Torn between spending the day shopping or enjoying the sun? The St-Laurent Street Fair lets you do both!
With the street closed to traffic from May 28-31, the stores and restaurants spill onto the sidewalks, and thousands of people come out for the party, making for terrific bargain-hunting and people watching.
I personally like to start my day at the corner of St-Laurent and Sherbrooke, where the street sale starts. Having an espresso on the patio of Café Mélies is usually my first stop.
Then, it’s time to shop! The street is lined with all kinds of boutiques, from high-end M0851 (a must-stop for anyone who loves purses and amazing leather goods) to discount deals on clothes and shoes at Soho. But my advice to you is to keep an eye out for the emerging designers who set up stalls just for the event. A few years back, this is where I spotted the first collection from the now extremely popular Old Gold Boutique before their store was even open!
If shopping doesn’t make you hungry, the smell from the different food stalls will. I recommend grabbing a Portuguese sandwich or grilled meat between Pine Avenue and Rachel. And look out for mango vendors who creatively carve the fruit onto sticks! Delicious! Or, if you need to get out of the sun and cool off with a beer, nip into Le Pistol (I’ll be there, indulging!).
Since the street is also closed at night, there are plenty of fun nightlife options. Don’t miss out on the legendary Gogo Lounge for some oldies music and a great selection of cocktails.
Café Mélies
3540 St-Laurent Boulevard
514-847-9218
Soho
3715 St-Laurent Boulevard
514-843-8201
Le Pistol
3723 St-Laurent Boulevard
514-847-2222
Gogo Lounge
3682 St Laurent Boulevard
514-286-0882
Old Gold Boutique
256 Mont-Royal East
514-509-1675
THINGS TO DO IN MONTREAL: MAY...
