Montreal Weekender: November 20 through 23, 2014

Ok, so this week it snowed and there have already been a few days where it was cooler than a polar bear’s toenails (oh, hell). But just because it’s cold it doesn’t mean we all have to be stiffs. 

There’s a whole slew of stuff to keep you warm, well fed, and happy this weekend and realistically, what’s time off in December without a good stretch of time on in November.

Just stick with us, Montreal and you’ll be all right.

The weekend starts now… 

THURSDAY 

Need to start your weekend in a place where everyone knows your name? Then Restaurant L’Orignal is the place to be for Throwback Thursdays. Classic soul, funk, RnB, and hip-hop will be rocking all night and taking you on a trip down memory lane. It also doesn’t hurt that their menu is the yummiest comfort food we’ve had in a while.

The 17th annual Montreal International Documentary Festival runs until November 23rd featuring 141 films from 44 countries and more than a hundred guests – making this year’s event more exciting than ever.

Old Montreal hot-spot Santos teamed up with the Movember Foundation, M Salon, and Jim Beam to celebrate and raise money for prostate cancer. Free cocktails for mustaches and free manicures for the ladies. This is a 5 a 8, so make sure to finish your work on time Thursday. Good times guaranteed.

FRIDAY

It’s always a good time to get edumacated. The McGill Institute for the Study of Canada is holding a symposium seeking to create a dialogue on the history, politics, economics, and aesthetics of urban arts festivals in Canada. There will be 20 minute panel presentations on topics related to urban arts festivals (including film, music, theatre and performance, art and design) and the festivalization of cities. It’s free so long as you RSVP.

Old Montreal’s Communion is bringing the noise while Sebastien Manigat demonstrates his wonderful bartending skills alongside his sidekick for the evening, Jeremie Courtemanche. Make a reservation, indulge in fantastic dishes, and enjoy the snowy weather from a seriously cozy spot.

The Cinquième Salle is presenting the new show by Daniele Finzi Pasca. This internationally acclaimed director has worked with Cirque Éloize (Nomade, Rain, Nebbia), and amazed audiences with his spectacular ceremonies at the Turin and Sochi Olympics, before dazzling us with La Verità. His latest creation, Bianco su bianco, features two actor-acrobats and clowns who are naive, philosophical, and elegant, straddling the fine line between the sweetness and nostalgia of a surreal world. A flash of light and poetry to dispel November’s gloom. 

SATURDAY

A pop up shop, vernissage, and launch party all in one featuring five entrepreneurial women. Join Alice Kass Lingerie, Deux Lions Jewelry, Ivy Rotchin Art, DJ Maddie Ross, and host Candice Pantin from I Like I Wear for an evening of shopping, drinks, performance, and video art as well as an exclusive first look at Alice Kass’s newest collections, Deux Lions’ jewellery, and Ivy Rotchin’s latest work. The soiree will be held at the beautiful new Rack Galerie on 3714 rue Notre-Dame Ouest.

Ever wondered what happens when classical music and contemporary circus become one? For something entirely different, check out this arrangement of 14 acrobats performing explosive acts that push the limits of the body while lyrical musical tears at your heartstrings. OPUS is like nothing you’ve ever seen.

SUNDAY 

Our favourite Sunday brunch party is back. Matinee Brunch MTL will be taking over Scarlet Exclusive to offer a day of indulgence, class, and never ending bubbly. Matinee’s usual suspects-behind-the-decks, Dj Toddy Flores and Danny Torrence, will be setting the right mood for this all-out brunch party. Brunch will be served from 2pm to 8pm by the skilled chefs at Scarlet Exclusive and bottle service will be available from 5pm to 8pm. Seating is very limited, so make sure to book your tables immediately.

Montreal’s 4th Annual Tender-Off is back at Burgundy Lion and the bartender challenge will raise money for Movember. The team that raises the most tips in it’s allotted time will be able to donate their entire nights haul to Movember in its team’s name. Come out and support prostate cancer awareness and research, and see some of the handsomest moustaches in town. Yes, moustaches can sometimes be handsome.  


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