This weekend, January 20-22, has it all: ballet, dancing, electro bands, The Habs and even a little sunshine imported directly Cuba…

[Ice Dancing] Igloofest: Once again the Old Port’s Igloofest tops our weekend party options. Click here to see a video of one of our bloggers’ initiation into this very “a la Montreal” event…

[Ballet] BJM Danse, which was formerly known as Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal), gives you lots of bang for your ballet buck with a bill that includes works from Mauro Bigonzetti, Cayetano Soto and Ochoa at Theatre Maisoneuve.

[Bright Lights] Pixiness: Why not wander down to the SAT to see their super cool new interactive light display…

[Electro MTL] Montreal’s Chromeo take over Metropolis on Friday night with an opening set from the decidedly charming outfit The Suzan.

[The Habs] The Montreal Canadiens play the Anaheim Ducks at the Bell Centre on Saturday night. If you haven’t scored tickets, here are 10 spots where you can catch the game.

[Under the Cuban Sun] The Botanical Garden offers you a chance to leave the winter behind, with photos, videos and texts taken from Brother Marie-Victorin’s (the Garden’s founder) many trips down to Cuba.

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[Party Time] IGLOOFEST: If you’re wondering where Montrealers are going to be getting down this weekend, look no further…

[Foodie Fun] HAPPENING GOURMAND: New York may have “restaurant week” but Montreal has “Happening Gourmand”, which is a bunch of great restos offering food at an entirely reasonable price…

[Vroom Vroom] MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL CAR SHOW: From concept cars to test drives, Montreal car lovers have one thing on their minds this weekend…

[Winter Wonderland] GET ACTIVE: Click the link and figure out how, why and where to do something fun, outdoorsy and athletic this weekend…

[Indie Rocking] TOKYO POLICE CLUB AND PS. I LOVE YOU: Two of Canada’s buzziest bands join forces to rock your weekend into submission…

[The Theatre] THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE: Nothing like a (brilliant) comedy about Irish terrorists and their cats to set the mood for your weekend…

[Date Night] TABLE FOR 2: If you and that special someone in your life are in need of a romantic night on the town, here are a some great suggestions…

The post THIS WEEKEND IN MONTREAL (JANUARY 14 TO 16) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

If you’re in town for Christmas this year, there’s no need to hide away in your hotel room. Grab your bag and hit the town!

Here are a slew of things to do this weekend in Montreal.

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[foodie fun] CHRISTMAS DINNER – There are a selection of hotels that are offering up scrumptious Christmas menus. Let someone else stuff the turkey.

[christmas mass] NOTRE-DAME BASILICA – The stunning church in Old Montreal holds three Christmas Eve services: 7:00, 9:30 & midnight. It is a truly international celebration where locals and visitors gather each year to celebrate the season.

[christmas mass] ORATOIRE ST-JOSEPH – If the recent Canonization of Brother André doesn’t peak your interest, then the stunning views of the oratoire over Montreal’s North end certainly will. A selection of services over the weekend to choose from.

[touring] CHRISTMAS FOODS – Montreal markets are an ideal place to seek out the ingredients for a traditional or modern holiday feats, as well as little treasures to bring for those back home.

[cirque du soleil] QUIDAM – “A nameless passer-by, a solitary figure, a person rushing past. It could be anyone, anybody. The one who cries out, sings and dreams within us all. This is the “quidam” that Cirque du Soleil is celebrating.” We have no idea what that means, but heck Cirque du Soleil could do a tribute to toe jam and somehow it would be magical!

[holiday cheer] OLD MONTREAL’S EXTRAVAGANZA – If you enjoy festive lights, holiday caroling, skating rinks and all sorts of wintery delights, then you’re in luck. Even the Grinchiest-of-heart stand no chance.

[gay life] DJ ANA PAULA – Brazil’s sexiest DJ will be providing the beats for those who like their Boxing Day with a bit of a punch.

[ballet] THE NUTCRACKER – Nothing is more festive then watching grown men prance around in tight mouse costumes. Besides, Christmas isn’t officially celebrated until you’ve heard some Tchaikovsky

[holiday cheer] ROMANTIC OPTIONS – The mixture of Christmas lights, snowflakes and European charm help create a romantic wintry setting that is hard to match anywhere else in North America. We’ve got seven suggestions to add a bit of romance to your trip.

