What to Do in Montreal : October Festivals and Events 2024
A lot of people get excited about groundhog day predicting if summer will come early, but maybe there should be a bat day that predicts if autumn will be long. While the nights are darker and cooler, if things stay dry and the days are warm, autumn is perfect for adventuring around Montreal. And let’s face it, Halloween here is not a kid’s holiday.
Piknic Électronik
May 19 – October 6, 2024
Parc Jean Drapeau
Plaine des Jeux
Once upon a time, Piknic was just a loose collection of EDM fans with daytime glowsticks and rose coloured sunglasses. Now it’s as big as any of the major city summer festivals. Join the massive outdoor dance parties every Sunday featuring local and international DJs mixing beats on stage. October has as Joachim Pastor and Voyage Funktastique as headliners. Information HERE.
World Press Photo
August 28 – October 14, 2024
Marché Bonsecours
325 Rue de la Commune East
Challenge yourself with the gorgeous photojournalism on display at the World Press Photo exhibit. This prestigious exhibition features 150 prizewinning photographs on display. Some capture world news events, others make small events into world news. It never disappoints. More info HERE.
Gardens of Light
August 30 – October 31, 2024
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.
Phénomena Festival
Sept 29 – Oct 25, 2024
Various venues
Les Filles électriques is a creative company that runs the Phenomena festival, a playful, interdisciplinary festival with installations, performances, and all sorts of oddities. This year the festival kicks off with a parade and then includes performances in different locales. Among the not misses are a cabaret tribute to Abba, a feminist cabaret, and a DADA cabaret. More info HERE.
Guttazone Fest
October 2 – 5, 2024
Maison des Arts de Laval
Krump, a style of street dance done to pop, hip hop, and rap, with exaggerated and energetic freestyle movements has its festival. Included are workshops, a leaders night, tournaments, and battles. Details HERE.
Muz: Musique Metissées
October 3 – 6, 2024
Studio TD
Four nights of global sounds emanate out of Studio TD from local artists. It highlights the diversity of the universal music by Quebec professionals, from here or abroad, and shows tremendous mix of influences. Info HERE.
L’Off Jazz
October 3 – 9, 2024
Various locations
With summer gone who knows where and the Jazz fest with, time to bring out the Off Jazz. Among the shows to catch are Quinsin Nachoff Elements Chamber Orchestra, the Drome Trio, and Bellbird. For more info, click HERE
Oktoberfest at Jean Talon
October 5 – 6, 2024
Jean Talon Marché
The posh farmer’s market at Marché Jean Talon hosts its annual Oktoberfest. Entry is free, as is the music, but to enjoy the food and drinks, you’ll have to purchase coupons. 15 microbreweries from Quebec will have beer to sample. Info HERE.
Tonga Lumina
ends October 19, 2024
1000 Chem. des Voyageurs
Mont-Tremblant, QC
Tremblant proves to be an all-season stop that includes programming through the fall. You don’t need skis to walk around this evening 1.5 km walk through a sonic light festival put together by the Moment Factory. For info click HERE.
Festival de Nouveau Cinema
October 9 – 20, 2024
Various locations
The festival de Nouveau Cinema showcases a variety of films from around the world. It’s sort of like TIFF, but much more low-key and you have a better chance of getting tickets to what you want to see. Find out what the future holds in terms of cinematic trends and talents. The films can be quirky, but also deeply moving. Competing films this year include Cu Li Never Cries, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, and Simon de la Montana. More info on the festival and its lineup can be found HERE.
Revolution Fest
October 11 – 12, 2024
Foufounes Electriques and Les Sans Taverne
Anti-capitalism, antifascism, and pro feminism has a sound track and it sounds a lot like punk and rage. No surprise that the bands rolling in for this festival will be ripping the roof off at Foufounes. Information HERE.
Ramen Ramen Festival
October 14 – 27, 2024
Whether you slurp or daintily sip, ramen prepared in as many ways as you can imagine is the focus of this delicious festival. Info HERE.
MTL Connecte
October 15 – 18, 2024
NAD School
1501 Rue de Bleury
This is the fifth edition of this festival dedicated to the digital world of Montreal. This year’s theme is Intelligence Collective and speakers are coming from all over the world. Look for Cathie Wood, Yoshua Bengio, and Phaedra Clouner. Information can be found HERE.
Concours international d’orgue du Canada (CIOC)
October 17 – 27, 2024
Various venues
Hit those keys. The Canadian International Organ Competition brings in players young and old to the churches around the city to make the apses echo. Olivier Latry, Bernard Foccroulle, and Isabelle Demers will all be performing. Workshops, tours, and masterclasses are also part of the event. Info HERE.
A Varning From MTL Fest
October 17 – 20, 2024
Various venues
With punk and experimental music at its heart, the A Varning festival attracts those who really like it loud and wild. Performers come from Montreal, Japan, New York, and other places. This three day festival might require a few earplugs. Just saying. Tickets HERE.
Montreal Burlesque Festival 2024
October 18 – 19, 2024
Club Soda
Scarlett James hosts the annual burlesque festival where taking it off is what it’s all about. Although, burlesque is so much about the journey AND the destination. Enjoy some of the best performers in the city and those from elsewhere. Info HERE.
Festival Draconis
October 18 – 20, 2024
CEGEP du Vieux Montreal
Draconis is the biggest role playing game in all of Quebec. Plus, it’s free and open to everybody. Over 100 games will be available for beginners and advanced players alike, including things like Dungeon and Dragons and Call of Cthulhu. Join in the massive Draconis event, hosted by CEGEP du Vieux Montreal. The opening day will be dedicated to all things horror. Information HERE.
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.
Annual Gem and Mineral Show
Oct 18 – 20, 2024
Palais des Congres
1001 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle
If you’re seeking crystal revelations or if you just want a really sweet fossil to put on your desk, the annual gem and mineral show is the right place to go. Gem identification, tools, carvings, beads, and of course rocks are available for purchase. With over 100 dealers, you’ll have an easy time finding your ore. Info HERE.
SPASM
October 23 – Nov 24, 2024
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.
The Braderie de Québécoise
October 24 – 27, 2024
324 Rue de la Commune
A few days of high end fashion at super low prices, the annual Braderie is a much anticipated event. Advika Clothing, Ana Maria Dessin, Iris Setlakwe, and many other names have deep discounts on their fashion designs. Also, jewelry and accessories are there too. More info HERE.
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.
MEGA and MIGS
October 30 – 31, 2024
Bonaventure Hotel
900 Rue De La Gauchetière O
Players and creators celebrate all things video games. Considering how many studios are here in Montreal, this a see and be seen events. Also it’s a chance to check out the video games you’ve been waiting for ahead of everyone else. Info HERE.
Upcoming and Announced
Cinemania
November 6 – 17, 2024
Bringing French films to an English speaking audience is the goal of this film festival. 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. The earliest announced acts include Marjo, Les Soeurs Boulay, Monica Freire, and more. 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.
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.
RIDM / Montreal International Documentary Festival
November 20 – December 1, 2024
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. Info 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.
Monthly Festival Links
October
For Montreal Rampage’s daily events calendar, click HERE. If you have an event you would like to include or a festival to announce, send an email to [email protected]
