22 things to do in Montreal this weekend: January 27 to January 29

It’s finally here, folks.

January is nearly at its end, and what does Montreal have to show for it? Huge festivals (we’re looking at you, Igloofest and Fete des Neiges), major culinary events (Happening Gourmand and Le Chop, anyone?), and of course plenty of enticing winter activities (snow tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing, to name a few). Thus, it’s no surprise that January is ending with a bang.

From an adventure film festival to a giant game of pond hockey, check out 22 things to do in Montreal this weekend: January 27-29.

Friday, January 27

Banff Mountain Film Festival

For four decades now, filmmakers of the biggest and best adventure movies in the biz have been submitting their creations to the Banff Mountain Film Festival. As per usual, movie-goers don’t have to travel all the way to the Rocky Mountains to see these adrenaline-inducing cinematic creations. Rather, they can watch them in the comfort of their hometown thanks to the Banff Mountain Film Festival’s Annual World Tour. Stopping in nearly 25 cities in Quebec alone, get ready to see some wild cinema. The festival is coming to Montreal between January 24th and January 28th. All films will be screened in French at Cinema Imperial, and tickets start at just $26.60.
When: January 24-28
Where: Cinema Imperial, 1430 Rue de Bleury

City Lights Snowshoeing Excursions

Discover the secrets of Montreal by snowshoe on one of Les Amis de la Montagne’s City Lights Snowshoeing Excursions. Happening at nightfall every Friday and Saturday evening between January 6th and March 4th, tour guides will lead brave snowshoers on a 90-minute expedition through Mount Royal. There will also be hot chocolate along the way!
When: Fridays and Saturday between January 6 and March 4, 2017 at 6 pm
Where: Meeting place is the Beaver Lake Pavilion

Year of the Rooster Chinese New Year Party

Presented by Deuces Wild, a massive CNY party is happening in Montreal this Friday. DJ Yao & DK will be spinning the best hip hop and EDM music all night long. If Deuces Wild’s last event at L’Olympia was any indication, there are likely to be thousands of attendees at this exciting Chinese New Year party. Tickets are $12 online or $15 at the door.
When: January 27, 10 pm-3 am
Where: L’Olympia, 1004 Ste-Catherine Est.

The Auto Show

Calling all car buffs! A massive auto show is happening at Palais des Congres this month. Happening for ten whole days between January 20th and January 29th, 2017, The Auto Show will showcase more than 75 exhibitors. Both car manufacturers and car product and service providers will be present. In addition there will be test drives, an Accelerator Contest, a performance zone, and much more. Some of this year’s top exhibitors include Maserati, Ferrari, Lexus, BMW, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Bentley, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, and Aston-Martin.
When: January 20-29, 2017
Where: Palais des Congres, 1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle

Le Chop

It may be cold out, but at least you can eat well for next to nothing in Montreal! Participating restaurants in this year’s 4th edition of LeChop MTL will be offering three course meals for just $25 and will be putting their own spin on a specific dish each week of the festival. The festival is going on until March 2nd and features four incredible restaurants Weinstein & Gavino’s, L’Atelier d’Argentine (both locations), and Decca 77.
When: Until March 2, 2017
Where: Weinstein & Gavinos (1434 Rue Crescent), L’Atelier d’Argentine (1458 Rue Crescent and 355 Marguerite D’Youville), Newtown (1476 Rue Crescent), and Decca 77 (1077 Rue Drummond)

JMSB LIFE Lunar New Year Gala

Concordia University is hosting a Lunar New Year Gala for both students and the public this Friday. The event will feature a traditional 10-course meal, wine, live music, a lip sync battle, dancing, and more! Tickets cost $30 for students and $40 for everyone else. Head to the downtown Concordia campus ASAP to reserve your spot.
When: January 27, 6-9 pm
Where: Restaurant Rubis Rouge, 1008 Rue Clark

Saturday, January 28

Bang Bang The Boogie : Invite Only Pop Up Party

Gotsoul, Josh Silver, Cesar Czr and Crazy Eddy Melo present a new kind of party featuring
Jojo Flores & Cesar this will be a night to remember. As this is an invite only party, space is very limited so it’s first come first served basis. The space is located in a private loft with only 100 spots open and promises to be a magical evening with great people and epic music. For info on tickets click here.
When: January 28
Where: Private loft TBD

