Is it already 2026? Yes it is, yes it is. Time moves forward linearly, or so it seems. I’m sure there’s a few physicists at McGill who could challenge that. Having fulfilling an easy resolution to try pickleball last year, this year I’m aiming for another creampuff: declutter one room. That doesn’t sound very Montreal Rampage-y. In addition to decluttering one room, I am going to have a coffee in a cafe I’ve never been to in a different neighbourhood. That sounds about right for me. As for the rest of you, here’s a few you can definitely do easily: ride the new stops on the REM, get a Montreal Access card, walk the botanic garden in winter, run with a running club, volunteer with Les amis de la montagne, stick some books in a Little Library, listen to the Montreal Chill list on Spotify.
Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink
November 20 2025 – April 5, 2026
Espace Tranquille, Quartier des Spectacles
9 am – 10 pm daily
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. Rent on site or bring your own. There’s free instruction, Country Thursdays, Nostalgia Saturdays, and midday classical music to make this a skate to remember. Details HERE.
LUMINO
November 27, 2025 – March 8, 2026
Quartier des Spectacles
12:30 – 8:30 p.m. daily
In the days of darkness, the city centre offers light installations. Follow the path to check out 20 different interactive exhibits. This year includes projections on buildings, a tunnel of light, and sculptures. Info HERE.
Cirque de Boudoir Carnavalesque 2026
December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2026
Theatre Paradoxe
When you want to sin at church, or an ex-church, Cirque de Boudoir provides the opportunity for debauchery with its New Year’s party at Theatre Pardoxe. This year’s theme is a Surrealist Masquerade, so there’s probably a Frida Kahlo or two in there. The visuals will make any recreational substances you’ve ingested for new year’s have their desired effect amplified or at least… entertained. Anyway, lots of New Years events are happening, but this one is usually kinda more… well… fetish-y or themed costumes. That’s an event, isn’t it? Info HERE.
Parc Jean Drapeau Winter Activities
January 9 – Feb 22, 2026
Parc Jean Drapeau
free admission to park
Ice skating, cross country skis, fat bikes, ice climbing, winter hiking, snow shoes, DJs — Parc Jean Drapeau gives you a reason to get outside every weekend. Rentals of fat bikes, cross country ski sets, snowshoes, and skates are available. If you need one, there are warming refuges to heat up. Kids accompanied by adults who reside on Montreal island can rent skates for free. Information and scheduling can be found HERE.
Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour
January 14 – 17, 2026
UQAM, Salle Pierre Mercure du Centre Pierre Peladeau (300 Boul. de Maisonneuve E) in French;
$32
If the best climb you’ve ever done is at Allez Up, prepare to be not worthy of the men and women who push human limits in the films showcased at The Banff Mountain Film Festival. Each program includes about three hours of films in their original languages with subtitles. It’s a good night out for the person who’d rather be mountain biking, downhill skiing, kayaking rapids, mountaineering, climbing, or any extraordinary outdoor sporty activity. For more info, click HERE.
Igloofest
January 15 – February 7 2026
Old Port
Jacques Cartier Pier
Strap on your snowpants and don the parka. Dance away the cold every weekend and claim the long nights. Igloofest brings in top DJs and electronic acts from around the world (Sofi Tukker, Madeon, Disco Lines, Cult Member, Tiger Sex Machine) and offers a selection of art and other delights to bring the city back from the weeks of post-holiday quiet. Info HERE.
Après Ski Igloofest After Party
January 15 – February 7, 2026
Various locations
After dancing at Igloofest, if you want to dance indoors (and you probably do), there are a number of venues (Soubois, Velvet, New City Gas, Bazart, Newspeak) that will keep the music going until 3 a.m. for the afterparties.
Montreal International Auto Show
January 16 – 25, 2026
Palais de Congres de Montreal
201 Viger W./ 1001 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle
Wall to wall cars of all kinds. Every major manufacturer will showcase their latest cars. Luc Poirier is bringing over 500 autos to the show. A family section makes this appropriate for families with kids who are passionate about cars, or expos. There is an overlanding zone section for off-road driving meets camping. Electric test drives are possible. Many cars are unveiled at the show too. For info click HERE.
Con U Hacks
January 24 – 25, 2026
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.
Upcoming and Announced
La Poutine Week
February 1 – 7, 2026
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 favourite this year? Send us your pictures and we’ll put them up! Details HERE
Taverne Tour
February 12 – 14, 2026
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 Afternoon Bike Ride, Vanille, Hanorah, Alix Fernz, Kap Bambino and so many others. Details and info HERE.
The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show/ Salon du Bateau
February 12 – 15, 2026
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.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Feb 17, 2026
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. Salle Wilfrid Pelletier features over 100 artists by Troupe Artistique Phoenix de Montréal.
Winterworks Festival
February 2026
Centaur Theatre
325 St. Francois Xavier
It once was wild so you can get out your wildside, but now it’s winter. The Winterworks Festival stages new and hot theatrical productions. Info to come.
Montréal Bicycle Show / Salon du Velo
February 20 – 22, 2026
Palais des Congrès
1001 Place Jean Paul Riopelle
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 Clown Festival
April 10 – 18, 2026
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.
Monthly Festival Links
January
For Montreal Rampage’s daily events calendar, click HERE. If you have an event you would like to include, send an email to montrealrampage@gmail.com