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Feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? We recommend calling in sick to your life and getting on a plane to Montreal.

A weekend getaway with us will provide the escape you need to make it to the end of the year. Besides, we’ve got circus folk waiting to entertain you!

Here are our weekend recommendations.

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[cirque du soleil] QUIDAM – “A nameless passer-by, a solitary figure, a person rushing past. It could be anyone, anybody. The one who cries out, sings and dreams within us all. This is the “quidam” that Cirque du Soleil is celebrating.” We have no idea what that means, but heck Cirque du Soleil could do a tribute to toe jam and somehow it would be magical!

[holiday cheer] OLD MONTREAL’S EXTRAVAGANZA – If you enjoy festive lights, holiday caroling, skating rinks and all sorts of wintery delights, then you’re in luck. Even the Grinchiest-of-heart stand no chance.

[history lesson] YOURS TRULY, MONTREAL – In 18 easy minutes, you can get a grasp of how Montreal was born. This is perfect for our contemporary twitter-esque attention spans.

[foodie fun] CHRISTMAS GIFTS – Planning to come to Montreal this weekend? If you have friends and family back home who are into eating, you’re in luck. Montreal is a veritable treasure trove of gifts for the seen-it-all-tasted-it-all foodie.

[spa] BOTA BOTA – The newest spa in Montreal is absolutely stunning. Located on a boat in Montreal’s Old Port, you can sit on the deck in a jacuzzi tub and let snowflakes fall on your eyelashes. This is a HOT ticket right now, so reservations are a must.

[concert] BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE – You need more baroque pop in your life. Thankfully the BSS is in Montreal this weekend to deliver. Tip: wear a bowtie with your converse sneakers.

[gay life] MEC PLUS ULTRA – The theme of Montreal’s hottest “out-of-village” gay par-tay this week is “Electric Youth.” I hear that Debbie Gibson will be making a special appearance. Actually that’s a lie. I didn’t hear that at all.

[theatre] SILICONE DIARIES – Some brave individuals choose their own body as their canvas. Nina Arsenault is one of these individuals. Tickets going very fast.

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The post THIS WEEKEND IN MONTREAL (DECEMBER 17 TO 19) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

The snow has officially arrived in Montreal, making everything look like it’s dusted in icing sugar. It’s rather magical.

Montrealers don’t let the winter weather stop them from having exciting weekends. And you shouldn’t either.

Here are ten weekend recommendations!

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[holiday cheer] OLD MONTREAL’S EXTRAVAGANZA – If you enjoy festive lights, holiday caroling, skating rinks and all sorts of wintery delights, then you’re in luck. Even the Grinchiest-of-heart stand no chance.

[concert] ALEXISONFIRE – I don’t know exactly what “post-hardcore” means, but if you do, or if you love Juno-nominated rock bands, then you should really go to this show.

[foodie fun] TEA @ BIRKS – Among the dazzling array of jewels and designer watches is an opportunity for tea. Mix in some macaroons (or champagne) and a couple of your best girlfriends, and voila, you have a party!

[party] LUXE – A sistafriendly take on a classic house & disco vibe: good music, good people, good vibes. At one of our fave venues in Old Montreal. Wear something luxurious.

[ballet] THE NUTCRACKER – Nothing is more festive then watching grown men prance around in tight mouse costumes. Besides, Christmas isn’t officially celebrated until you’ve heard some Tchaikovsky.

[theatre] URBAN TALES – An anti-holiday ritual of gritty stories for mature audiences done up in an intimate setting – cabaret style. Your perfect break from the joyous commercial frenzy.

[outdoor adventure] ICE SKATING – Glide arm and arm with a loved one, play pick-up hockey with some goons you just met or just freeze standing up for a while before getting some hot chocolate.

[gay life] TITS THE SEASON – If burlesque had a younger trashy tranny sister in need of Ritalin, it would be Glam Gam productions. I can’t help but love these evenings of debauchery. You should love them, too. Just don’t sit in the front row.

[testosterone] UFC 124 – It’s an option. That’s all I’m sayin’.

