The mercury creeping up, patios rolling out and the shirts coming off means one thing: summer in Montreal’s Gay Village. The 2013 edition of Aires Libres will soon be underway once the famous Boules Roses are strung up above the pedestrian-only paradise of Sainte-Catherine street…

Aires Libres is one of the most unique and fun spots in Montréal every summer. It invites LGBT people and friends to enjoy a slice of our vibrant Gay Village all day and every night. There are some exciting things planned this year so here is a brief overview of what’s happening from May 13 to September 6, 2013.

Once again, Les Boules Roses are back. 200,000 pink resin balls will transform the Gay Village into a dreamscape. The balls come in three different sizes, in five hues, strung up in nine unique suspension patterns. .

All summer under the bubblegum canopy, the Gay Village will be buzzing with activity. From outdoor shopping festivals and a big open air art gallery called BoulevArt to some spectacular circus performances in Parc Emilie-Gamelin during MONTREAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE, there’s nowhere more wonderfully “à la Montreal” to be.

Aires Libres also includes many weekly activities running throughout the summer. Tuesdays at noon between Beaudry and Amherst, you’ll be able to to catch some live music from local musicians. Every Thursday at sunset is a screening of an LGBT movie in Parc de L’Espoir (Saint-Catherine & Panet), courtesy of Image+Nation. Saturday afternoons in Parc de l’Espoir there will be a “Fruixi” stand, which sells fresh and local produce. It’s a delicious and sustainable place to grab a quick snack!

We’ll be covering all the LGBT festivals in Montréal this summer, so check out QueerMTL on Twitter and Instagram to keep updated. A quick preview of what’s to come: Divers/Cité (July 30-August 4, 2013), Fierté Montreal Pride (August 12-18, 2013) and Montréal Fetish Weekend (August 29-September 2, 2013).

THE DETAILS

Aires Libres, May 13 to September 6, 2013

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Avenue 65 is basically OpenTable but done in Montréal style, ergo prettier and slicker. It’s pretty straightforward: pick your date, time and party size and scroll through Montreal’s best restaurants with space. Some times even have special deals like “15% off” or special menus.

Streetfood MTL - All hail the mighty food truck, because food trucks are so in right now. Food trucks combine my two favorite things: standing in line outside and gourmet food. Now with this handy app you’ll have no problem hunting down the best food trucks in Montréal.

RestoMontreal – Not the most beautiful app on the block, but definitely the most complete listing of Montréal restaurants. It includes info, ratings, menus, maps, and more. Last app update was 2010 so fingers crossed we’ll get a more user-friendly version soon!

Korean Food Montreal - Just when you thought all your culinary app dreams have come true, here is one that is dedicated solely to Korean food in Montréal. All eleven of them. Includes list and map views.

Deville Dinner Bar - The app itself doesn’t do much except show a map and some photos. Oh, and allow you to control the Jukebox when you’re connected to their wifi, no quarters needed. (1425 Stanley, (514) 281-6556)

Time Supperclub - Definitely one of the most feature complete apps for a club in Montreal. Make reservations, upload photos, see events and check-in to unlock special deals among other things. Definitely a must-download if you plan on hitting Time during your night out. (997 St Jacques West, (514) 392-9292)

St-Hubert - Just downloading this app will make your glands salivate. I personally start sweating their super secret sauce. Find the closest St-Hubert restaurant, or order something delicious. One flaw is when you order via the app, you can only pay with cash at the door, no credit cards accepted.

Wenite - Check out what’s going on in the Montréal nightlife scene live from this app. Users can vote a place up or down depending what the ambiance is like. In other words, decide what parties are worthy of your presence before you even do your hair!

Wildcard - Consider Wildcard your passport to Montréal’s nightlife. You can claim benefits at clubs, bars and lounges around the city. The roster of partner venues is a bit weak at the moment, but I expect more will be added soon.

Have any other apps that we missed? Add them in the comments section below to help travelers and locals get even more connected with Montreal. And check out our list of Best Culture Apps to see the range of museums, attractions and events that have also hopped on the digital bandwagon!

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Montreal’s Gay Village is centered roughly between Berri-Uqam and Papineau metro, bordered by Sherbrooke Street on the northern edge, and René-Levesque on the south. Smack dab in the center on Saint-Catherine is Beaudry metro, easily identified by the rainbow bars above the main entrance. The best way to discover the Village is to explore the streets and meet the people. However if you need a little assistance, here are some notable Village hotspots…

Notable restaurants in the Gay Village include the highly-rated Mezcla, a “nuevo latino” restaurant that combines South American flavours with European style cooking. Mezcla has an extensive seafood menu, with private import wines from Latin America. Miyako Sushi is one of best Japanese restaurants in the area with good service and prices that won’t make you squirm. Other higher-end restaurants in the area include the amazing BYOB O’Thyme, mediterranean-style Ella Grill, and the open-kitchen Kitchenette.

If you’re looking for something a little more on the casual side try Quebec classic St-Hubert, the always tasty Resto Pub St. André, La Piazzetta, Mozza (BYOB) or village favorite Saloon (complete with cute waiters.) You can dine your way across the globe in the Gay Village, with some international cuisine like Couscoussiere d’Ali Baba, the Korean rice bar Be Bap (BYOB), and the insanely yummy NosThés Bistro which offers up great value Taiwanese with an impressive selection of exotic tea.

