June 13, 2011 – Sure, pink may be part of the rainbow, but this summer it’s right up front and centre – well, more up, actually, in the form of 170 000 suspended pink balls – in Montréal’s Gay Village. Yes, you’ve got it: Aires Libres, Montréal’s original summertime event for the masses, is back, with artsy, eco-friendly urban installations, performers, bazaars, events, and a whole lotta free-form fun! The section of Sainte-Catherine Street between Berri and Papineau is a dedicated pedestrian zone (a.k.a. outdoor party central!) until September 12, once again demonstrating that in Montréal, summer isn’t just a season, it’s a celebration!
Something to do
Artists and artisans of all genres will be on hand from June 29 to July 3, when the Festival International Montréal en Arts (FIMA) turns the aptly named BoulevArt into Eastern Canada’s largest open air gallery to showcase the work of over 140 emerging artists. Connect with the artists themselves (and bypass agents!) to procure some incredible original artwork. What’s more, there’ll be many performers, filmmakers, and multimedia artists from around the world on hand to dazzle, provoke, and entertain you.
Bizarre? No – Bazaar! Aires Libres has always included outdoor kiosks for local merchants to peddle their wares, but this year, it will include three, 4-day outdoor bazaars for your shopping pleasure. And while you’re at it, why not drop by one of the numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants that line this stylish strip – you never know who, or what, you might find in the Village!
An outdoor celebration wouldn’t be complete without entertainment, and you won’t be disappointed with what’s going on in the Village during Aires Libres! First, Montréal goes berserk for the circus with the 2nd edition of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE, the city’s international circus festival, from July 7 to 24, and then Montréal’s LGBT festivities come to the forefront beginning with Divers/Cité from July 25 to 31, followed by Montréal Pride Celebrations from August 9 to 14. Laughs and surprises, guaranteed!
Something to see
Pink balls – or Les Boules roses – form a rosy canopy over the Ste. Catherine Street pedestrian zone for all to enjoy. This 1.2 km strip with nine different suspension patterns features no less than 170 000 pink resin balls in three different sizes, for a festive five-tone ribbon decoration high above the best block party on the continent!
Don’t miss this year’s artistic installation at the Aire Banque Nationale (corner Sainte-Catherine and Amherst). Inspired by the last line of the Aires Libres manifesto – A time will come where you can express yourself freely –, Manifeste calls out to all passers-by to read, decode, penetrate, or reflect to fully experience its meaning. Perspective is everything, and this is one time when not seeing the forest for the trees just might be what you need.
As you are strolling through, you can’t help but see La Sainte-Catherine dans le Village, an outdoor historical exhibition detailing the evolution of this important street from the early 20th century on. You’ll come across two double-sided panels at every corner (ten in all) with photos of the surrounding neighbourhood, past and present, along with a brief historical description. Ambling down Sainte-Catherine Street is pleasant at any time, but now it’s even educational!
Something to experience
This urban summertime happening is at once an eco-experiment, an art project and a business venture: it invites one and all to come and soak up the summer city vibe in all its creative splendour, all the while re-inventing the dream of living car-free in the heart of downtown.
So come play, sing, dance, visit, stroll, draw, sculpt, listen, shop, eat, drink, and share! Let your creativity flow with reckless abandon; Aires Libres is all about freedom – from pollution, of expression, of being.
