The weather seems to be getting a little rainier but that doesn’t mean Montreal is stopping its lineup of must-attend events for young professionals. Welcome to another Weekender, featuring everything from the opening of the acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil to the huge Jazz Fest-closing Chromeo show. Get your social calendars out…
THURSDAY
Let’s start tonight with two choices for some networking 5a7 at two completely different but very fun places.
The first starts at Bar D’Eclusiers, which has now officially re-opened for their famous 5a7 on the terrace. During the summer, this is the place to see and be seen. Superbly dressed men and women stop by after work to socialize, talk shop or to scout out a potential date. This has a South Beach Miami feel to it with its tropical interior and décor. If being outside gets too hot, you can join indoors at the grand bar.
Alternatively, if you’re a tequila connoisseur, Pinq Taco is a master at their offerings. There is a rooftop patio and specifically a tequila bar. Their Thursday is jam packed and their 5a7 happy hour is very worth the trip. A lot of happy-go-lucky young professionals make their way over here, it has a little less pretentious vibe if that’s what you’re looking for.
FRIDAY
It’s a big night tonight with the opening of Michael Jackson’s The Immortal Cirque Du Soleil Tour. But before you head over there make sure you stop by at Old Montreal’s newest player, Dolcetto Bar A Vin. A very cozy and hip Mediterranean, nautical-themed spot, it offers simple but delicious antipasti, pizza and raw dishes. It’s the perfect place to meet with friends without having to order a large dinner and be right in the middle of all the action. We particularly love the quirky interior. This place will be everyone’s new go-to, we guarantee it.
Tonight’s the night: bring Thriller on! Michael Jackson’s widely acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil’s Immortal Tour opens at the Bell Center. From what we have heard, you can expect a spectacular, fast-paced spectacle switching from one song to the next, offering those of us with a short attention span the ideal theatrical show. The music is performed live and the imagery a feast for the eyes. This is a great date outing or just something different to see with your friends or family. For those of us that have seen Cirque Du Soleil productions, we are guaranteed something purely magical.
SATURDAY
It will be an early start to your Saturday so set your alarm clocks and don’t the 37th edition of the Carifiesta’s extremely colorful parade that will take over the Montreal downtown area. The parade is expecting more than 250,000 people in attendance, so grab a good spot for some highly commented on instagramming! The parade begins at noon and will showcase the rhythms of Latin, West-Indian and afro-Caribbean music. There will be floats, exotic costumes and traditional dances – a great way to tap the inner soul child in you.
The entire city of Montreal is buzzing to see Montreal born and bred electro-funk duo Chromeo perform a massive free outdoor show at the Montreal International Jazz Festival’s closing night. In their only Montreal date this year, P-Thugg and Dave 1 (yes, those are their stage names) are set to add a choir and string section to their set. This will have you dancing the entire time and, knowing the crowds that usually attend these shows, you are in for a marvellous time.
SUNDAY
We want you to take a breather and relax today if you are willing to take an hour trip away from Montreal. The travel destination we speak of is called Balnea and is it ever exquisite. The scenery and architecture are breathtaking. It is a trendy, indulging and overly calming spa surrounded by outdoor saunas and hot Jacuzzis, yoga classes, floating beds on the lake and cool music being heard all around the space. The kicker here is that Balnea is currently hosting The Summer Of Chefs Event, a friendly gastronomical competition involving ten great chefs from around Quebec who will each prepare an original dish inspired by the spa. This takes place every Sunday and continues throughout the summer. Fantastic food, pampering massages and pure serenity – sounds like the ideal Sunday.
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