[holiday cheer] ROMANTIC OPTIONS – The mixture of Christmas lights, snowflakes and European charm help create a romantic wintry setting that is hard to match anywhere else in North America. We’ve got 7 suggestions to add a bit of romance to your trip.

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The post THIS WEEKEND IN MONTREAL (DECEMBER 10 TO 12) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Get cultured. Get hungry. Get festive. Get your drink on.

Whatever you do, get yourself to Montreal this weekend.

Here are ten superb things to do while your here.

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[music & art] FRIDAY NOCTURNE – This month’s museum feature is Courtney Wing, a multi-instrumentalist and composer of orchestral folk pieces (pictured above). Watch the show, then walk through the Contemporary Art Museum. Become more cultured-like.

[contemporary dance] HYMN TO THE UNIVERSE – Psychedelic dance meets legendary big band that brings the audience to a different plain of existence. Intriguing. Bewitching. Dancy.

[shopping] SMART DESIGN MART – A curated showcase of unique offerings from young, talented designers & vintage treasures. Your friends will think you’re cool if you come home with something designed in Montreal. For realz.

[family goodness] TRAVEL WITH POSTCARDS – The Canadian Centre for Architecture invites the whole family out to create a world tour through postcards. It’s never too early to start encouraging the adventure gene!

[holiday cheer] OLD MONTREAL’S EXTRAVAGANZA – If you enjoy festive lights, holiday caroling, skating rinks and all sorts of wintery delights, then you’re in luck. Even the Grinch-iest-of-heart stand no chance.

[classical music] VOICES OF HOPE – A World AIDS Day Benefit Concert to raise funds for La Maison du Parc. It is a great way to see some very talented musicians while supporting a very worthy cause.

[foodie fun] CHOCOLATE HUNTING – ‘Tis the season to eat sinful foods. These are three of our favorite chocolate shops to get your fix!

[fashion] EXPOSITION O.N.E. – 16 outfits fashioned from mass consumption products (aka garbage), accompanied by art videos and soundtracks taken from the Canadian music scene. A trashy transformative experience.

[concert] STARS + YOUNG GALAXY – The eloquent Canadian indie-pop darlings will play Montreal on Saturday night. Romantic hipster love will inevitably be in the air. Go breathe it in.

[gay life] COCKTAILS – As the weather cools and the parties head indoors, it might be less obvious where your best gay beverage might be found. So here are seven places to whet the old whistle…

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This weekend in Montreal is all about the parties.

Well, parties and hockey.

But I guess hockey could be considered a party. It does have beer and music.

Anyway, you get the point. Here are ten (plus) fun things to do this weekend in Montreal.

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[hockey] LES CANADIENS – On Saturday night, the boys will be on home ice providing a descent thrashing to the Sabres. Nothing is more Montreal than a late-November hockey game. Order beer and poutine.

[theatre] DON QUIXOTE – Incorporating mask work, flamenco, bawdy slapstick and poignant beauty, this new adaptation of the classic Cervantes novel explores the comical and philosophical world of Don Quixote. Who’s mad in a world gone mad?

[concert] BEATLES STORY – If you were excited about the recent release of the Beatles catalogue on iTunes, then all you need is tickets to this concert. Oh yes, and love.

[spa] ESPACE NOMAD – With countless spa options available in Montréal, it might be hard to make a choice that will be best for your needs. If you are interested in environmental sustainability, Espace Nomad might be the choice for you.

[parties]

FRIDAY: PARTY PARTY – Celebrate one of Montreal’s most hip/indie gathering place, Il Motore, for it’s 2nd Anniversary. Expect a boisterous crowd.

FRIDAY: MOVEMBER GALA PARTY – If you brought your mustache with you to town, then grease that bad boy up and head on down to the official Movember party!

SATURDAY: MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS @ BELMONT – An alternative dance/synth pop band, which formed in Melbourne. They play dirty-organ-rock, stadium-disco-metal and sci-fi roller-skating jams. One of our favorite venues.

SUNDAY: PEOPL – Weekly Sunday afternoon party for music lovers, featuring resident DJs: Angel Moraes, jojoflores Robert Ouimet and Christian Pronovost. Quickly becoming the chillest thing to do on Sunday.

