Montreal Weekender: August 16 through 19, 2012

THURSDAY
The whole city is buzzing with the anticipation of the world’s most famous secret dinner, Diner En Blanc. Predicted to host more than 1,000 diners, all dressed in white, a secret downtown location will be revealed last-minute before the shuttle takes guests to the chosen spot. Expect a scene out of a movie, something quite surreal and elegant, a pop-up dinner on a most grandiose scale. If you attend, be aware that you have to supply all your own goodies including tables, chairs, white tablecloths, food and, of course, wine. This will surely be one for the books!

We love Thursday nights – especially when they have Argentina entangled in them! L’Atelier D’Argentine located in the heart of Old Montreal launched its BESAME (Kiss Me) weekly night offering us a taste of Argentina in a stunning and chic décor. L’Atelier d’Argentine came at us like something straight out of Buenos Aires with a menu focused on the quality of the core ingredients of contemporary Argentinean food.
A delicious list of signature cocktails in their stunning lounge area makes for Montreal’s newest 5 a 7, and we all know how Montreal loves its after-work drinks and socializing.

FRIDAY
If you haven’t checked out Aires Libres yet, this yearly eco-artistic event celebrates the freedom of expression in the heart of downtown Montreal. Sainte-Catherine Street becomes a pedestrian mall where the public can freely interact with artists of all caliber and genre. You’ll be charmed as you reflect on ephemeral art installations. Aside from the brand new terraces injected outside various bars and cafes, you can visit outdoor kiosks, art projects and a plethora of other eco experiment-centered projects. An eye feast indeed!

The famous Blackout Fest is now happening and it’s the last weekend to make a pit stop and part take in the fun. It is an Art Festival where you will be exposed to a constantly changing exhibition of theatre, film, fashion, music, painting, photography, and more. This year’s theme is “The Ultimate Question,” which is based on artists exploring the answer in their work. The Blackout Fest is a wonderful way for up and coming artists to be able and showcase and promote themselves through various means such as media. The beauty is that you can attend a specific event or purchase multiple day passes since the art on display will transform from day to day.

SATURDAY
Since the excitement of the Grand Prix has by now surely settled, its time for Montreal’s next speed infused event. The NAPA Auto Parts 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series, aka NASCAR, is returning to Montreal this weekend. The event will take place over two days at the extremely challenging track at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Parc Jean Drapeau. The weekend will be packed with a few different races but the most spoken about is the GRAND AM Rolex Sports Car Series scheduled for today and the Canadian Tire Series that will feature roaring engine blocks and racers with ultimate road tempers.

Nascar Weekend wouldn’t  be complete without buzz on Crescent Street for the Ford Racing Festival. Some fun features will include the  Hype Energy Drink Tent with girls, products, and gifts, free concerts nightly featuring Big Wreck tonight, cool cars, driver autographs and Pit Stop Challenges.

Get ready for some reggae as the annual three days of “Reggae Rocking” on the Quays of The Old Port comes to town. Showcasing Reggae beats from internationally renowned musicians, this festival continues to be one of the crowd’s favourites in the summer. Besides the rocking music, the festival will provide a tropical ambiance full of activities, kiosks with theme inspired merchandise, restaurants and information booths. Put your best Jamaican beanie on and get ready to groove along.

SUNDAY
Unfortunately the sun seems to be showing less and less meaning the summer is slowly nearing its end. What better way to celebrate the last hot weekends of the year than to attend every party-goer’s ideal Sunday afternoon at the Picnic Electronik. We have mentioned this ongoing event several times now, but this weekend is special as one of our all time favorite Montreal DJ’s, Blond:ish, is back and spinning. Alongside are fellow musical geniuses Julian Prince and Paul Rowland. The day starts early at 2pm and no minors are allowed! An adult dance party, this isn’t your regular afternoon out, so store up all your energy – you will need it, trust us.