Chagall: Colour and Music

Starting January 28th, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts will open a brand new special exhibition on world-renowned painter, Marc Chagall. The exhibit, titled “Chagall: Colour and Music,” explores the importance of music in Chagall’s life. It will be multidisciplinary, featuring over 400 works ranging from sculptures and paintings to photographs and films. In addition, puppets, costumes, stained glass windows, maquettes, and gouaches will be on display. According to the official site, “Music was a constant source of inspiration” for the Russian-French artist. “A favourite subject for his creations, it served as an internal rhythm and driving force for his compositions, and a key to the intensity and range of colour in his work.”
When: January 28-June 11, 2017
Where: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown

Each year, a Chinese New Year Parade takes place in Montreal’s Chinatown (located on de la Gauchetiere Street, Saint Laurent Boulevard, and Saint Urbain Street). The streets, not to mention the people, will be covered in red. There will also be a traditional lion dance from the Montreal Chan Lion Dance Club. Don’t miss out on this fun and cultural event!
When: January 28
Where: Chinatown, Montreal

SnowFood Saturdays

Attention Montrealers! Your beloved Friday Fridays (aka food truck Fridays) are returning to Olympic Stadium, this time in the form of SnowFood Saturday. As part of Village Mammouth, Montreal’s awesome wintertime festival, Olympic Stadium will be home to a plethora of food trucks every Saturday afternoon between January 28th and March 4th, 2017. Between 3 pm and 10 pm each Saturday, you can expect to see tons of yummy food trucks lining the perimeter of Olympic Village. The official description reads, “You’ll find all the delicious fun of street food during our amazing evenings.” These “amazing evenings” also include live music and DJs, as well as snow sports like ice skating and snow tubing.
When: Saturdays 3 pm-10 pm between January 28 and March 4, 2017
Where: Olympic Village

Dog Sledding

Thanks to Parc Jean Drapeau’s annual Fete des Neiges, Montrealers can go on an exhilarating dog sledding adventure just 5 minutes from downtown Montreal. Happening from January 14 until February 5, 2017, Parc Jean Drapeau will be turned into a winter wonderland. The 2017 program of events includes a wide range of activities, but our personal favourite? “A dog sled ride.” Accompanied by a guide, 2 or 3 people can sit in a sled and be pulled by a team of gorgeous huskies. It appears you don’t have to trek further north for a little dog sledding fun.
When: January 14-February 7, 2017
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau

La Petite Floride

In an effort to revitalize vacant land along the Mile End railway, a hangout spot in an abandoned parking lot has popped up in recent weeks. Featuring a school bus-turned-cafe, picnic tables, lights, and a skating rink, this newest late night joint is called La Petite Floride. Open every Saturday night from December 2nd until the end of March, this is the place to be in winter. Grab some mulled wine, sit by the fire, skate around the manmade rink (featuring paintings by local artists), and enjoy a relaxing night in this urban oasis.
When: Saturdays 9 pm-1 am, from December 2nd until the end of March 2017
Where: 5705 avenue de Gaspé

Classique Montrealaise

Ever wanted to participate in a massive game of pond hockey? Well now you can. Thanks to the Classique Montrealaise, Montrealers are invited to attend a huge outdoor hockey tournament in honour of the city’s 375th anniversary. 2017 marks the very first year of this unique event. Taking place at Parc Jean Drapeau on January 28th and 29th, hundreds of hockey lovers will head to Olympic Basin for the hockey tournament of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned hockey veteran or a newbie, there will be a level for everyone! Divided into four categories: die-hard, recreational, ladies, and 50 and over, Montrealers far and wide are invited to participate in this two-day hockey extravaganza.
When: January 28-29, 2017
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau, Olympic Basin

Snow Archery

For those of you who don’t know, Parc Jean Drapeau’s annual Fete des Neiges festival is back! In addition to the typical ice skating, snow tubing, and cross country skiing adventures, this year marks the introduction of a new activity: snow archery. Try your hand, Katniss-style, at this exciting event. Described as being similar to dodgeball, this snow archery game is sure to get your blood pumping.
When: January 14-February 5, 2017
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau

