Montreal Festivals and Events for February 2020

Espace Gourmand. Montréal en lumière Festival. Photo Rachel Levine Quartier Gourmand. Montréal en lumière Festival. Photo Rachel Levine

February’s got that extra day in 2020. With all the stuff going on in Montreal, you’ll need it. Maybe just save that extra day to go Sugaring and binge on maple syrup, eggs, and all the rest of the foods.

Le Happening Gourmand

January 16 – February 9, 2020

If trying new and old restaurants is on your bucket list, you might want to take advantage of Le Happening Gourmand, a mini-restaurant month happening in Old Montreal. Nine of the city’s best restaurants are offering lunch and dinner menus at costs of $25, $29, and $35, with a brunch at $17 and $12 for happy hour. After eating, you can get a discount ticket to Igloofest to dance off the extra dessert. A few of the participating restaurants are Jacopo, Bevo, Brasserie 701, Mechant Boeuf, and Maggie Oakes. There are also brunch meals available. For more information and to book a space, click HERE.

Igloofest January 23. 2016. Old Port. Montreal. Photo Sebastian Mora.
Igloofest January 23. 2016. Old Port. Montreal. Photo Sebastian Mora.

Igloofest

January 16 – February 8, 2020, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, 
Old Port Quai Jacques Cartier

Igloofest brings in the world’s coolest DJs and mixes them with those from the local scene. Know any of these: The Blaze, Loud, Rezz, Nina Kraviz, Rufus du Sol, Kaytranada, Zeds Dead, Charlotte de Witte, or the Boiler Room? (answer: they’re all amazing DJs). Bundle up and 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.

Les Jardineries d’Hiver

January 18 – March 8
Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Esplanade 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.

Fête des Neiges

January 18 – February 9, 2020 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. 16 different tube sliding lanes including a super slide! 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.

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.

Jewish Public Library JPL Israeli Film Festival

January 18 – February 15, 2020
Various locations

Five films will be shown over a period of about a month. Films focus on Judaism or Israel. Among those to see are Shooting Life, Lady Titi Singing Blues, and Working Woman. Details HERE.

Taverne Tour

January 30 – February 1
Avenue du Mont Royal and surrounding

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 Deerhoof, the Sadies, Fred Fortin, Thus Owls, and so many others. Details and info HERE.

Black History Month at the Phi Centre

February 1 – 29, 2020
Phi Centre, 407 St. Pierre ST.

The Phi Centre puts Black History Month at the centre of its programming by featuring artists from “all sides of the community.” Among the events taking place are an Afro Drag show, performer Yseult, conferences, and a party. Information can be found HERE.

The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show/ Salon du Bateau

February 6 – 9, 2020;
Palais des congrès (1001 Place Jean Paul Riopelle)
$18/14

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.

ExpoYoga & Bien Être

February 8 – 9, 2020
Palais de Congrès, 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle
Free entrance

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 Beau Campbell, Nicole Bordeleau, Lyne St Roch, and Shabad Saroop Singh. Info HERE.

Je t’aime en Chocolat

February 8 – 9, 2020
Marche Bonsecours

Free entrance for all the chocolate. Okay, you have to buy it. But they give samples. Info HERE.

burger royal. Poutine. Photo Rachel Levine
burger royal. Poutine. Photo Rachel Levine

La Poutine Week

February 1 – 7, 2020
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? Send us your pictures and we’ll put them up! Details HERE.

LAN ETS 

February 14 – 16, 2020
Palais de Congrès de Montreal (1001 Jean Paul Riopelle Pl, Montreal, QC H2Z 1H5)

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.

La Fête des fromages d'ici. Cheese Festival. Place des Arts. Photo Rachel Levine
La Fête des fromages d’ici. Cheese Festival. Place des Arts. Photo Rachel Levine

Festival de la Bête Noire Horror Theatre Festival

February 19 – 23, 2020
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.

Montréal en Lumière

February 20 – March 1, 2020
Quartier des Spectacles / Place des Arts

This is a large winter festival with a slide, domes and tents, outdoor activities, and of course food. There’s a nuit blanche and all the rest.Full schedule will be released for the free shows soon. For info, click HERE. 

The Montréal Outdoor, Hunting, Fishing and Camping Show

February 20 – 23, 2020
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.

Le Vrai du Faux. Festival Art Souterrain 2019. Photo Esteban F. Rios.
Le Vrai du Faux. Festival Art Souterrain 2019. Photo Esteban F. Rios.

Montréal Bicycle and Triathlon Show / Salon du Velo

February 21 – 23, 2020
Olympic Stadium, 4141 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, Quebec H1V 3N7

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. 

Montreal Joue!

February 22 – March 8, 2020
Quartier des Spectacles

Montreal knows how to have a good time, even when it’s a board game. Montreal Joue celebrates playing in the city, from video games to analog ones. 200 free activities and 150 exhibitors are featured. Click HERE for details.

Les Rendez-Vous Québec Cinéma

February 26 – March 7, 2020

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

Salon de la Moto

February 28 – March 1, 2020
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.

Nuit Blanche

February 29, 2020
Various

Get out and stay out and celebrate being a Montrealer. The Quartier Spectacles thrums with events, but they’re really all over the place. Info HERE.

Le Vrai du Faux. Festival Art Souterrain 2019. Photo Esteban F. Rios.
Le Vrai du Faux. Festival Art Souterrain 2019. Photo Esteban F. Rios.

Art Souterrain

February 29 – March 22, 2020
Various

Wander the tunnels of Montreal to visit art exhibits set up for your viewing pleasure. It’s a good way to get out without really going “out.” For details, click HERE.

FIFEM

February 29 – March 8, 2020
Various

Films for everyone who clocks in at underage, actually or in spirit. This charming and fun festival invites the best of international cinema focused on children’s films. Many are unreleased. For details, click HERE.

Think we missed something? Send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll look into it.

About Rachel Levine

Rachel Levine is the big cheese around here. Contact: Website | More Posts