5 things to do in Montreal today: Thursday, February 20

As Montréal en Lumière kicks off it’s two-week long festive today, February 20, here are a few things worth checking out across the island as we set our sails towards Friday and the weekend.

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Québec Maple Ferris Wheel

Presented by Maple from Québec, the giant illuminated Ferris wheel cozies up to the Quartier Gourmand sector of the festival, offering guests authentic Quebec-made maple syrup samples.

It’s tough to miss the giant, neon-lit wheel and it offers gorgeous vantage points of the festival site if you want to go camera heavy.

When: Thursday, February 20
Time: 5 to 11 pm
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Price: Free

Festival of Our Cheeses

Returning for its 14th edition, the Festival of Our Cheeses shines a spotlight on 20 Quebec cheese makers who showcase their exceptional products as part of the Montréal en Lumière festival.

Head over for chat and taste some specialty cheeses for free.

When: February 20-22
Time: 11:30 am – 7 pm
Where: Complexe Desjardins, 150 rue Ste. Catherine
Price: Free admission

Battle of Wits

The fast-paced comedy quiz show returns to The Diving Bell Social Club tonight, where brave contestants answer trivia questions and compete in skill testing games in between stand-up sets.

Tonight’s lineup features a slew of great local comedians including: Amanda McQueen, Daniel Carin, Darren Henwood, Inés Anaya, and Troy Stark, hosted by the very funny Elspeth Wright.

When: Thursday, February 20
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Diving Bell Social Club, 3956 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Price: $15 at the door, $10 online

Musical Evening – Beaver Lake Skating Rink

Lace up your skates and glide to the greatest hits from the ’70s and ’80s on Beaver Lake’s refrigerated skating rink.

When: Thursday, February 20
Time: 6 – 9 pm
Where: Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors, 1800 chemin Remenbrance
Price: Free

Urban Slide

Montréal en Lumière will be in full ~~slide~~ swing starting tonight as its giant urban slide returns to the Quartier des Spectacles. Zigzagging its way across the outdoor party.

The 110 metre-long slide starts at the illuminated launch tower and glides its way around the site, at full speed, screaming with cheers and photo opportunities.

The slide is “completely revamped” this year, according to the Festival of Lights website, offering sliders a multicoloured light show.

When: Thursday, February 20
Time: 5 to 11 pm
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Price: Free