As the cool weather sets in and the comfort of the warm indoors beckons, Montreal’s festival scene is alive and running.
Although the city is known for its countless summer festivities, Montreal also boasts a variety of activities that cater to the province’s ever-changing weather. Hot or cold, there is something for everybody, and the autumn lineup is no exception. Here is a list of some of the autumn festivals coming to Montreal.
L’OFF Jazz
This famous jazz festival runs from Oct. 6 to 15 and features 110 jazz artist from all around. Though not on the same scale as Montreal’s International Jazz Festival, the smaller concerts allow for a much more relaxed and intimate experience.
In this festival, the concerts are held at a variety of bars, venues, concert hall and cafes around the city. That way, spectators can kick back at a table, order a few drinks and experience the music at a much closer range.
Tickets can be purchased for individual concerts or for an all-access pass. The festivities will kick-off with the 11-piece band Christine Jensen & Maggi Olin: Transatlantic Conversations playing at the Cabaret Lion D’Or. Check the L’OFF website for the full line-up.
Festival de Nouveau Cinéma
Do you love movies? Do you love discussing your passion for film with the artists who create them? Then this festival is for you.
This eleven-day festival gives film lovers the opportunity to come together with artists and creators to share their ideas, thoughts and passion. The festival showcases films of all genres from Quebec and around the world. After the films are screened, audience members can meet with local filmmakers and expand their knowledge on international cinema. Did I also mention that this festival qualifies short films for the Academy Awards?
Though still predominantly dedicated to the big screen, FNC explores film in a variety of mediums ranging from live performances to virtual reality.
In an interview with the Globe and Mail, executive director Nicolas Girard Deltruc explained “In another five years, maybe half our programs will not be films.”
Single tickets can be bought online up to an hour before the screening. Day passes are also available. The full details can be found on the festival’s website.
Montreal Burlesque Festival
Burlesque may be a lot less common than it used to be but this festival is bringing it back to Montreal.
This style of burlesque, popularized in the early 1900s combines traditional prohibition era style costume with striptease, song, dance and comedy performances. It’s lots of fun and encourages audience members to dress up, have some drinks and enjoy some old school fun.
The festival has great reviews from publications including TVA, Tourism Montreal and the Montreal Gazette!
Shows take place every night from Oct. 13 to 15. The shows are for audiences 18 years and older and take place at Montreal’s Club Soda.
Festival du Monde Arabe à Montréal
Arab and western culture collide in this festival featuring dance, music, film, conferences and lectures. Over 70 events will be held and people of all cultures and backgrounds are welcome.
More details have yet to be announced at their press conference on the 28th of September at the Espace Culturel Georges-Émile-Lapalme. Previous years have included a wide array of artists ranging from Turkish alternative music group Baba Zula to Lebanese choreographer Ali Chahrour.
The activities run from Oct. 29 to Nov. 13.
Check out the festival’s website for details.
MTL à table
Foodies are going to like this one. For 10 days, 150 restaurants around Montreal will serve their table d’hôte for a reduced price. This will be the perfect (and perhaps only) opportunity anyone on a student budget to try some fine dining. Prices will vary between $21 and $41.
Though the full list of participating restaurants has yet to be unveiled, the festival will officially begin on November 3rd. The restaurants will also be encouraged to compete with original dishes. They will have the choice to either produce a unique chocolate dessert or a dish featuring a Quebec cheese from the festival’s cheese selection.
Check out the website for a full list of the participating restaurants and eat your heart out.
M pour Montréal
Ever wanted to check out Montreal’s local music scene but don’t know where to start? This festival has only been around for 10 years, and is a perfect combination of Montreal’s night life and legendary music scene.
Similar to Montreal’s L’OFF Jazz Festival, the shows will take place at a variety of venues around Montreal. Definitely a smaller scale music scene but not to be missed! Performances for this year will include anything from folk-rock artist Martha Mainwright to electronic music group Hot Chip.
Tickets can be bought for individual shows as well as all access passes on the M for Montreal website.