During the summer Montreal’s patios bloom to life. Restaurants with great open air seating include Bistro Florin graced by a large poplar tree, or Sky with huge pitchers of Sangria on the rooftop. One of the highest rated restaurants in Montreal on TripAdvisor (coming in at #8) is located a block east of the Gay Village called Le Grain de Sel. It has a neighbourhood vibe with some exquisite French cuisine. Want a sleazy one night stand with a burger? Five Guys Burgers on Saint Catherine is all the meat you’ll need.

Finding a fun, local watering hole in Montreal’s Gay Village is probably the easiest thing you’ll do all week. Every block has at least some sort of bar/lounge that will satisfy your thirst and preference. Starting with the always lovely Gotha Lounge, it’s intimate with a fireplace and a big beautiful bar. Try not to be deceived by initial appearances, Bar Relaxe on Sainte-Catherine is a solid place to grab a quick drink and chit chat with a friend. One of the hidden gems near the Gay Village is a little door and staircase right outside Berri-Uqam metro called l’Escalier. Escalier is filled with chill people, cheap beer, with nooks and chairs to get lost in.
Drinking with a purpose always feels more productive, so flipping through the extensive song list (and settling on any Celine Dion) at the Village karaoke bars Club Date and Cocktail will be an easily achievable goal. If you’re a man’s man looking for other men, Bar Le Stud and l’Aigle Noir cater to a slightly more beefy demographic. Grabbing a drink while taking in one of Mado’s famous Drag Shows is particularly popular with students on Tuesday nights, due to the cheaper cover. The deadliest cocktail list in the Village is at Saloon, I suggest trying the “Bangkok.” I’m sure there was no pun intended when the owners named it.

Generally the consensus among frequent nightlife patrons is the Gay Village has some of the best dancing in town. Big open floors, flashy light shows, and people who, you know, actually dance. Club Unity is big on Friday nights filled with a young college crowd grinding to Top 40, while Saturday brings a slightly more mature crowd and House music. Apollon sits inside a stunning building (a former post office) and is worth going any night between Thursday and Sunday. The crowd is mixed, the bartenders are shirtless, and the space is a fun place to explore. Especially the basement level called Katakombs. Complex Sky has several dance floors, a gentle crowd, and music that fluctuates in quality depending on the room you find yourself in.
Even after the regular clubs close, if you’re still itching to move, the Gay Village has two afterhours clubs you can hit. Stereo is renowned for its sound system and weekly lineup of world-class DJ’s, and Circus does its name honour after the clubs close. Don’t forget to grab breakfast on your way home at Chez Cora, L’Oeufrier or Resto du Village!

While wining, dining, and dancing is always a good time for a Friday night, it’s those Sunday afternoons in a coffee shop reminiscing about that wild night out that are often the most enjoyable. There are a bundle of cozy cafés for your latté sipping pleasure in the Gay Village. Autour d’un pain is the best-smelling café because it also doubles as a bakery.

There are the chain coffee shops like Starbucks, Second Cup, Java U, Tim Hortons and Presse Cafe, but why would you bother when you could support local small business by going to places like Le Pouce Gourmand, De Farine et d’Eau Fraiche, Pourquoi Pas, and 1000 grammes (formally known as Kilo). La Mie Matinale is filled with handsome men, sandwiches, coffee, treats, and pictures of singer/actress Dalida, so naturally it’s worth every minute and dollar spent there.

Starting with White Party Week (March 28-April 1) there will be lots happening in the Village during these busy few days. Also in March, ARTSIDA and the Edgy Women’s Festival will be taking place throughout Montreal. The real festivals begin in the summer though, when the Village transforms into a pedestrian boulevard with patios, performers, and people watching. Divers/Cité will take place July 30-August 4, followed by Fierté Montreal Pride, August 12-18. Fierté Montreal Pride week will see Community Day, Dyke March, and free concerts draw huge crowds to the Village. Check out some highlights from the full summer festival season in Montreal:

While not all festivals happen in the Gay Village, all of them are LGBT-friendly. All of January and into February, Montreal will be spending hours outdoors dancing at Igloofest, the coolest electronic music festival ever. Following in February is Montreal en Lumiere with Nuit Blanche, a celebration of culture in the Plateau, Old Port and Downtown. The summer season includes Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs, and Completement Cirque!

There are two primary shopping arteries in the Gay Village. Saint-Catherine that runs west-east and Amherst going north-south. Amherst is filled with many antique shops and stores that specialize in home decor like Cité Deco, Montréal Moderne, Spoutnik, and Second Chance. If you’re strolling down Saint-Catherine and hunting for something a little kinky, Priape and Fetish Armada are both high-quality stores with all the leather and rubber you could shake a stick at. For men’s clothing check out Evolution, Podium, Ernest, or the very cool Boutique Osez just off Saint-Catherine on Wolfe.
If you’re in the market for art, stop by the galleries in the area: Galerie Dentaire (yes, doubles as a dentist’s office), Galerie Hermine, Galerie Nowhere, and Zephyr. All can be found dotted along Amherst. Last but not least, if you’re looking to buy something for a little furry friend, Doggy Style on Amherst is stocked with bones and toys!

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(New Year’s Eve) Welcome a brand-new year in true Montreal style: the Montreal Buzz Guide to New Year’s Eve in Montreal offers an array of ideas, from five-course meals to pub crawls, family-friendly outings in the Old Port to champagne-fuelled comedy shows, jazz clubs to multi-room parties, and all kinds of late-night dancing. New Year’s Eve in Montreal is a party no matter what your idea of a party is.

