MONTREAL GRAND PRIX: WHERE TO PARTY

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Montreal is known as a party town. This is no secret, but the city has earned its F-1 (racing) stripes for the infamous Grand Prix du Canada parties and there’s another round of them coming up the weekend of June 10 to June 12, 2011…

On June 11 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, watch drivers from all over the world get a feel for the circuit. The next morning will feature qualifying laps and in the afternoon, look forward to the Ferrari Challenge and the Formule 1600, which are the first two races. On June 12, the Formule 1600’s second race kicks off at 8:25am (bit early for a Sunday, don’t you think?) followed by the Ferrari Challenge right after. Then there’s the traditional Drivers Parade at 10:30 and at noon get ready for the definitive Formula One race. Look out for hot shot Sebastian Vettel racing for Redbull, he’s first in the driver standings and has one seriously heavy foot.

But let’s be honest, the Grand Prix is more than just a super awesome race. It’s also a weekend of booze, babes and bottles. The Grand Prix weekend is the crème de la crème of Montreal’s parties and there are several hotspots waiting to cater to your party needs. The best way to get the inside scoop is to check into one of Montreal’s Swanky Hotels: several of them are host to THE parties of the weekend.

For Grand Prix revelry, look no further than the St. Laurent Strip. This year’s race coincides with the St. Laurent Street Sale, June 9-12. This is a magical time of the year, a time when one of Montreal’s main roads is blocked off and the restaurants spill out onto the streets and everyone enjoys the warm nights and drinks in public without getting a ticket. There are several places to eat, drink and carry on during this time. Check out Restaurant Globe for some fine dining and fine dancing, it’s a favourite of professional hockey players and non-hockey players alike. Across the street is Buonanotte, a celebrity favourite known for its beautiful clientele and world class DJ’s- and seriously, the celebrities turn out in record numbers for Grand Prix. Did I mention that they have incredibly hot waitresses? Because I should have. Ivy Nightclub will also be kicking the F1 into overdrive with their Full Throttle Weekend party featuring tons of DJ’s and a great atmosphere.

The other main area for F-1 weekend parties is Crescent Street and if you’re looking for more of a club vibe, why not try Crescent Street’s Light Ultraclub. It’s located in the heart of downtown and is a two-story, two-dancefloor, plenty-party affair replete with a mezzanine. Expect their resident DJs to provide the music for an unforgettable night, but word to the wise: dress code is in effect so dress to impress. While on Crescent, you’ll want to make sure you get into the always-packed Newtown or take a quick walkover to Cavalli, especially for their wild Thursday nights.

But all good parties must eventually and unfortunately come to an end. The official closing party is being held at Muzique, one of Montreal’s premiere nightclubs. On June 12^, head down to Muzique to see the real Grand Prix party. There will be hot shots, glitz, and very attractive people dancing to the beats of DJ PAYCE among others. And ladies get full VIP treatment all night long. What’s not to love?

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THE DETAILS

Grand Prix du Canada, Montreal, June 10-12, 2011

St. Laurent Street Sale, June 9-12, 2011

Globe, 3455 St-Laurent, (514) 284-3823

Buonanotte, 3518 St-Laurent, (514) 848-0644

Light Ultraclub, 2020 Crescent, (514) 288-2888

Newtown, 1476 Crescent, (514) 284-6555

Cavalli, 2040 Peel, (514) 843-5100

Ivy Nightclub, 3556 St-Laurent, (514) 439-1222

Muzique, 3781 St-Laurent, (514) 392-7483

Photo Credit: J.P. Moczulski/REUTERS, Montreal_Bunny

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