[gay life] GAYBASH – It gets better. In fact it gets so good that you can throw on some shoulder pads and head down to a party where gay people rule the universe. Be fierce, but smile.

[foodie fun] MAPLE SYRUP – What could be more ‘Quebec’ than maple syrup? Here are some tips on where you can nab some of the sweet stuff.

[art] OTTO DIX – The official title is “Love, Death and the Terrifying and Beautiful World of Otto Dix,” but all you have to know is that the work of this WWII-affected artist is disturbing and beautiful.

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The post THIS WEEKEND IN MONTREAL (NOVEMBER 26 TO 28) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Indie concerts and cupcakes and documentary films and parties… oh my!

Here are ten stellar things you can do this weekend in Montreal.

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[music festival] M for MONTREAL – A festival that presents local artists to an international delegation of influential decision-makers. But all you need to know is that there are some killer acts: Gene Simmons, We Are Wolves, The Dears, Poirier and more. It’s like Christmas, but for the indie crowd.

[foodie] CUPCAKE CAMP – The 2nd Annual Cupcake Camp will take place November 21 at The Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Delicious cupcakes + fundraising for local charities = BIG WIN. Bring your own insulin.

[contemporary dance] WOYZECK – The Sadari Movement Laboratory uses wooden chairs and a grandiose set design to evoke the movements and agony of a person completely dispossessed of his body. Out demons, out!

[documentary film fest] RIDM – The Montreal International Documentary Festival showcases more than 100 documentaries from 37 different countries. The festival proves that reality is often more hard-hitting, heart-wrenching and/or hilarious than fiction.

[concert] LIGHTS – The spritely Canadian synthpop songstress will be rocking one of our favorite venues, Club Soda, on Saturday night. Go have your soul driven.

[party] MAD MAUS – “Extreme Fashion” is the theme this time around at Montreal’s chic-est monthly party. Mad Maus is the opportunity for those with a true commitment for fashion to don their best duds and strut their fabulousness. Essentially it’s a real-life Gaga video.

[gay life] MEC PLUS ULTRA – It’s official, Montreal’s hottest out-of-village gay party is entering its “terrible twos.” Terribly awesome, that is. Go out and celebrate with the who’s who of the Montreal homo scene, including beloved designers Denis Gagnon and Travis Taddeo.

[community] HEAD & HANDS 40th ANNIVERSARY GALA – Join this vital community organization in celebrating four decades of grassroots action and social change. Entertainment by local band Lake of Stew and klezmer/hip-hop extraordinaire Socalled. Plus you can win VIA Rail tickets to come back and visit.

[spa] SCANDINAVE LES BAINS – This spa provides a multi-sensorial experience, harking back to the ancient tradition of thermal waters, widely recognized for their energizing and relaxing effect. Add a massage to the mix, and you won’t recall the meaning of stress.

[art] HAUTE FASHION EXHIBIT – The drama!  The divas!  Great photos from the Couture Catwalks. The dazzling days of Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Dior. The inimitable elegance of high fashion from the runways of Paris are all on display at Montreal’s Sofitel Golden Mile hotel. Fabulous, dahling.

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The post THIS WEEKEND IN MONTREAL (NOVEMBER 19 TO 21) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Oh Montreal, why can’t you just give me a weekend off?

I keep thinking that one of these weekends there will be NOTHING to do, and I’ll be able to get caught up on sleep and pay my bills and floss my teeth and do stuff that people with spare time do. But alas, my dear Montreal, you keep presenting me with so many wonderful temptations.

Here are ten fun things to keep you in trouble this weekend.

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[indie press & zine fair] EXPOZINE 2010 – A universe of publications and printed works that is hard to find anywhere, much less all in the same room! Meet hundreds of young and emerging authors, publishers and artists. Fall in love.

[documentary film fest] RIDM – The Montreal International Documentary Festival showcases more than 100 documentaries from 37 different countries. The festival proves that reality is often more hard-hitting, heart-wrenching and/or hilarious than fiction.

[party] KARNIVAL – Famous producer Buraka Som Sistema (Portugal) will play a solo set for the first time ever in Montreal!  Also up to bat will be local hero Poirier. You’ll be surrounded my Montrealers at one of the city’s most classic venues – The Belmont. Wear your best converse sneakers.

