Montreal Weekender: September 25 through 28, 2014

From several of the city’s hottest annual charity events to what will be an unforgettable block party, we’ve loaded this edition of the Weekender with every excuse you were looking for to ditch the condo from tonight until Monday morning

THURSDAY
The Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) returns with a rich and bold program featuring films from all over the world, a Black Market, exciting special events, a youth training program, tributes, international guests and much more. Feature-length, mid-length, shorts, documentaries and narrative films will all be presented, most making their Canadian debut. Here’s the notable part: There will be a special tribute to Spike Lee by presenting him the inaugural Pioneer Award in recognition of his body of work, which revolutionized the role of black talent in Hollywood.

Looking to check out something new for dinner tonight? The grandiose (8,500-square foot) day-to-night bar and kitchen KYOZON officially opened its doors on Crescent Street and is making quite a buzz. Situated in a historic landmark building in downtown Montreal, KYOZON offers a young, vibrant and affordable destination that hosts a great bar with New-Asian cuisine and a mezzanine Kaiten belt – a vehicle serving fresh dishes on colour-coded plates ranging from $2 to $7. Get your appetites ready.

FRIDAY
A night filled with gastronomy, glamour, and excitement. Welcome to Casino contre le Cancer’s third edition on Friday, September 26th. The vintage Vegas-themed event will be held at Le Windsor Ballrooms and, as every year, it will be as chic as it gets. The Casino Night will kick off at 9pm with gaming tables and a silent auction, allowing all guests to bet against cancer. The evening will also include an open bar, food stations, surprises, and a special performance by burlesque artist Scarlett James, while DJ Abeille will play her epic sets to keep us dancing all night long. 

The Montreal Special Needs Foundation (MSNF) is hosting Project Runway, a fashion show featuring local super brands Soia & Kyo and Pajar with their Fall/Winter 2014 collections. All profits will go to the Montreal Children’s Hospital benefiting developmental programs for children with special needs, so you know your money is being allocated in a very notable way. DJ Evangelos Pavlis will be spinning throughout the night and Kaila Picard will perform a very special live performance. Since the event is at Time Supper Club, you know the after party will be one for the books. 

SATURDAY
Shake It Up by Pour 3 Points is back and bigger than ever. P3P is a charitable organization founded in 2011 that leverages student-athletes’ motivation to foster their educational success. The evening will kick off with an open bar and canapés, and will be followed by the party. Shake It Up is not only a great opportunity to network, but also an interactive experience where guests will learn more about Pour 3 Points, its mission and its partners. This year’s event will be taking place at the gorgeous Theatre Saint James and will be filled with a great network of young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Located in the heart of Latin Quarter, L’Abreuvoir has teamed up again with the team at Good Saturdays to bring you another installment of their Block Party, a tribute to house music where soul food and drinks will flow to a good vibe and great people. DJs Amrew Weeks, Frank Turgeon, Bacanito and Thomas Galetti will be providing beats all day long until sundown. Don’t forget to bring your own food (their BBQ will be working overtime) while sangria and cheap beer will be on site. Entry is free, so you have no excuse. 

A little side note: for those of you that are still fans of the legendary Saturday Night Live, the new season officially begins tonight (its their 40th!) with a new announcer (Darrell Hammond replaces the late Don Pardo) and new Weekend Update co-anchor Michael Che, who has replaced Cecily Strong. Heartthrob and awesome dude all around Chris Pratt will be hosting.

SUNDAY
Feeling like a little health kick today? The Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and Half Marathon is taking place. Get ready to travel the streets of Montreal in a festive atmosphere by registering now for one of the activities in the program: marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and 1 km/P’tit marathon! Celebrate your finish in the Hospitality Lounge with a catered buffet-style brunch and massages. Space is extremely limited, so secure your spot today and start practicing.

You know how Montreal loves its brunches – served hot with loud beats and a party. Thanks to Matinee Brunch, these are here to stay… and what better way to celebrate this beautiful season than with an explosion of apples and everything else the fall season has to offer? The chefs at Globe will tantalize all of your senses and give you a five-star dining experience while resident DJs Toddy Flores and Danny Torrence will escalate the party to levels that only the veteran Matinee attendee could understand. Tables are going fast.

#NOTABLE 

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Cover image from: Wallsistah.com