Spooky season is here, but this year has been one super long beautiful summer. Warm days, warm nights. People are in shorts! Does that mean winter will be hell? I had the good fortune to head off island to Tremblant early in the month and the mountains were painted red and gold, with stands of pines. It was such a vision! If the opportunity to go leaf peeping arises, take it. Now back in Montreal, it’s time to get back to the hard work of cultural immersion. This city, as always has a full calendar.
Bixi Season
April 15 – Nov 15, 2025
The Bixis are back and everyone loves Bixi. Some guy even put in a respectable time at the Mt. Tremblant IronMan 5150 this year on one. This year, Bixis are appearing in other places outside of Montreal: Sherbrooke and Quebec City. They’re easier than ever to use in the city with different pricing levels based on how far you go and how long you use the bike or opt in for the usual annual or monthly membership. Electric Bixis will change your life. $112 for the season, $23 for the month, or pay per ride. Info about Bixis is HERE.
Piknic Electronik
May 18 – October 12, 2025
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 and you were either a TamTams Montrealer or. Piknic Montrealer. 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. Season tickets are available and student tickets are a merciful $100. Information HERE.
World Press Photo
August 27 – October 13, 2025
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 29 – November 2, 2025
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.
FIL (Festival International de la Litérature)
September 24 – October 4, 2025
Various locations
Montreal celebrates the world of French writers, writing, and literature at the FIL. Readings and a pop up bookstore make this a delight for those into all things literary. Info HERE.
Guttazone Fest
Sept 30 – Oct 4, 2025
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 a festival in Laval. Workshops, a leaders night, tournaments, discussions and battles are offered. Details HERE.
Phénomena Festival
October 1 – 24, 2025
Various venues
Les Filles électriques is a creative company that runs the Phénomena 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 deaf performances, a feminist cabaret, and concerts. More info HERE.
IF3 Festival
October 2, 2025
TRH-BAR
3699 St Laurent
Freeski, freeride, and snow sports have their festival. This year’s version has screenings, activities, and an after-party. More details HERE.
Muz: Musique Metissées
October 2 – 5, 2025
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. Those playing include Boogat, Meryem Saci, Raíz Viva, and Lapéluda. Info HERE
Oktoberfest at Jean Talon
October 4 – 5, 2025
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
October 7 – 18, 2025
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.
Estival du Nouveau Cinéma / Festival of New Film
Oct 8 – 19, 2025
Quartier des Spectacles, Esplanade Tranquille
This event is tied with the Festival du Nouveau Cinema which takes place in October. This short, free event offers screenings at the Esplanade Tranquille Info HERE.
Montreal Burlesque Festival
October 10 – 11, 2025
Club Soda
1225 St Laurent
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.
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.
Festival Draconis
October 17 – 19, 2025
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.
Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie / National Salon for Pets
Oct 18 – 19 , 2025
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.
SPASM
October 22 – Nov 1, 2025
The cinema festival that is all about zombies and horror, with plenty of oldies to revisit. Short films are grouped by themes such as Trash Cabaret, Mukbang, and WTF. There’s also a quiz night and a dance party. Keep an eye HERE to know more.
The Braderie de Québécoise
October 23 – 26, 2025
324 Rue de la Commune
A few days of high end fashion at super low prices, the annual Braderie is a much anticipated event. Top Quebec fashion names offer deep discounts on their designs. Also, jewelry and accessories are there too. More info HERE.
Annual Gem and Mineral Show
October 24 – 26, 2025
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.
MTL Connecte
October 28 – 31, 2025
NAD School
1501 Rue de Bleury
This festival is dedicated to the digital world of Montreal. The festival will look at AI, cybersecurity, territory, and creativity. Look for Stephane Garneau, Geraldine Bueken,.Moridja Banza, and more. Information can be found HERE.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Oct 29 – Nov 1, 2025
Rialto Theatre
It wouldn’t be Halloween without the annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This is the film along with a shadow cast. 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. Props and audience participation expected. Details HERE.
Akousma
October 29 – 31, 2025
Usine C
Delight your ears with fifteen artists from here and elsewhere who are thinking outside the box with digital music. The list includes Natasha Barrett (no/gb), Bruno Belardi (it), Daniela Huerta (mx), and Ana Maria Romano. Tickets HERE.
Festival du Monde Arabe / Montreal Arab World Festival
October 31 – Nov 16, 2025
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 Olé Persia, Y Una Noche, Moeen Shreif, and many more. The offerings are extensive and diverse. More info HERE.
Upcoming and Announced
Cinemania / Francophone Film Festival
November 4 – 16, 2025
Bringing French films to an English speaking audience is the goal of this film festival. Info about the festival available HERE.
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal
Nov 6 – 8. 2025
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.
MIGS – Montreal International Game Summit
November 11 – 12, 2025
Grand Quay
200 De la Commune Street West, Montreal, QC H2Y 4B2
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.
Coupe de Coeur Francophone
November 13 – 15, 2025
Various locations
The Coupe de Coeur Francophone brings in… surprise… francophone singers from around the globe. The earliest announced acts include Klo Pelgag and Dumas. Details HERE.
Montreal Vegan Festival
November 15 – 16, 2025
Gare Windsor
1100 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal,
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 13 – 16, 2025
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.
Disney on Ice
December 18 – 21, 2025
Place Bell, Laval
If you’ve got kids to treat for the holidays, an early gift for fans of the Mouse, but also Frozen, Encanto, and Moana too. The skaters are incredibly talented, and adults are sure to be wowed by their athleticism and skill. Tickets and showtimes HERE.
Coupe de Coeur Francophone
November 6 – 16, 2025
Various locations
The Coupe de Coeur Francophone brings in… surprise… francophone singers from around the globe. The earliest announced local acts include Bibi Club, Bon Enfant, Les Breastfeeders, Les Deuxluxes, Klo Pelgag, Velours Velours, and more. Details 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 22, 2025, 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 montrealrampage@gmail.com
