Whether it’s a night in Paris you crave or a tastefully trashy saloon is more your calling, you’ll find no shortage of Montreal’s most notable happenings in this edition of the Weekender. Here’s your chance to get cultured, spooked, and relaxed in just four days…
THURSDAY
Looking to spend an enjoyable evening with friends or colleagues but tired of the traditional bar scene? The McCord Museum is introducing a new concept, After Hours at the McCord, which combines culture, music, and cocktails. Montreal’s young professionals can visit the Museum’s current exhibitions, have a drink at the bar and savour appetizers from restaurant Le Renoir – Sofitel Montreal while chatting in a relaxed atmosphere ideal for networking. And, with a soundtrack provided courtesy of a well-known DJ, your evening will be complete. Get cultured.
Craving a Parisian cocktail with a touch of style? We got the next best thing for you at La Societe: a fashion cocktail to celebrate the latest trends from Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy. Discover eight looks for fall put together by some of Montreal’s top stylists while being pampered by YSL beauty experts and enjoying some fine mixology and yummy canapés. Spots are very limited so make sure to RSVP right away at rsvp@lasociete.ca.
FRIDAY
Summer is pretty much over, but in true Montreal style that never stops the fun. It’s time for Laval to host its first-ever MRCY block party today at l’Espace Montmorency. The lineup is notable, to say the least, with performers including Neutral Milk Hotel, Death From Above 1979, Sky Ferreira, Metric, the Barr Brothers and more. Tickets are going for a steal at $46. Go to the festival’s website for more information.
After taking over Québec City and the Quartier Dix30, the popular Jack Saloon has invaded Old Montreal by storm. Located at 262 St-Paul East, near Place Jacques-Cartier, this new joint serves crazy cuisine, powerhouse drinks and rock ‘n’ roll. Think trashy saloon with an edge where everything is custom-styled to leave you breathless. Sold? We figured.
SATURDAY
Inspired by cinema, photography, music and literature, Andre Monet has a natural connection and sense for current society and contemporaries. Recently, Monet was appointed to do the portrait of the century, Prince William and Kate Middleton, in celebration of their coming love unification. Talk about being notable. We’re sure he has plenty of interesting stories to share and you can hear them all and see his work today at Galerie De Bellefeuille from 2:30 to 4:30pm.
In partnership with Rue Publique and Panther Vert, Naada Yoga has organized a feel-good street party today featuring all the ingredients we love: yoga, food, music and great people. To celebrate their 5-year anniversary, they have really pulled out all the stops including a bike repair workshop, a lantern making workshop, a lantern walk at dusk, live DJs, wellness classes throughout the day, and much more… all for free. Join us in letting our inner yogie out and celebrate the Mile End in kindred spirit.
Montreal local Ian Kessner is premiering his long awaited horror movie tonight at 9:30pm at le Palais des congrès de Montreal, which is holding the annual Montreal HorrorFest as a part of Montreal Comiccon. “Lost After Dark” is a clever homage to 80s slasher films, where a group of teenagers looking to party get stranded when their ride breaks down and end up being stalked by a cannibalistic killer. Nightmares, anyone? No time for those. The after-party will be taking place at 11:30pm and onwards in the upstairs mezzanine of the rockin’ Rosewood bar in Old Montreal. Spook ya later.
SUNDAY
The Gardens of Light event has made its return to the Montreal Botanical Gardens and is nothing short of magical. Discover the Japanese Garden enhanced by fine and subtle lighting design, and the Chinese Garden with The Magic of Lanterns and its emblematic traditional coloured lanterns. At dusk, beautiful pathways emerge in the Gardens of Light, pathways full of contrasts that are both mysterious and magical. Notable tip? Make your visit on a weekday to avoid large weekend crowds.
Today is your last chance to attend the Montreal Comiccon and catch stars and icons like Hulk Hogan, Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings), Emily Kinney (The Walking Dead), Julie Benz (Dexter) and plenty more. Need more incentive? Bring your cameras to capture some of the most amazing, outrageous and weird costumes your eyes will ever feast on. Taking place at Palais des Congress, don’t miss your chance to be in the presence of legends from the realms of science-fiction, fantasy, horror, wrestling and comic books. Nerd out.
#NOTABLE
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Top photo courtesy Jack Saloon Vieux-Montreal