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While January ends with a super blue blood moon (that’s a full moon, a lunar eclipse, and a moon at its closest point to the earth making it a very large moon), February is much more like the rest of space — cold, dark, with long seemingly empty stretches. But then again, scientists found Ultima Thule, so you never know what you’ll encounter out there if you start looking.

Les Jeux d’Hiver

January 26, 2019 – March 9, 2019
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Olympic Park (4141 Avenue Pierre-de Coubertin)
free access to site; some activities are extra

Montreal’s Olympic Stadium has a new event this winter, every weekend, with dozens of free life-sized games to play. In addition there’s a skating rink, warm up spaces, a snowskate park with four runs and free sliding equipment, and a slide. Details HERE.

Le Happening Gourmand

January 10-February 3, 2019

If trying new and old restaurants is on your bucket list, you might want to take advantage of Le Happening Gourmand, happening in Old Montreal. Nine restaurants are offering lunch and dinner menus at costs of $24 and $29. In addition, there will also be brunches. For more information and to book a space, click HERE.

Cinema Paradiso

January 28 – February 2, 2019
Phi Centre (407 ST. Pierre)

Never one to rest on its laurels, the ever intriguing Phi Centre showcases a series of ten films in conjunction with MK2/Mile End. The best of alternative cinema is on offer, including films like Ramen Shop, Pupille, and some watch and dine film + dinner events. Info HERE. I

Igloofest

January 17 – February 2, 2019, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, 
Old Port Quai Jacques Cartier
Tickets: $18/20

Igloofest brings in the world’s coolest DJs and mixes them with those from the local scene. Know any of these: Four Tet, RL Grime, Baauer, Tommy Kruise, Gramatik, ? If you don’t, check out Igloofest and find out how they can make you move). The festival usually has all kinds of other cool things in the space to distract you when you need to relax in front of a fire pit. Tickets are here and all information is HERE.

Fête des Neiges

January 19 – Februrary 10, 2019 Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Parc Jean Drapeau
free admission to site

Shows, events, music, Parc Jean Drapeau gives you a reason to get outside every weekend. To stay warm, try yoga in the snow or snow aerobics. Most people want to give the dog sled rides a go ($10/16), take a turn down the frosty slides, try your hand at axe throwing. There are many different outdoor activities overall with things like curling, cross-country skiing, and an ice pirate ship. Information and scheduling can be found HERE.

The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show

January 31- Feb 3, 2019; Place Bonaventure (800 de la Gauchetiere West)

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.

La Poutine Week

February 1 – 7, 2019
Various

A bit like Bonjour-Hi, poutine is the signature dish of the city with chefs competing to make a mound of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds into something extraordinary. Who will be the people’s favorite this year?Details HERE.

LAN ETS 

February 8-10, 2019
Place Bonaventure, 800 de la Gauchetière

The LanETS is a student club from the Ecole de technologie supérieure that organizes the biggest Lan party of North America’s east coast. 2000 gamers compete for prizes. Of course there is cosplay, scavenger hunts, and exhibitors too. Info HERE.

ExpoYoga

February 8-10, 2019
Palais de Congrès, 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle

Montreal’s yoga community is quite large, so expo yoga is sure to be well attended. It’s goals to connect, nourish, and inspire are sure to attract many to its workshops, expositions, and instructors. Among those appearing are Annie Carpenter, Nicole Bordeleau, Lyne St Roch, and Shabad Saroop Singh. Info HERE.

The Montréal Outdoor, Hunting, Fishing and Camping Show

February 14-17, 2019
Palais de Congrès, 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle

This is the largest event dedicated to hunting and camping in Quebec. Manufacturers, retailers, and close to 100 outfitters will be here to showcase everything from clothing to guns. There’s even a hunting hall with 35,000 square feet showcasing the leading brands and new products. Info HERE.

Les Rendez-Vous Québec Cinéma

February 20 – March 2, 2019

For 11 days, 400 cinema buffs and industry people can gather to see nearly 300 films, with around 100 premieres. Info and tickets HERE.

Festival de la Bête Noire Horror Theatre Festival

February 21 – 24, 2019
Mainline Theatre (3997 St Laurent)

Get creeped out as you watch gore, suspense, and bad guys/gals/monsters — all the things that make for good horror. This festival specifically focuses on theatre and features everything from comedy to straight up gore-fests. Information HERE.

MNM Festival/ Montreal Nouvelles Musiques

February 21 – March 2, 2019

The Société de musique contemporaine du Québec presents its biennial festival with more than 20 concerts featuring orchestras, ensembles, soloists, and more. Information HERE.

Fête des Fromages d’ici

February 23-25, 2019
Complexe Desjardins (150 St Catherine Ouest)

Celebrate all the local cheeses that can be celebrated at this festival. Quebec cheesemakers come and talk about their products and yes, free samples. Info HERE.

Illuminart

February 21-March 3, 2019

Might as well light up the city with art making use of… um… light. Check out this interesting festival. Keep an eye for details HERE.

Montréal en Lumière

February 21 – March 3, 2019
Place des Arts

This is a large winter festival with a slide, domes and tents, outdoor activities, and of course food. Among those playing and performing, look for Whitehourse, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Soran. Full schedule will be released for the free shows soon. For info, click HERE. 

Montréal Bicycle and Triathlon Show / Salon du Velo

February 22-24, 2019
Place Bonvaenture, 800 de la Gauchetière

Get on your bike and get ready to ride. 250 exhibitors feature bicycles, equipment, accessories, and just plain old good advice. Whether you prefer biking for fun or are training for a triathlon, this event is for you. Info HERE. 

Salon de la Moto

February 22-24. 2019
Palais de Congres, 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle

If you love motorcycles, this event is for you. Whether its touring, sports, or just plain old admiration for two wheels, there’s something here for you. Info HERE.

Butterflies Go Free

February 28-April 28, 2019
Botanical Garden, 4101 Sherbrooke E

Butterflies fill the Jardin Botanique’s main exhibition greenhouse. Walk in the tropical habitat and see how many creatures land mistake you for their favourite flower. Information HERE.

Upcoming

Nuit Blanche

tbd
various

Montreal doesn’t go to sleep as things stay open all night to offer performances, sports, comedy, exhibitions and more. Info HERE. 

Fikafest

March 8-15, 2019

Prepare to be Hygge at Fikafest, where all things Nordic are celebrated. Music, art, food, and film are all on order. Information HERE.

International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA)

March 19 – 31, 2019
Various

Films about art, artists, and the people who love and hate them, make for a rich series of mostly documentaries. This is a fantastic festival that leaves no discipline un-explored. Info HERE.

If you have a festival we’ve missed, be sure to let us know at [email protected]