Is it currently freezing outside? Yes.
Do Montrealers stop living and camp inside (crying) throughout the month of January? Definitely not.
It’s in our blood to embrace the cold and carry on like the unique little snowflakes we are. After all, nothing beats the winter blues like some great music, good food, and must-attend events.
So to help out your frosty January calendar, we’ve gathered some awesome things for you to do over the next four weeks.
Just remember to dress warm. Real warm.
DJ On Ice
Did someone say happy hour on ice? Every week, a new DJ will get the party going with crazy mixes and groovy beats on Montreal’s most scenic ice rink. Bring a date, your family, or friends and enjoy a magical night out while grooving on skates. 2-for-1 beer should help.
Wildside Theatre Festival
One of the wildest theatrical events in Montreal kicks off on January 7th at the Centaur Theatre. Featuring fun shows including a David Bowie tribute, a female superhero that must save earth from an extraterrestrial invasion, and a dance showcase featuring puppets, you know you’re in for a crazy ride. Every Thursday and Saturday, post-show programming will include music, duelling ballerinas, tarot reading, and more, so make sure you stay that extra hour for a serious feast for the eyes.
Check out North Star Barcade
Montreal’s first barcade is now open. Play lovingly maintained games from the 1950s to the 1980s while you drink and eat from a carefully curated menu and pick your favourite tunes from a jukebox. Relive your childhood memories and get boozy with the pinball machines.
Igloofest
Only in Montreal will thousands of people come out in negative temperatures to party outside in ski suits. Welcome to Igloofest. Going on 10 years strong, this electronic music fest in the Old Port takes place over four weekends and will bring local and international DJs to a giant icy playground filled with sights and sounds that will amaze. Layer up, you’ll need it.
Let’s Get Married Show
Getting hitched or just dreaming about it? Well, you’re in luck because the largest bridal exhibition in Canada takes place this weekend. Everything from photographers to wedding cakes, honeymoon destinations, invitations, wedding planners, bridal dresses and home furnishings will be there. If you need it, they’ll have it. Ready, set, bridezilla.
Fête des neiges de Montréal
The Fête des neiges de Montréal is back again for four weekends at Parc Jean-Drapeau, kicking off January 17th. This popular winter event has a program geared towards enjoying the outdoors with a wide array of activities such as snow yoga, outdoor aerobics, live DJs, ice sculpture making, dog sled rides and the always popular disco-tube.
Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids
Do you still have any of your childhood or teenage writing? Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids is an open-mic evening of book reports, poetry, diary entries, letters from camp, and more all read out loud by adults to a room full of strangers. If you’re brave enough to go on stage, your story might be chosen for a podcast or radio broadcast.
OSM + Scotch and Schubert
The OSM Young Ambassadors are hosting their next fundraising event on January 22nd featuring a magical evening in the heart of Old Montreal in the historic main branch of the Bank of Montreal. You’ll experience an intimate performance of Franz Schubert’s celebrated String Quintet in C. major D.956, savour four different scotches accompanied by hors d’oeuvres, and mingle with some of Montreal’s most cultured YPs. Get classy.
The Montreal Auto Show
This one’s for the car enthusiasts. With more than 500 models on display, exceptional unveilings and special features, the Auto Show is the biggest car exhibition in Montreal. Expect everything from the everyday cars to James Bond-worthy Aston Martins. The show will tap into every taste offering test drives, contests, modified classic cars and more. 
Otello at Opera de Montreal
Based on Shakespeare’s Othello, Verdi’s opera of extremes showcases lies, passion and jealousy in a powerful 2.5-hour performance that will leave a lasting impression even if you’re not an opera aficionado.
Vance Joy
Nothing can be more musically intimate than seeing Vance Joy at the Metropolis. Expect a night full of beautiful indie-folk tunes from a guy that gave up his law career to pursue his true passion.