Sunday, January 29

Eat french toast at Lemeac

If you have yet to experience upscale French eatery, Lemeac, then you are seriously missing out. Located on Laurier Ave in Outremont, Lemeac is known for their unbelievable French toast. In addition to being smothered in maple syrup, topped with caramelised bananas and chocolate sauce, and made of the finest brioche bread, it also happens to be absolutely massive. Even better, you can have it at any time of day as it’s on both the dessert and the brunch menu (though we’re partial to brunch). If you’re at Lemeac on a weekend between 10am and 3pm, be sure to choose the monstrous french toast.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10am-12pm
Where: Lemeac, 1045 Avenue Laurier O

Luminotherapie

Think of Luminotherapie as the 21 Balancoires of the winter months. Set up in Place des Festivals every year, Luminotherapie is an interactive art installation with featuring bright and twinkly holiday lights. Comprised of mesmerizing loops that light up and play music, the event invites Montrealers to take part in their very own winter playground. Don’t miss your last chance to enjoy this enchanting light installation!
When: December 8, 2016 – January 29, 2017
Where: Place des Festivals

Snow Yoga at Parc Laurier

Montreal-based fitness company, POP Spirit, is hosting a series of outdoor yoga sessions this winter. Aptly titled POP Yoga Neige, classes will take place between January 7th and March 12th in Parc Lafontaine and Parc Wilfrid Laurier. All classes are free to the public and boast top-notch instructors. All you have to do is bring your own mat and dress warmly (and we mean, really warm). Happening every weekend until March 12th, classes start at 10:30am sharp and last for roughly 40 minutes. Saturday mornings sessions will be held at Parc Lafontaine and Sunday mornings they will be held at Parc Laurier. Time to start practicing your downward dog in sub-zero temperatures!
When: Sundays between January 7 and March 12, 10:30 am
Where: Parc Laurier

Fete des Neiges

Get active with your date and take them to Montreal’s biggest winter festival, Fete des Neiges. Taking place between January 14th and February 5th, Parc Jean Drapeau will host a myriad of snow-themed events and activities. On this year’s schedule? Everything from evening dance parties to dog sledding. Outdoor activities include snow tubing, cross country skiing, dog sledding, snow archery, an icy pirate ship, a special simulator at the Biosphere, ice skating, ice sculptures, ziplining, a ferris wheel, a Village of Penguins, a Polar Circus, snow scooters, an inflatable bouncy castle, and a mini igloo play area. Though some activities will cost you, many are free. Plus, walking around the grounds on its own is enough of a fun time.
When: January 14-February 5, 2017
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau

Nordik Slide

In addition to free shows, 2 extra weeks of programming, and a killer lineup, Igloofest 2017 also marks the return of the Nordik Slide. A winter tradition dating back over 100 years, Igloofest’s Nordik Slide has been wowing Montrealers for several years in a row. Presented as a contemporary update on a winter carnival classic (with an Igloofest touch), there is surely tons of fun to be had on the Nordik Slide. It will be set up in Place Jacques Cartier all festival long, meaning you have between January 12th and February 19th to check it out.
When: January 12-February 19, Thursdays to Sundays
Where: Place Jacques Cartier

MTL Zipline

Old Port has decided that they will be opening the MTL Zipline all winter long, which means you can soar through the air any weekend you like. This is the first time ever that MTL Zipline has opened during the winter and we can’t wait to take advantage of this momentous occasion! One trip on the MTL Zipline costs $19.99 for adults or $16.99 for children. Located at the Clock Tower in the heart of Old Port, don’t miss your chance to fly like Superman and marvel at the scenic wintery landscape beneath you.
When: Every weekend this winter, 11 am-5 pm
Where: Clock Tower, Old Port

Happening Gourmand

Table d’hote at reduced prices? Yes, please. Eat like a king for less courtesy of Happening Gourmand, one of Montreal’s best culinary festivals. Taking place in Old Montreal between January 5th and February 5th, the festival has partnered with top-notch Montreal restaurants to deliver high quality meals at a fixed price (ranging from $23 to $30). Some of this year’s participating restaurants including Suite 701, Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Bevo Bar + Pizzeria, Modavie Bistro, and Kyo Bar Japonais.
When: January 5-February 5, 2017
Where: Various locations

Snow Tubing on Mount Royal

Slide down the snow atop Mount Royal on the designated snow tubing trails near Beaver Lake. Rent an inflatable inner tube or bring your own, and enjoy an afternoon of gliding down the mountain at high speeds. Rentals are $9 for adults and $5 for kids, however snow tubing is free for those who bring their own gear.
When: December 17-March 6, 2017
Where: Beaver Lake, Mount Royal