Montreal Festivals and Events for January 2024

Posted on December 30, 2023. Written by Rachel Levine

Snow

Can you believe it’s 2024? Wow, not a minute too soon. So what sorts of resolutions did you cook up for yourself? Here’s some that a few friends have suggested that have nothing to do with weight loss, exercise, alcohol or drug use, or money: apply the today you tomorrow me philosophy, use my blinkers, no resolutions only revolutions, work towards peace in our times, bike up Camillien Houde on a Bixi, make it on time to listen to opening bands, watch one Ken Burns documentary. Whatever your resolution or revolution, have a happy new year.

Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink

November 15 – April 7, 2024
Espace Tranquille, Quartier des Spectacles

Free to access and with skates to rent, take a few laps around the city’s calmest public space in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. Up to 400 skaters can skate at once around the Au bord du lac Tranquille by Mirari and Normal studio projected onto the ice. In addition, musical lunches and Saturday night disco make this a skate to remember. Details HERE.

Luminotherapie

November 30, 2023 – March 10, 2024
Quartier des Spectacles,
12:30 – 8:30 p.m. daily

In the days of darkness, it’s time to check out the light and video show near the city centre. Follow the path to check out different sound and light exhibits. This year includes a 10 m high flower, Astera, and a tornado of light and sound with Cymopolée. Info HERE.

Parc Jean Drapeau Winter Activities

December 23 – March 10, 2024.
Parc Jean Drapeau
free admission to park

Ice skating, cross country skis, fat bikes, snow shoes, warming refuges — Parc Jean Drapeau gives you a reason to get outside every weekend. There are tube sliding lanes including a super slide! Rentals of fat bikes, cross country ski sets, snowshoes, and skates are available on weekends. Kids accompanied by adults who reside on Montreal island can rent skates for free. Information and scheduling can be found HERE.

Winter Comedy Festival

December 23 – January 7, 2024
Various venues

Stand-up comedy is something we do well in Montreal. To give everyone a place to go almost each night of the lull around Christmas and New Years Eve is the Winter Comedy Festival, taking place in a bar near you. Different themes each night. Info and tickets HERE.

Wildside Festival

January 18 – February 8 2024
Centaur Theatre
325 St. Francois Xavier
Tickets: $16/13

The Wildside gets the theatre folk of the city out of the house and in to see some hot hot hot productions. Shows appear at the Centaur as well as La Chapelle. On the program is Still Life, the story of a writer struggling with anxiety disorder, Ricki a fable about a woman who moves with her son to Motnreal to rebuild their lives, Choose Your End which makes use of a Casio keyboard, a night of Confabulation storytelling, a one night collection of shorts called Plays for the End of the World, and music by Sarah Segal and the Lasers. Get your tickets HERE.

Igloofest

January 18 – February 10, 2024
Old Port, Pier Jacques Cartier

Wow, now this is some lineup for the annual coldest dance party around. Pull out the big parka and work up your own heat in the crowd as you dance to DJs and electronic music. Some shows have already sold out (boo hoo) but here’s some that are still avails: Marc Rebillet, N’TO, 100 Gecs, Lane 8, Eric Prydz, Miss Monique. Info HERE.

Après Ski Igloofest

January 19 – February 10, 2024
Various locations

After dancing at Igloofest, if you want to dance indoors (and you probably do), there are a number of venues that will keep the music going until 3 a.m. for the afterparties. Among those performing are Sleep D, Mathame, Hey: Albert, Armin Van Buuren. Check out some of the Après-Ski events HERE at Francesco’s, Velvet, New City Gas, and Soubois.

McGame Jam

January 19 – 21 2024
McGill University
L.M. Trottier Building
3630 University Street

Programming anyone? Or maybe you like tabletop or card games? Actually, it’s probably mostly programmers. In 48 hours, make a playable game in any shape or form based on a theme. Make new friends, learn skills, and try not to fall asleep. You don’t need to be a computer person, but seriously… who do you think goes to this stuff? More info HERE.

Montreal International Auto Show

January 19 – 28, 2024
Palais de Congres de Montreal
201 Viger W.

Wall to wall cars of all kinds. Every major manufacturer will showcase their latest cars. Over 500 models are there to examine. But, if you’ve ever just wanted to sit in a Maserati, Tesla, Porsche, Mini, Polestar, Lotus, or Kia, now is your chance! Many cars are unveiled at the show too. There’s a VR experience being a race driver in a Nissan Sentra Cup race. For info click HERE.

Con U Hacks

January 20 – 21, 2024
Concordia University’s Sir George William’s Campus

Not to be outdone by the rest of the globe, Concordia has its own hackathon in-person. 600+ students participate in workshops and expositions as well as just general hacking solo or in teams of four. Students get to participate, and food is free. Info HERE.

Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour

January 21- 27 2024, English shows at Concordia on Feb 2 and 3
UQAM, Salle Pierre Mercure du Centre Pierre Peladeau (300 Boul. de Maisonneuve E) in French; University of Concordia (1455 De Maisonneuve Ouest, H-110) in English
$31.50

The Banff Mountain Film Festival tours 20 cities in Quebec, and aims to share nearly 100 curated films (short and medium length) in many different countries. The films are screened in their original languages with subtitles. It’s a night out for the person who’d rather be in nature cycling, skiing, kayaking, mountaineering, climbing. You get the point. For more info, click HERE.

Laval en Blanc

January 26 – 28, 2024
Berge des Baigneurs, dans le Vieux Sainte Rose

If you want to take a trip, but not really travel, Laval is hosting a winter festival that includes fireworks, a circus, concerts, and performances. Info HERE.

Upcoming and Announced

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Feb 3, 10 – 24, 2024
Chinatown
Blvd. St. Laurent and Blvd. Rene Levesque

New Year’s Eve take two. Chinatown hosts festivals, including a special Lunar New Year Parade complete with dancing lion and dragon performances. Try and get your hands on some lucky money red envelopes for prosperity in the year ahead. Theatre Maisonneuve features over 100 artists from the Hua Xing Artistic Troupe as well on Feb 3 for a special gala.

Let’s Get Married / Marions-Nous Salon

Feb 4, 2024
Palais de Congres de Montreal
1001, Place Jean-Paul Riopelle

If you met someone cool on New Years Eve, well why not tie the knot too? See gowns for brides, bridesmaids, mothers of brides, and exes. Get ideas for how to turn the big day into something only a bridezilla would love. Meet wedding planners, sample cakes, and enjoy the spectacle. More info HERE.

Taverne Tour

February 8 – 10, 2024
Avenue du Mont Royal, Blvd St. Laurent, and Rue St. Denis

Check out music at many venues that line Mont Royal, St. Laurent, and St. Denis. Some top performers will bring their shows to tiny venues, so see if you can squish in and catch Safia Nolin, John Spencer, TEKE::TEKE, Virginie B, SUUNS, Paul Collins’ Beat and so many others. Details and info HERE.

The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show/ Salon du Bateau

February 8 – 11, 2024
Palais des Congrès
1001 Place Jean Paul Riopelle

If getting into your own yacht and sailing off into the great blue of the Caribbean all winter (or just your local lake all summer), this show is for you. Find out about what’s new in the realm of boats and everything you could possibly think of related to water sports. Info HERE.

Montreal Audio Fest

March 22 -24, 2024
Hôtel Bonaventure
900 Rue De la Gauchetière Ouest

Music enthusiasts and audiophiles can discover the latest in sound technologies. Speakers – got ’em. Headphones – test ’em out. Compare and contrast, ask experts, and walk away with your own clouds of sound. 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.