(festive food) Montreal has become a destination for feasting on gourmet comfort food, especially for meat eaters, from pork belly to tourtière. The SAT Foodlab throws an end-of-the-world, prix-fixe dinner, Souper Apocalyptique, on December 21. And then there’s the Christmas Day tradition, mostly among people who don’t celebrate Christmas but also among people who just want to eat a lot of good food, of going for a huge Chinese lunch or dinner: lots of duck, hot soup, fried seafood, dumplings and house specialties. Follow it up with sweetness: chocolates, truffles, freshly baked bread, croissants and more, all made in Montreal.

(last-minute shopping) Get one-of-a-kind gifts at the biggest craft and artisinal fair in Canada, Salon des métiers d’art, where over 400 Quebec artists and artisans set up booths full of professionally handmade clothing, toys, home decor, food and much more – at Place Bonaventure only until December 22. Our Holiday Gift Guide is also full of Montreal-made ideas and suggestions for stores to shop for everyone on your list. Of course, picking up a little something for yourself couldn’t hurt, right? Peruse the guides for fashion-forward women and men before hitting the shops.

(super-entertainment on stage) Let Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco blow your mind with gasp-worthy acrobatics, genuinely funny clowning, and feats of strength and stamina, all in one bright, colourful, musical show. What makes this run super special is that it’s the last time Santimbanco – see it until December 30 at the Bell Centre. Also in circus happenings, Cirque Alphonse’s Timber! turns Montreal circus centre Tohu into in a Christmas-y forest populated by lumberjack acrobats, clowns and laughs, on until December 31. And the traditional, balletic holiday fare Les Grands Ballets’ The Nutcracker continues to December 30 at Place des Arts.

(outdoor fun) Even in winter, Montrealers spend time outdoors, burning off steam (and calories) with winter sports or just walking through the city – there’s plenty to see, and this time of year much of it is illuminated. On Saturday night at 8 p.m. and on New Year’s Eve at midnight, the Telus Fire on Ice fireworks explode over the picturesque Old Port, also home to a huge outdoor skating rink. Families will also want to check out Noël sur l’avenue along Mont Royal Avenue east of Mont Royal Park, and the further-east Olympic Park Winter Village, where from December 22-24 and again December 27-31, kids and adults alike can go ice skating and sledding, hang out with Rudolph and the other reindeer, sing Christmas songs and more – there are even fireworks on December 31.

(music nights) In the holiday tradition: hear the Notre-Dame Basilica organ in action on December 23-24 and 28-31 at 2 p.m., join the Arte Musica choral concert Let’s Sing Christmas! at the Montreal Fine Arts Museum on December 28-29, 2 p.m., and listen to choirs at the Montreal Botanic Gardens greenhouse on the afternoons of December 22-23. Less traditional: Party with the locals at the Third Annual Passovah Holiday Special on December 21 at Casa del Popolo, with bands, DJs and good, good people. The Objet Inusité International Summit on Audio Art is on at Eastern Bloc on December 21, with installations during the day and performances at 8 p.m., culminating December 22 with a bang at Sala Rossa with arty, fun music from Valleys, UN, Agor, Orkestar Kriminal ad DJ Matteo Grondini. On December 22, Indie Montréal throws a fab fundraiser Christmas Party at Divan Orange with David Martel , Ainsley McNeaney and Motel Raphaël. And fans of Alexisonfire either already have a ticket to their sold out shows or will be outside at Metropolis December 22 and 23 trying their luck getting one. And long-time UK punk band Snuff make it to Foufounes on December 30.

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We’ll begin with one of the epicenters of New Year’s Eve partying in Montreal: the Sir Winston Churchill Pub Complex, which is comprised of three popular spots on bar-and-nightclub-clustered Crescent Street. For their part, Winnies Bar will ring in the New Year with the help of singing DJ Sandy Duperval spinning house – advance tickets are available for only 20 bills and include champagne.

The adjoining Karina’s Club Lounge and piano bar steps things up a notch, offering a five-course meal accompanied by a live piano and a dance party hosted by DJ Tag. Their $79.95 ticket also comes with a glass of champagne at midnight. And in the Sir Winston Churchill Pub proper they’re promising the “ultimate” NYE courtesy of DJ Jeff Lauzon, who will be spinning Top 40 club hits, old school R&B and house. For a limited time only tickets are $20 and include, of course, champagne.

Are your end-of-year appetites hungering for lively jazz and blues and an equally exciting menu? If you decide on the perennially classy Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill, you’ll be picking a winner that makes a regular habit of picking its own winners. To wit, Upstairs has again this year invited Dawn Tyler Watson, a six-time consecutive winner of the Quebec Lys Blues Award for Best Female Artist to provide the sultry soundtrack for your good time. And while Watson takes care of your cerebral needs, the Upstairs grill will gratify gastronomic imperatives with a three-course meal that is included in the $134.95 ticket price. It all gets cookin’ at 8 pm.

Not to be outdone, Montreal’s House of Jazz dinner club (formerly the storied Biddle’s, a mainstay for many top-shelf Montreal jazz players of yore) is offering a five-course spread, with dinner followed by dancing courtesy of the Carolyn Fe Blues Collective featuring special guests Graham Chambers and Daniel Prévost. This soulful soirée goes for $114.95.

