How many gay villages in the world become a car-free playground for a whole summer?
That's 124 daysof car-free shopping, dining, cruising and partying on Sainte-Catherine Street East, between Amherst and Papineau (May 28 to Sept. 8) when Aires Libres takes over.
Of course, that's not the only time and place for special parties. The first event of the season is Bad Boy Club Montréal's (BBCM) Hot and Dry, from May 14 to 18 (at various venues).
Starting June 13, the International des Feux Loto-Québec, the world’s most prestigious pyrotechnical competition, lights up the night sky with dazzling colour. It’s a view best enjoyed, drink in hand, from the neighbourhood’s many outdoor terrasses. Just a few days later (June 24), the whole province celebrates the Fête nationale, Québec's official holiday, and the Village is definitely a hotspot.
Throughout the summer merchants sell their wares outdoors, and, naturellement, restaurants serve their fabulous food on their terrasses. From July 2 to 5, the street's ablaze with artists' colours as Québec and Canadian painters show off their art at the Festival international Montréal en arts.
High season begins July 26 with Divers/Cité (till Aug. 2), the international festival for the performing arts that celebrates our—well, diversity! Interactive, too, with all kinds of dances for all kinds of people. If that's not enough, another BBCM event, Twist, is going on (July 31 to Aug. 3). Montréal is busting out at the seams!
After a couple weeks' rest, Montrealers start up again on August 13 (till the 16th) with Montréal Pride Celebrations. Over 100 queer clubs and organizations set up booths on Sainte-Catherine for Community Day. It's a warm-up to the Gay Pride Parade on August 16, when over 50,000 gays, lesbians and families come out to see 1,500 participants. And the costumes—ooh là-là!
While the strip is closed to traffic, the best bet for getting to the Village is by Métro (served by three stations: Berri-UQAM, Beaudry and Papineau). You can even walk to the Village from downtown or Plateau Mont-Royal (under 30 minutes).
Aires Libres
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
Divers/Cité
Twist Weekend
Montréal Pride Celebrations
