That’s all for October, folks.
Halloween is over and with it the warm, fall weather. Luckily, the end of October does not signify the end of fun in Montreal. With a myriad of festivals, foodie events, museum exhibits happening all month, November is chalking up to be one of Montreal’s best months of the year.
Check out 27 things to do in Montreal this November.
Edward Snowden Talk at McGill University
The whistleblower himself is making a virtual appearance in Montreal. On November 2, 2016, McGill University will be hosting, via video conference, Edward Snowden. The former CIA employee and now famous NSA whistleblower, currently living in Russia, will be giving a talk on surveillance in Canada. The talk will be conducted via video conference. Media@McGill is hosting the event, which will be completely free of charge to the public. All are welcome to attend however seating is first come first serve.
When: November 2nd 7 pm
Where: McGill University, Leacock 132
The Nutcracker Market
Hosted by Les Grands Ballets, the Nutcracker Market is a fun and festive Christmas shopping market that will take over Palais des Congres starting November 26th. Nearly 100 exhibitors will be participating at this year’s market, all of which have agreed to donate 10% of their proceeds to the Nutcracker Fund for Children. If you’re in a need of a gift for the foodie in your life, look no further. There will be a whole gourmet foods section selling everything from French macarons and candy to olive oil and popcorn.
When: November 26-December 6
Where: Palais des Congres
Celebrate your inner geek at Geekfest
Geekfest is coming to Montreal! For two days only, a geek convention will be taking over Montreal’s College de Maisonneuve. On November 5th and 6th you can expect this CEGEP to be filled with cosplayers, board games, and video games. This year’s program includes retro video games, an Artemis Bridge Simulator, allowing you to embark on a spaceship adventure, an amateur cosplay contest, and a talent show.
When: November 5-6
Where: College de Maisonneuve, 3800 Rue Sherbrooke E
Attend the Montreal Cat Festival
Montreal’s very own cat festival, The Salon des Aristochats will take place on November 5th and 6th from 10am-5pm at Centre Pierre Charbonneau. Located near Olympic Stadium, this is your chance to discover cat-loving artists, browse hundreds of cat-inspired gifts and goodies, and participate in cat-themed activities. They will even have celebrity cats on-site for you to play with.
When: November 5-6, 10 am- 5pm
Where: Centre Pierre Charbonneau, 300 Rue Viau
Check out the new Nintendo Exhibition at Musee Grevin
Musee Grevin just opened their brand new Nintendo-themed exhibition, Super Mario and Friends: The Exhibit. Running from October 7th until January 8th, Super Mario and Friends: The Exhibit welcomes some of Nintendo’s most iconic characters to the museum. Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems will be on display, as will classic Mario Bros. video games, and some that have yet to be released to the public. The show ultimately traces the Nintendo phenomenon, highlighting the past, present, and future of the gaming institution.
When: Monday to Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Where: Musee Grevin, Centre Eaton de Montréal, 705 Rue Sainte-Catherine O
Grab a sushi burrito
When it comes to trendy foods, Montreal is king. That’s why it’s no surprise that after welcoming the rainbow bagel and the freakshake, Montreal is now home to the sushi burrito. The sushi burrito is the perfect fusion between a zesty Mexican burrito and a delicious piece of Japanese sushi, and it’s available now in our wonderful city. Where can you find this mighty meal? None other than Moushi. Moushi is a Japanese eatery on Decarie serving up exactly 8 items. Each of the items on the menu can be “rolled or bowled” depending on what you’re in the mood for. Feel like poke? You’ll want the bowl option, if you’re in the mood for a burrito, then you’re going to want to roll it up.