If you fancy a pub crawl, popular Crescent Street brew pub Brutopia will be celebrating the passing of 2012 with Montreal five-piece Kebeko who, in the band’s own words, “well-illustrate the cultural diversity of Montreal with a mix of rock, world music, Quebecois folk and a lot of groove.” The $10 admission includes party favours and a burst of the bubbly at midnight. MTL’s self-proclaimed oldest Irish pub, The Old Dublin is no stranger to a party, and on Dec. 31 will play host to old-school rock’n’roll outfit Flashback. It’s all covers, but without the cover charge. And the Irish Embassy Pub and Grill is, oddly but engagingly, offering a Mardi-Gras themed New Year’s party with live music courtesy of The Jack.

Speaking of Mardi Gras, as well as odd and engaging, Cirque de Boudoir – who specialize in unique thematic events that cater to the senses, mixing and matching elements of circus, burlesque, electronic dance music and fetishism – bring a New Orleans theme to their Carnavalesque 2013 New Year’s brain burner, which takes place at Bain Mathieu, an old public pool converted into a multipurpose arts and party place. Tickets are $60 (free drinks until midnight) and $85 (for open bar all night). Things get wonderfully weird beginning at 9 pm.

Montreal’s two principle comedy clubs – Comedyworks and The Comedy Nest – have got the funny for your money on New Year’s Eve. The Comedy Nest features The Late Show veteran Jeff Caldwell in their special New Year’s show (“which always sells out”), which boasts special comedic guests, party favours, a champagne toast at midnight, a light buffet and goes for $49.50 and gets underway at 10 pm. For their part, Comedyworks has two shows featuring much-loved Montreal comic Mike Paterson (who captains weekly stand-up nights on every Tuesday) at the helm of a cast of some of Montreal’s best hilarity-makers. Each show is a $20 ticket, and following the second show the party will move downstairs to Jimbo’s pub where there will be DJs and dancing and carefree carousing.

If serious is more to your taste, as in serious partying, then many of Montreal’s premiere dance clubs are stepping to the fore once again. As would be expected, Circus Afterhours is going big with an international lineup of top-tier DJs, including Orjan Nilsen, Leon Bolier, Jay Lumen, Koen Groeneveld and Uppercut. Tickets are $60 in advance and $85 at the door, which opens at 10 pm. Arena Rendez-Vous NYE 2013 (located in the former Montreal Forum) plans to let the genies out of the bottles a bit earlier, with open bar from 8-11 pm, followed by a “huge” balloon drop, party favours and a live countdown from Times Square on the big screens, all for only $30. And finally, rising U.K. dirty house and soulful techno DJ Nicole Moudaber returns to Stereo to anchor their NYE dance floor.

While the term “high” certainly has relative applications as it relates to clubland, when it comes to Altitude Club 737, atop Montreal’s distinctive 47-storey Place Ville Marie building, high is simply about location, location, location. And sadly for fans of the sky-based bar, this NYE party begins the countdown to the end of the club which, after 18 years, officially closes on Jan. 1 following the expiration of their lease. Starting at $55 a ticket, all attendees can avail themselves of VIP treatment from 8-11 pm, and arguably the best view in town all night, for one last night.

Sister venues Casa del Popolo and Sala Rossa – located directly opposite one another on Saint-Laurent – provide affordable New Year’s support of first resort for the city’s indie scenesters again this year. At Casa, DJs Mark Slutsky and Raf K bring their no-pressure cooker back to both rooms for their annual spectacular. Across the street, perpetual-motion hip-hop/funk/soul/jazz collective The Goods – conceived a decade ago by DJs Scott C and Andy Williams – will put dance in the pants of all comers commencing at 10 pm.

And for those who like to put their hair up, two legendary punk bands from both near and afar will be moshing in the New Year in Montreal. Indefatigable L.A. skate punksNOFX, who celebrated their 30^th (!) anniversary in 2013, will play a “New Year’s Heave” show at the Olympia Theater with similarly awesomely elderly Brit punks Snuff, The Creepshow and The BCASA. Local punk scene legends Ripcordz continue with a tradition of their own making in the form of the Ripcordz Annual Punk New Years Eve featuring special guests Ab Irato, Sale Gauloise, Talk Sick and Bastard 86 at Café Chaos. Get in the holiday spirit of things by wearing your best and brightest Christmas tree studs. Tix are only 10 bones, and the show blows off the doors starting at 9 pm sharp.

They call themselves Montreal’s “best open bar party,” and for the past 14 years they’ve certainly been a contender for that title. Featuring 10 bars arrayed around Club Soda in the Quartier des Spectacles, the annual Fluid party offers a “leave your wallet at home” policy, meaning that in addition to all drinks, even tips are covered with your entry fee, which ranges according to how much attention you need: tickets start at $84.99 (entry, coat check and tips covered) and go up to a whopping $1,999.99 (a 10-person package that includes full bottle service, champagne all night, and a promise of absolution from whatever higher power you observe). Dance music will be provided by DJ Yo-C, David A and more. Lift-off at 9 pm.

