Montreal / North America World Music Summit

November 19 – 22, 2024
Various venues

This festival celebrates musical diversity by bringing musicians from around the world to perform in Montreal. Over 40 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 Les Passagers, Viik, Palllmer, Aluminé Guerrero, and Bia Ferreira. For information about shows and venues, click HERE. 

M for Montreal

Nov 20 – 23, 2024
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. Public shows include Unessential Oils, Velours Velours, KROY, Grand Eugene, and DVTR. Get tickets and info HERE. 

RIDM / Montreal International Documentary Festival

Nov 20 – Dec 1, 2024
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. Already announced is an appearance by Sky Hopinka. Opener is Reparations for a MIracle by Tobias Nolle, and Ninan Auassat: We the Children by Kim O’Bomswain and Info HERE.

12 Vacancies Film Festival

Nov 22, 2024, 7 p.m.
3475 Rue Peel, Montreal, QC, Canada

If you can gather together people in a room, you can call it a festival. Maybe. This film festival brings together 12 “uncanny and experimental” works. The organizers promise popcorn and stickers. Info HERE.

The Great Montreal Christmas Market

Nov 22 – Dec 30, 2024
Quartier des Spectacles

Walk along St. Catherine Street in front of Place des Arts for booth after booth of unique boutique goods from 75 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.

Expozine

November 23 – 24, 2024
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 written word gathers. All you need to know HERE. 

Pere Noel / Santa Claus Parade

November 23, 2024, 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.

La Grande Dégustation de Montréal

Nov 28 – 30, 2024
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.

Festival Triste

November 28 – December 1, 2024
Various Venues

Sensitive souls take note of this moody festival featuring music, film, theatre, poetry, dance, and readings. Among those performing are Hawa B, Vagalâme, Sarah Boutin, and Julie Byrne. Mental health is definitely a theme. For more info, click HERE.

Village de Noel / Atwater Christmas Market

November 28 – December 24, 2024
Atwater Market

Perennial favourite in the St. Henri hood, small cabins are set up to 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. A Raclette Party with all you can eat takes place on Nov 29, but book in advance. For info, click HERE.

Amnesty International Marathon of Writing

TBA

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.

Jean Talon Christmas Market

Dates TBD but last year at:
Jean Talon Market

If you’re up near the Jean Talon Market, this year’s market is kind of a go big or go home with twice as many vendors compared to last time. Get ready for food like cider and foie gras and lots of delicious foods to buy. Oh yes, of course, there’s shopping. Info HERE.

Upcoming and Announced

Igloofest

January 16 – February 8
Old Port

Strap on your snowpants and don the parka. 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. Info HERE.

Montreal Clown Festival

April 23 – 24, 2024
tbd

Who are you calling a clown? Get ready to laugh and laugh and laugh as performers of all sorts show you the variety that clowning can be. Workshops as well as performances. Send ’em in! Details  HERE. 

Monthly Festival Links

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

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]