When: Monday to Saturday 11 am-8 pm, Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Where: 5209 Boulevard Décarie
Montreal Vegan Festival
The Montreal Vegan Festival is back for the third year in a row! This means that Bonsecours Market will be filled once again with stalls upon stalls of delicious vegan goodies. On November 5th and 6th, 50 exhibitors and thousands of vegan-minded people will be taking over the Bonsecours Market “to discover the healthy diet and the way of life of veganism by exploring the health, ethical and environmental aspects of veganism.” The two-day vegan extravaganza will feature local and international speakers, culinary demos, discussion groups, and food tastings.
When: November 5 to November 6
Where: Bonsecours Market, 350 Rue Saint Paul Est
Expozine
Expozine, Canada’s largest comic, small press, and magazine fair, is returning to Montreal on November 12th and 13th. Over the course of the mid-November weekend, more than 250 vendors will gather to promote all kinds of printed matter. Vendors hail from Canada, the United States, and even Europe. Expozine’s goal is to expose the average person to published materials outside of the mainstream. At Expozine, you’ll find everything from greeting cards and postcards to comic books, stickers, short novels, graphic prints, and magazines.
When: November 12-13
Where: 5035 Saint-Dominique
MTL a TABLE
MTL a TABLE is back, hosting its infamous Restaurant Week for 10 whole days. Starting on November 3rd and ending on November 13th, Restaurant Week will allow Montrealers to get a taste of some of the best dishes Montreal has to offer at a serious discount. Over 150 restaurants are participating in this year’s Restaurant Week, which means you’ll have the chance to eat pretty much anything you’re in the mood for. The best part? Meals will only set you back $21, $31, or $41. And we’re not just talking for one dish. No sir, $21-$41 will get you a gourmet table d’hote dinner.
When: November 3-13
Where: Various locations
The Montreal Bach Festival
Calling all classical music lovers! The Montreal Bach Festival returns for the 10th year in a row. In honour of the great composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, the Bach Festival attracts some of the greatest artists in the world. The Bach Festival will be happening over a two-week period from November 18th until December 4th. During this time, there will be 12 conferences, 123,000 visitors, and 193 concerts held in 36 different venues. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma will be doing a special 10th anniversary gala performance at the Maison Symphonique de Montréal on December 2nd.
When: Nov 18- Dec 4
Where: Various locations
Cinemania
Festival de Films Francophone presents Cinemania. From November 3rd until November 13th, this Francophone film festival will be taking over the historic Imperial Cinema for 10 full days of movie screenings. Cinemania has been running for 20 years in Montreal and at this point, is a staple in the city’s culture. The highest quality French films are selected each year, some of which feature the greatest names in French cinema, and others that feature up-and-coming actors and actresses. One of this year’s most anticipated films is From the Land of the Moon starring Marion Cotillard and Louis Garrel, which opens the festival on November 3rd.
When: November 3-13
Where: Imperial Cinema, 1432 Rue de Bleury
Soul Pose Yoga
Do you love dance, music, raves, yoga, or all of the above? Then you’re going to want to check out Soul Pose Yoga. The travelling tour will be in Montreal on November 19th and 20th to bring you the coolest yoga session of your life.
From the creators of The Colour Run, Soul Pose Yoga is described as “the happiest yoga on the planet.” During Soul Pose Yoga Montreal, participants will be practicing yoga in only the glow of a blacklight. Everyone in the room will be wearing a Soulband LED bracelet that allows yogis to become part of the light experience. Finally, each session is lead by a world-class instructor and will feature happy beats, body paint, and choreographed lighting.
When: November 19 and 20 at 9am, 12pm, 4pm, and 7pm
Where: Arsenal Montreal, 2020 William
Friday Nocturnes
Essentially an after hours party at the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art, Friday Nocturnes take place on four fridays each year, giving Montrealers a chance to explore the museum’s exhibits after dark alongside a few museum experts. Happening on Friday, November 4th from 5 pm-2 am, the Museum of Contemporary Art will give visitors a chance to explore La Biennale de Montreal, an exhibition focusing on the question: is hedonism possible today? In addition to the exhibition, the last Friday Nocturnes of the year includes interactive tours, a live DJ, an art workshop, and drinks and appetizers.