Also competing for best open bar party is New Year’s XS Celebration. And if size matters, New Year’s XS may have the edge at an anticipated 6,000 partygoers filling what remains of the old Montreal Forum. Billing themselves as the “biggest all-inclusive party in Montreal history,” New Year’s XS features 12 international DJs spinning R&B, house, hip-hop, Top 40 and more in five themed rooms, 50 bartenders, midnight champagne, circus performers, body painters, a laser show and a “super-secret countdown surprise.” A one-way ticket to crazytown is $79, or $159 for a ticket and hotel.
And last but definitely not least, the Grand Bal in Montreal’s historic Old Port is one of the most-anticipated highlights of the holiday season. The Bal’s now expanded form includes numerous activities, but the main event (which is free to attend) on New Year’s Eve itself has youthful pop-rock-reggae outfit Raffy warming up the crowd in the central Place Jacques-Cartier from 10 pm until 11:59 pm, at which time the annual countdown will take place. At midnight the Telus “Fire on Ice” musical fireworks display will boom in the New Year, kicking of an outdoor dance party that will go until 2 a.m. If your outdoor winter activities don’t include the shaking of the booty, the Quays Skating Rink, with its own DJ, will stay open until 1 am on this special evening.

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All of the aforementioned New Year’s parties merely scratch the surface of everything that happens in a city that takes its celebrations seriously. So please, if you know of an event that didn’t get a mention here, please post all the pertinent details below in the comments section.

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Stereo Nightclub has been both listening and dancing gold – in large part due to its internationally renowned sound system with in-floor components – for Montreal clubgoers since its 1999 inception, and it’s embracing that idea as it heralds the coming of the New Year with its “In Gold We Trust” event, featuring D-Formation and ESP. Gold (jewellery, clothing, accessories, etc) is the theme of a night that promises “lots of surprises” and performances. There will be free champagne upon entry, and the first 100 tickets are only $50 when purchased online at the club’s website.

Live venue turned dance club (for New Year’s anyway) Sala Rossa has the goods, or rather The Goods, this December 31. The expansive, long-serving hip-hop/funk/soul/jazz/kitchen sink collective – founded in 2002 by DJs Scott C and Andy Williams – have, between the bunch of them, most of the accumulated Montreal party wisdom of the ages, and will put that experience to good sweaty-boogie use at Sala starting at 10pm. Elevating the vibe will be Moonstarr, The One Tash and DJ Kobal.

Perennially popular, low-key-cool St-Laurent hangout Blizzarts keeps it characteristically chill on the 31st with a party hosted by the omnipresent DL Jones and featuring DJs Jonnie Jungle and Hatchmatik. It’s only a tenner to get in, and they promise “champagne at midnight, no frills, good music and good times”. Easy like that.

Billed as “high school with a happy ending, and it’s queer, senior and couple-friendly too,” Mainline Theatre’s annual New Year’s Eve Slow Dance Party has become a fixture along Saint-Laurent in recent years. For a mere 10 wallflowers, participants can sway to all the slow-dance classics of their youth (whatever era of youth that might be). Individual dances with that person you may have had your eye on can even be reserved on the actual dance cards given out upon entry (and fast songs are played during intermissions so you can shake it off afterward). Dressing up is encouraged but not required, and the stairway to heaven is open as of 9pm.

Massive dance club Circus brings their usual “more is more” approach to their ambitious Odyssey 2012 New Year’s Eve event. Within the Circus complex, trance music will be featured in the Playroom House with DJs Leon Bolier, Jaytech, Heatbeat, Wezz Devall, Omar El Gamal and Hollow Earth. In Xroom it’s American progressive house DJ Tom Stephan, a.k.a. Superchumbo, Étienne Ozborne and Stéfane Lippé. DJ Highestpoint will be spinning techno in the Gallery space, and DJs Geo Bukk, Marc Remillard and Subtone will be warming up the Chill Room with dubstep selections. Pre-sale tix are $60 apiece, or $85 at the door.

It’s, according to them anyway, Montreal’s #1 DJ, Sandy Duperval, at the Sir Winston Churchill Pub – or simply Winnie’s, as the long-running Crescent Street mainstay is affectionately known to its habitués. DJ Duperval will be spinning house and her own mixes, and the $75 ticket (which can be purchased online or at the door) includes open bar from 9pm until 3am, and access to two floors (Winnie’s as well as Karina`s Club Lounge, featuring DJ Danny Boy). The kitchen will be open until 11pm.

Montreal’s foremost martini and live R&B/soul music bar, the Jello Martini Lounge, rings in the New Year with their Glitz and Glamour party, which asks (but doesn’t insist) that partygoers dress-up 1950s Hollywood-style. Prizes will be awarded to the glitziest gal and most glamorous guy. As well, there will be a champagne toast at midnight, treats and snacks throughout, “Jello” shots and much more. Live dance music will be supplied courtesy of Dessy Di Lauro and her orchestra starting at 11pm. Advance tickets are $30, or $45 at the door.

Want to have an affair? Why not make it a Black Tie Affair when Belvedere Vodka presents The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Celebration 2012 at the endlessly classy, always timeless Time Supperclub. Admission during both supper and nightclub hours is $50 (which doesn’t cover the cost of the meal during dinner hours, which start at 7:30pm). Dinner reservations for must be confirmed by phone in advance at 514-392-9292.

They started partying like it was 1999 in, well, 1999, and since then Club Soda’s annual Fluid New Year’s party has only gotten bigger and badder. Your ticket – which ranges from $69 for a basic great time to $174.99 for the Platinum VIP Lounge with bottle service treatment – gets you 20-plus bartenders at nine different bars serving you drinks from 9 pm until 3 am. And best of all, your tips are included with the ticket price. Or maybe bestest of all, guest DJs from New York, Toronto and Montreal will be supplying the hip-hop, reggae and old-school anthems soundtrack to your unforgettable (depending on how hard you hit the open bar) New Year’s Eve.