[digital & media festival] HTMlles 2010 – The only festival the world dedicated to the presentation of women’s independent media artworks from all facets of contemporary technological creation. Also: Prime cruisin’ ground for geek-chic girlfriends.

[concert] BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH & CHARLIE WINSTON – These two classy acts have teamed up for a cross-Canada tour. On Saturday night they’ll be serenading Montreal. Swooning normal.

[contemporary dance] IT’S ABOUT TIME – If you are curious about how minutes confront each other, how they stretch or contract, about how the body moves and relates through this measure of time that can be so short or so long, then this is totally for you.

[theatre] HERE’S TO LOVE! – Creative spirits doing unconventional theatre. Brave New Productions brings “Down With Love” to life in this theatrical tribute. Grab dinner on Duluth Ave and make it a big romantical date!

[shopping] m0851 SAMPLE SALE – A Montreal-based company that we’re proud of. You can head on up to the new sexy loft in Mile End to score up to 70% off your favorite m0851 products, such as leather jackets, scarves, bags and more. Sweetness.

[gay life] DRINKS – When dinner has ended, and the bars aren’t yet hopping, what does a gay do? Well I’ll tell you — a gay goes for a cocktail.

[quirky] CIRCUS IMPROV – It’s like actors improvising, but instead the performers are circus trained. What does that mean? Well imagine acrobats free stylin’ with capricious carnie-types. The results can’t be guaranteed. For adventurous types only.

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The post THIS WEEKEND IN MONTREAL (NOVEMBER 12 to 14) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Many people assume that summer is the season for festivals in Montreal. And it is true that many of our most famous festivals, such as The Jazz Fest or Just For Laughs, take place during the warm months, but some of the more subtle and locally-cherished festivals take place in autumn and winter.

There are a few of these festivals taking place now in Montreal, as well as some other events and activities to pepper your weekend getaway with loveliness.

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[cultural festival] FESTIVAL Du MONDE ARABE de MONTREAL – The 11th Festival proposes an innovative and eclectic program, covering a wide variety of musical styles and hosting a number of artists from Indonesia, Europe, Africa, USA, the Arab world, and Canada.

[contemporary art] FRIDAY NOCTURNE – On the first Friday of each month the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum hosts an event called Friday Nocturnes. They invite a trendy band or musician to perform, while giving visitors the opportunity to engage with the current exhibits. Art and music, together. We’ll click “like” on that.

[gay life] IMAGE+NATION – Montreal’s LGBT film festival continues this weekend. It promises to be as diverse and stimulating (and campy!) as ever. Don’t miss the official festival parties, including the sexy closing film The String.

[french music] COUP DE COEUR FRANCOPHONE — Founded in 1987, this indie festival is dedicated to the discovery and sharing of creative and cutting-edge new songs. Essentially it’s the anti-Celine Dion festival.

[shopping] AU CŒUR DE LA MODE – Quebec’s largest AIDS fashion charity event features more than 60 designers, importers and retailers join forces to sell their latest collections at discounts of 50% or more. Great new threads for a great cause.

[spa] STUDIO BEAUTÉ Du MONDE – Discover the delightful physical benefits of a traditional Hammam treatment. Top it off with a massage, and you’ll be a new person.

[sport] HABS vs SENATORS — Oh, Ottawa– you’re just so cute! *pitches cheek* Go cheer on the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night, as they toss around those Senators on home ice.

[culinary treats] ROMANTIC RESTOS — Our criteria for a winning romantic restaurant include a couple of variables: uniqueness, ambience and deliciousness. Each of these five restaurants will provide an idealistic backdrop for a lovely evening with your sweetheart.

[history lesson] YOURS TRULY, MONTREAL — Presenting the history of Montreal in 18 spellbinding minutes, this is a multimedia experience that takes the viewer to the heart of great moments in the history of Montreal and its development. It’s like university for the twitter crowd.

[heavy metal] A VARNING FROM MTL – A night of madness with MOB 47 from Sweden, for their first time in North America. Go and discover that Sweden is more than just minimally designed furniture and cheap meatballs.

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Photographer: Frédéric Faddoul

The post THIS WEEKEND IN MONTREAL (NOVEMBER 5 TO 7) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.