When: November 4, 5 pm-2 am
Where: Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, 185 Rue Sainte-Catherine
Cine Brique
LEGO is returning to Montreal this November for Cine Brique 2016. Intended for families, Cine Brique 2016 includes massive LEGO creations, a brickfilm (a stop motion video made out of LEGO bricks), and an AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) convention. Take the opportunity to marvel at LEGO structures and join in on the fun! The event will also include a mini brickfilm festival, in which visitors are welcome to submit their own brickfilm in three different categories with the chance to win one of six prizes.
When: November 19-20
Where: College Champlain, 900 Rue Riverside, Saint-Lambert
Montreal Santa Claus Parade
Montreal’s Santa Claus Parade, otherwise known as Défilé du Père Noël, is officially happening in 2016 (not that we ever had any doubt). Confirmed for November 19th at 11am, there’s less than one month left until we can watch Santa make his way down Sainte Catherine Street. Prepare for an array of creative floats, fun performers, free goodies, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus to wave goodbye at the end of the parade.
When: November 19, 11am
Where: Sainte Catherine Street West, beginning at Rue Fort and ending at Rue Saint Urbain
Go out for Indian food
Curry, naan, and rice are a pretty irresistible combination. Luckily, Montreal has got some of the best Indian food west of the country after which it hails. Montreal is home to an array of Indian eateries located all over the city specializing in regional cuisines, veggie dishes, and even homemade sweets. If you’re craving Indian food, be sure to check out any one of the restaurants on our list of 11 Indian restaurants you have to try in Montreal.
When: Anytime
Where: Various locations
M for Montreal
M For Montreal is back for the 11th year in a row. Welcoming over 200 musicians and artists, Montreal is about to overflow with incredible music and exciting business opportunities. The festival will run from November 16th until November 19th, starting with a performance by folk-rock artist Martha Wainwright at the Rialto. Day two will feature the third edition of the Special Sirius XM concert benefitting Garage à musique de la Fondation du Dr Julie at Club Soda. Other performances on November 17th include the beloved Busty and the Bass, Brown, and Heartstreets. In the mood for a little free music? Be sure to attend the FrancoM Sirius XM showcase with headliners Yann Perreau, Zen Bamboo, and I.D.A.L.G.
When: November 16-19
Where: Various locations
Tibetan Cultural Fair
Never been to Tibet? Not a problem! Fortunately for you, Montreal is bringing Tibet to you at the Tibetan Cultural Fair happening this November. For one day only on November 26th, the Santa Cruz Church in the Plateau will become a Tibetan Bazaar. Organized by the Canada Tibet Committee, the Tibetan Cultural Fair will feature traditional arts and crafts, dance, cuisine, and music from Tibet. Show your support for Tibet while eating some delicious food!
When: November 26, 10am-7pm
Where: Santa Cruz Church, 60 Rachel Est
Gem and Mineral Show
The Montreal School of Gemology is hosting its 57th annual Montreal Gem and Mineral Club Show this November. From November 4th until November 6th, Place Bonaventure will be filled to the brim with shiny gems and minerals from all over the world. Local and out-of-province dealers will take part, selling all kinds of minerals from exotic, faraway places like Afghanistan, Africa, and Brazil. Over 100 vendors will attend, displaying everything from fossils and carvings, to precious gems, sculptures, and jewelry.
When: November 4-6
Where: Place Bonaventure, 800 De la Gauchetière West
Mundial Montreal
Montreal is hosting yet another music festival in November. Called Mundial Montreal, 2016 marks the event’s 6th edition. Described as “the gateway to North America’s world music market,” Mundial Montreal will be taking place from November 15th to 18th. The theme of this year’s festival is Music Without Borders, and as such it will showcase music from all over the world. Mundial Montreal kicks off with 10 international acts including 9Bach, Solo & Rafael, and Coreyah. There will also be a special Aboriginal Sound Series featuring an eclectic range of Canadian music such as Betty Bonifassi, Wesli, Zuze, and Afrotronix.