The always-popular Brutopia brew pub downtown gets even more populist with a live music tribute to the tunes of Tom Petty, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen courtesy of the rarely-playing tribute group Tommy Youngsteen & The Million Dollar Band, a tongue-in-cheek ensemble comprised by members and former members of some of Canada’s foremost indie-rock bands, including The Sam Roberts Band, The Stills, The Stars and The Arkells. It’s only ten bills at the door, and that gets you champagne at midnight and what we are assured are “some really awesome party favours.”

Since they weren’t going home on New Year’s Eve, the owners of the beautifully reconditioned Rialto Theatre decided to go big instead, enlisting the services of hometown rock hero Michel Pagliaro (famous for hits like Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy and Rainshowers) as well Beatles tribute band REPLAY The Beatles. “Growing up as a teenager I loved listening to Michel Pagliaro’s music because it reminded me of my favourite band, The Beatles,” says John Oriettas, who performs as Paul McCartney in REPLAY. “So now getting to perform on the same stage and share the bill with Pag is a huge thrill and honour for me and the boys.” DJ Harold will be supplying danceable music throughout a night that’s been dubbed “vintage sounds at a vintage venue”. Your $100 ticket also gets you canapés and champagne all night, and the first 300 tickets will be awarded reserved table seating.

One of the most inviting and iconic rooms in town for either food or music, or preferably both in combination, the Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill downtown will be putting some heat at the feet of New Year’s Eve with a performance by consecutive six-time winner of the Quebec Lys Blues Award for Best Female Artist, Dawn Tyler Watson. Expect lively sets of jazz and blues, along with a three-course meal from the club’s highly-touted kitchen, for your $134.95 ticket.

“The only way to spend New Year’s Eve is either quietly with friends or in a brothel. Otherwise when the evening ends and people pair off, someone is bound to be left in tears.” – W.H. Auden. Nothing like invoking a little poetry in the pursuit of happiness, and DJs Slutsky and Raf K do exactly that in the open invite to their New Year’s Eve party, “which has been an annual wing-ding at the Casa del Popolo for… five, six years now, I can’t remember,” says Slutsky. “Anyway, it’s $10 before midnight and $15 after, with a free glass of champagne-style beverage – from a real oversized bottle! – at midnight. Lots of fun, low-presh, good times.” And you can leave the Kleenex at home.

Brace yourself for the “Train Wreck” New Year’s Eve smash-up at Il Motore. Anticipate out of control indie-rock and indie-tronica all night with DJs Jay Watts, Noah Bick and Compton Chic. Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 at the door, and drink specials will help keep your good times from getting derailed. And, for some reason, a free glow stick.

And we’ve saved the biggest for last: the annual Resolution New Year’s dance party at the Bell Centre, this edition of which, please note, takes place on the evening of January 1 and not December 31 (presumably because the two-week run of Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion only has its last performance on the 30, which wouldn’t allow enough time for changeover between events). Resolution 12 boasts four headlining DJs – Axwell (of Swedish House Mafia), Avicii, Gareth Emery and Dash Berlin – all of whom are in the top 15 of DJ Mag’s 2011 Top 100 DJ list. Local support includes DJs Cesar “Bass” Romero, Franco Fabi and Steve Agostino. Remaining tickets are $110.00 and start time is 9 pm.

Guest blogger Jamie O’Meara is a Montreal editor and journalist who covers arts, culture and music. Formerly the editor in chief of Hour Magazine, he is now an editor at Roverarts.com.

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Bistro Vü: Tucked away in a private marina, this multi-level restaurant and bar gets going in the evenings, as a sexy and mostly local crowd takes over the super comfortable couches and ottomans on the rooftop. It sits high above the water, facing Jacques Cartier Bridge and the Clock Tower Quay: the views are unbeatable! This is quite the party place, with the bar getting more attention than the downstairs bistro. On Sundays they host a party called 00SUN, with chaise lounges on a sun-filled deck for tanning and DJs playing from 4PM onwards. 550 de la Commune St. East, (514) 451-0866,

Café des Éclusiers: This open-air bar sits on top of the river, facing the Lachine canal and lots of greenery. It opens late morning, offering sun lovers loungers on vast deck. It’s a great spot for an afternoon drink, to cool off in the breeze from walking the hot streets of the city. At night it turns into a party spot, with DJs and plenty of scantily-clad girls. Another fun time to visit is on Sunday, when they host a boozy and hopping brunch. 400 De la Commune West (at McGill street), (514) 496-0109

Bota Bota: Why would I include a spa in this list of bars-by-the-water? First, because it’s one of the most incredible spas I’ve ever visited, scenery wise, as it occupies a funky boat with ultra-modern design and hot tubs on the deck overlooking transatlantic ships. Secondly, because a little-known fact about Bota Bota is that it has an on-board bistro serving lunch and drinks! The only catch: in order to eat there one must purchase a half-day pass ($45 on weekdays, $50 on weekends and holidays) and wear a bathing suit (robe and flip-flops optional!). Your best bet is to go early, enjoy the water circuit (wet and dry saunas, hot tubs, etc.) then head over to the bistro for a lovely lunch-by-the-river! They’re open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and on Tuesdays there’s a two-for-one deal. 358 De la Commune St. West, (514) 284-0333

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TERRASSE + HAPPY HOUR + PANORAMIC VIEWS

Altitude 737, Terrasse Place d’Armes, and Terrasse Nelligan: After a hardcore Canadian winter, Montreal’s favourite pastime is simply chillin’ outside with good friends and choice libations. If you’re new to the city, you may want to head first to Altitude 737 Restaurant Club Lounge atop the Place Ville Marie, which is that downtown skyscraper built in the shape of a cross. In good weather on Thursdays and Fridays, enjoy a cinq-à-sept drink (“happy hour” from 5pm to 7pm), 47 floors up in the air!  You’ll also discover a restaurant (open for lunch and dinner) and nightclub that offer panoramic views of the city, putting you at eye level with the peak of Mont Royal.