When: November 15-18, 2016
Where: Various locations
5th Annual Yoga Festival
The 5th Annual Yoga Festival Montreal is happening in our fair city from November 11th until the 13th. The festival encompasses three jam-packed days of asana, meditation, relaxation, music, philosophy, and politics. The weekend will feature over 30 styles of yoga and 50 hours of workshops, panels, classes, performances, and discussions.
When: November 11-13, 9am-6pm
Where: Centre Saint Pierre, 1212 Rue Panet
Grab some vegan ramen from Dalla Rose
Dalla Rose, the hip new ice cream spot that opened in Montreal’s St Henri neighbourhood this past summer, has swapped out the ice cream for vegan ramen. In the best turnaround of the century, Dalla Rose has closed up shop for the winter, and a new eatery, Ramen 9000, has stepped in to fill its place. Described as a pop-up restaurant, Ramen 9000 serves up a menu of delicious ramen options – but only for a limited time each day. Despite the pop-up’s vegan branding, non-vegans have the option of adding pork or eggs to their dish.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 12 pm
Where: 4609 Rue Notre Dame Ouest
The Montreal Antique Show
The Montreal Antique Show is back for two weekends in November.
The antique festival will be comprised of two shows, the first in Westmount on November 19th and the second in Longueuil on November 26th. On the Saturday only, both locations will be filled to the brim with collectible antiques. Last year’s show included everything from furniture and jewelry to paintings and decor.
When: November 19th, 9am-4pm in Westmount and November 26th 8am-3pm in Longueuil
Where: Westmount Park United Church, 4695 de Maisonneuve West, and Place
Salon du Livre
Place Bonaventure is about to become the bookstore of your dreams.
If a library is your paradise, then you have to check out Montreal’s 39th annual Salon du Livre. Salon du Livre will be held at Place Bonaventure, beginning on November 16th and ending on November 21st. During the six-day festival, Place Bonaventure will be filled to the brim with books. In addition to the thousands of books available for purchase, there will be author signings, book panels, trade shows, a teen lounge, and a book donation bin.
When: November 16-21
Where: Place Bonaventure, 800 de la Gauchetière Ouest
La Grande Degustation
For three days La Grande Degustation de Montreal will be gracing our city. Taking over Place Bonaventure from November 3rd to 5th, La Grande Degustation will attract over 13,000 visitors to its gathering of nearly 2,000 wine, beer, and spirits exhibitors. This unique event brings wine producers, beer brewers, and spirit distillers together under one roof to celebrate their passion for alcohol. Grab your ticket, stroll through the exhibits, and of course, taste as many samples as your heart desires!
When: November 3rd 11 am-5 pm, November 4th 3 pm-9 pm, November 5th 1 pm-9 pm
Where: Place Bonaventure, 800 de la Gauchetière Street West
Head to a cabin in Quebec
Escape the city and surround yourself with wilderness. What better way to do that then to book yourself a cozy cabin in the woods? Whether you’re after a romantic getaway or a fun weekend with friends, we’ve compiled a list of picturesque cabins that are all located less than 2 hours from Montreal.
When: Anytime
Where: Various locations
Salon National Des Animaux De Compagnie
Montreal is set to host a giant pet festival in Place Bonaventure this November. Called the Salon National Des Animaux De Compagnie, the event will take place on Saturday, November 5th and Sunday, November 6th! The two-day animal extravaganza will feature ponies, a dog agility competition, a cat show, dog divers, and of course, the chance to meet and play with thousands of adorable animals. Rare animals such as miniature horses will be in attendance, in addition to the thousands of animals, ranging from rabbits and rodents to fish and birds, that will take over Place Bonaventure.
When: November 5 and 6 from 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Where: Place Bonaventure, 800 De La Gauchetière St. West
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