If you’re looking to hang out with the cool crowd, venture into Old Montreal to Terrasse Nelligan – the cherry on top of Hotel Nelligan.  Rub elbows with the city’s young professionals and take in the urban skyline around you. This posh patio closes at 11pm, so if you’re up (no pun intended) for a night-cap, walk over a few blocks and take the elevator at Suite 701 straight up to the Terrasse Place d’Armes at Hotel Place d’Armes, which is open till 3am, weather permitting. They’ve recently added a nice retractable awning, so don’t let the rain keep you away. Cocktail tip: I like the raspberry mojito.

TERRASSE + FREE OUTDOOR POOL + PAID BAR

La Terrasse Magnétic: Hotel de la Montagne’s La Terrasse Magnétic is a much more lively spot (read: pick-up joint) with enough good-looking people and hard bodies to make you feel like an outsider if you fit into neither category. There’s no change room or locker, so you’ll have to do your quick change in the washroom and keep your stuff by your side. Here, it’s BYOT (towel), or you can borrow one with a $10 deposit. The pool has a capacity of 57 and is open from 11:30am to 3am until Labour Day weekend (Sept. 4, 2011), and gets crazy busy whenever the sun is out. They only allow up to 203 people up there, so check the weather report in advance if you hope to nab a good spot. Admission is free but you have to order something at the bar or resto. And it’s 18 years or older only after 8pm. Best nights for happy hour are Wednesdays through Saturdays, but if it’s hot on a Monday, you can bet it’s a happy – and crowded – Monday.

TERRASSE + FIREWORKS + ENTERTAINMENT

Terrasse sur l’Auberge: People always ask me where’s the best spot to watch the fireworks. Personally, I like to go to Pont Jacques Cartier or La Ronde. I did recently go, however, to Terrasse sur l’Auberge to try their dinner-plus-fireworks special. This is a hidden gem that fills up very quickly so make sure to reserve ahead. Guests get a fixed menu, bar service and the opportunity to enjoy the fireworks with an unrestricted view – and all this while comfortably seated.

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THE DETAILS

Altitude 737 Restaurant Club Lounge, 4 Place Ville Marie, (514) 397-0737

Bar Soleil, 900 rue de la Gauchetière ouest, (514) 878-2332

Terrasse Magnétic, 1430 rue de la Montagne, (514) 288-5656

Terrasse Nelligan, 100 rue Saint-Paul ouest, (514) 788-4000

Terrasse Place d’Armes, 701 côte de la Place d’Armes, (514) 904-1201

Terrasse sur l’Auberge, 97 rue de la Commune East, (514) 876-0081

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Here, I’ve narrowed down this city’s finest drinking establishments to a choice handful. This list works well for (a) Little Miss Thang who needs a little ambience with her boisson and (b) any guy looking to please his lady—or looking for a lady to please. Either way, come dressed to impress.

PULLMAN straddles both Downtown and the Plateau, so I never really can pinpoint or predict the crowd. It’s definitely older one, except for the few McGill kids that stick out like sore thumbs. Pullman is a wine bar, a fact that is artistically represented by the wineglass chandelier over the main bar. Sommelier Gabriel served us a COIMBRA, a sangria-ish drink named after its namesake city in Portugal. A refreshing mix of porto blanc, lime and tonic, this refreshing glass has sunny-day-on-the-beach written all over it – mind you, sunny-day-on-the-beach wearing an Armani Collezioni caftan, oversized DVF shades and a floppy hat.

Next stop was SUITE 701 LOUNGE in Old Montreal. As the bar is connected to chic boutique hotel Place d’Armes, we entered a jet-setter hangout frequented by young professionals staying at the establishment. Housed in a former bank (St-Jacques, the street upon which the bar sits, was the Wall Street of Montreal way back in the day), you can still smell money in the air, and I’m not referring to the fancy-schmancy shoes of the fashionistas present. Behind the bar, Julien from France is the resident mixologist. He made us something he calls Le Royal Sour, which is a “Montreal version of a whisky sour.” Julien chose Crown Royal (a Canadian bourbon) and instead of sugar poured in maple syrup. In went some Grand Marnier and lemon juice, then a little bit of shaky-shaky, and out came drink number two. Nowhere close to the female-favourite Cosmo or Singapore Sling, but definitely sweet (read: girly) enough to sip through a straw. (PS- there’s is a nearby elevator that beams you up to one of the sexiest, scenic rooftops in the city.)

Happy Hour (a.k.a. the 5-a-7) at VAUVERT inside the swank Hotel St-Paul draws a lot of young suits and sexy-taries from the surrounding office buildings who come here to bitch about their bosses at the long window-lit bar that is artfully balanced by dripping black paint and Tinkerbell lights suspended from the ceiling. Some settle in and stay for dinner, this being a supperclub – an ideal situation if you like your dinner music coming from an electro DJ. Hakim, our bartender, has worked all over, including the private parties for Montreal hot shot Guy Laliberté (Cirque du Soleil founder/owner/gajillionaire), and therefore knows the delicacy of a Champagne mixer. He muddled for us some Grey Goose La Poire and lemon, topped it up with bubbly, and tossed in a few basil leaves. At the time the drink still had no name; Hakim was thinking of calling it Garden Party, but Sophie and I decided to baptize it the HICKEY. Why? Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies.

By the time I navigated my five-inch heels to PHILEMON on St-Paul Street, there was a line-up! Luckily I caught my friend Daniel Notkin, oyster king about town, who was in the midst of a delivery. He made the necessary calls to let us skip the line. Inside—it’s worth the queue, believe me—our bartender Lucas served us each a Tequila Old Fashioned: tequila, agave syrup, bitters, and lime zest. Said the cutie (girls, he’s a looker), “I thought of making a typical girly drink, but I thought this would be way more interesting.” Not sure if it was my current state of mind, the bitters, or the high school tequila flashback, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. That’s a good thing, although five minutes later I was suddenly regretting my choice in footwear.

I’d organized the evening of gallivanting to end at Baldwin Barmacie in my own ‘hood. That way, I could just walk home. At my home-away-from-home (only with nicer furniture), I buddied up to big bro bartender Filippo who always looks Old School spiffy in his black vest and white shirt. Sophie has friends who work at Baldwin’s, too, so it was like one big family hangout. The final drink of the night was a Bourbon Punch, a tangy blend of cranberry juice with a shot of bourbon – hello! – and a sprig of fresh mint. Delicious—with a zing! But now I think I know where the word “punch” comes from. Yep, five cocktails can hit you hard. (Truthfully, I’m not counting all the little drinks in between. This I learned from Sophie: Ask—flutter your eyelashes—and you shall receive). Let’s just say, the last word I managed to mumble that night was “Taxi!”

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THE DETAILS

Pullman , 3424 Parc, (514) 288-7779

Suite 701 Lounge, 701 côte de la Place d’Armes, (514) 904-1201

Vauvert, 355 McGill, (514) 876-2823

Philemon, 111 St-Paul West, (514) 289-3777

Baldwin Barmacie, 115 Laurier West, (514) 276-4282

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What makes a bar special? It’s simple. A good bartender. And, what makes a good bartender? Well, it’s more than a heavy hand and an enduring belief in free drinks.  You also need to know your drinks and your clientele. Montrealers love their bartenders, so much that I’ve even heard some refer to them as “nurse.”  This isn’t just a term of endearment, it’s a testament to the bond between some Montrealers and their bartenders- and it’s proof that sometimes a good bartender is the best medicine. Here are some of the best Drink Doctors in Montreal:

1. Mike at Hurley’s: What makes this dashing Irishman special is that he’s exactly who you hope to see serving whisky behind the bar at an Irish pub. He’s got a thick Irish brogue, he makes a hearty Irish Car bomb and he’s so easy on the eyes that it looks like he’s not even a real bartender, he just plays one on TV.  Go to Hurley’s, have a whiskey and see for yourself.

2. Luc at Romolo: If you’re in the mood for a watering hole that has a tranquil neighbourhood feel by day but a bar scene at night, try Mile End’s Romolo. It’s generally dark and quiet during the week, except of course when there’s a Hab’s game on. Whether it’s an afternoon coffee or a nightcap, the staff always make you feel welcome. If you’re lucky to catch resident barkeep Luc (Thursday or most weekend nights), you won’t be disappointed. Romolo is a no-frills affair, or in his words, “a beer and whiskey place- you’re not going to get a lobster bisque martini or anything.” Instead, you’re going to get a straight shooter who can make a mean Whisky Sour. Romolo is by no means a wine bar, but Luc can always recommend the best of what they’ve got and with ambience and prices like this, it’s more than good enough.

3. Racean at Blizzarts: Blizzarts can be casual and laid back but with the right DJ, the bar can spiral into dance party madness. To help with the transition from a nice sit down affair to a full throttle party is the lovely Racean. Not just a pretty face, but a nice pretty face who is known for her summertime Mojito’s and having fresh ingredients when they’re available. For refreshments during the St. Laurent Street Fair or if you just want to whet your whistle, she’s your gal.

4. Melissa or Filipo at the Baldwin Barmacie are tied. I just couldn’t choose between them. Melissa has great hair and her signature drink is called a Juicy Pussy, which is a drink that isn’t entirely made with all fresh ingredients, but she does what she can. Filipo’s signature drink is a bracing Campari Grapefruit Soda, but he also makes a killer Mojito. Drinks made by these two are always the gold standard of swank cocktails.

5. Kyle at Stogies: If you’re looking for a bar that has a great selection of drinks and a convenient location, try Kyle at Stogies. Stogies is a multi level downtown bar/club that even boasts a cigar lounge if you have a hankering for one. However, Kyle generally works downstairs where he can craft you a killer martini (from their selection of 101) and if that’s not your thing then you can simply enjoy a single malt scotch from their dizzying selection or perhaps, as the photo above suggests, 8 perfectly poured Guinness.

Guest Blogger: Sophie Naima Caird

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THE DETAILS

Hurley’s Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent Street

Baldwin Barmacie, 115 Laurier Street West

Cafe Romolo, 272 Bernard West

Blizzarts, 3956 St Laurent Blvd

Stogies Cigar Lounge, 2015 Crescent Street

Photo Credit: Kyle at Stogies- Val Prudnikov

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