Things To Do in Montréal: June 5 to 11

There’s so much going on these days in the city, from big arts and culture festivals like MURAL and the St-Ambroise Montréal Fringe Festival to music happenings like Suoni per il Popolo and Francofolies (see last week’s guide for more). But topping a lot of charts is the high-speed funfest of Formula 1 and all the gastronomic and bacchanalian celebrations that it entails. Get ready, get set, and go below to see what’s on the road ahead!

EAT

All Montréal is alight with the high rollers in town, and they’re laying out the red carpet. At Auberge St-Gabriel, the trio of owners – Guy Laliberté, Garou and Marc Bolay – haven’t spared any expense to create the momentous Momentum weekend. From June 4 to 7, expect culinary masterpieces, a constant flow of fine liqueurs, intoxicating music every night, not to mention drivers and international celebrities.

There are a couple of foodie trajectories to choose from in Old Montréal. From June 4 to 7, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., all of Saint-Paul Street West is basically the venue for a terrasse-hop. And boy, what terrasses there are – get a load of the view from the Phi Centre deck! There’s also Le Marché de La Villette, Barroco, Philémon and many more.

On Saint-Paul Street East, meanwhile, still June 4 to 7 all day, restaurants are decorating for the occasion with checkered flags and all the appropriate race-car regalia. Stop by hot spots including Le Keg Steakhouse, Mimi la nuit and La Champagnerie for BBQ, F1 cocktails, street art, DJ sets, thematic menus and special deals.

Also from June 4 to 7, stop by Alexandre for a delicious Happy Hour right in the F1 epicentre downtown between De Maisonneuve and Sainte-Catherine, featuring elegance, comfort, three terrasses and a smoking lounge (a rarity in this city).

On June 4 only, don’t miss the sixth edition of the Grand Soir Gala, synonymous with high-polished daring and amazingly tasty delights. Presented by Moisson Montréal, it takes place at the grandiose Arsenal space.

And what about a circuit of pop-up spots? Over the weekend on June 6 and 7, the history museum Pointe-à-Callière hosts a pop-up party on Place Royale with 10 temporary food stations from some of the city’s best restaurants and culinary artisans (including Mercuri Montréal, Kyo Bar Japonais and Maison Christian Faure). There’s also tequila tasting in a temporary Mexican casita.

L’Atelier d’Argentine is proud to present its Grand Prix BRUNCH FEST, on Sunday, June 7, starting at 11 a.m. How about bottomless Bloody Marias and mimosas to the sounds of Drum Addiction?

DRINK

From June 4 to 7, the Antonopoulos Hotel Group offers a whole whack of fun of its own: the Montréal Pit Stop, featuring events at, among others, Méchant Boeuf, Suite 701, Taverne Gaspar, Verses Restaurant and Terrasse Nelligan. (Champagne party, anyone?)

On June 4 starting at 5 p.m., celebrate fast cars at Kyozon, featuring music by the electrifying Fafa Khan.

At the Meridien Versailles Hotel, on June 5, Branzino restaurant invites one and all to the inaugural cocktail for the Grand Prix, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The specially conceived Nightlife Circuit through Old Montréal mixes parties and activities including, on June 5, a Casino Royal evening at L’Assommoir. A welcome cocktail and access to poker and black jack tables, roulettes, DJ and live band await you, as does a chance to win a pair of tickets for the Grand Prix and three bottles of champagne.

Also on June 5, take a page from the Hamptons with a theme night at the Ritz-Carlton’s Palm Court, featuring buffets, the Moët Chandon bar and the company of David Coulthard, 13-time Grand Prix winner and Red Bull ambassador. Buy your tickets here.

The party is on at Time Supper Club on Saturday, June 6, when none other than Scott Disick hosts the official Grand Prix F1 party. For table reservations or tickets call 514-392-9292.

AND BE MERRY

On June 6 starting at 7:30 p.m. don’t miss the amazing mix of fashion and lifestyle with the Bowtie and Lace party put on by Monsieur Phoenix and Vestibule Boutique, two Montréal brands that present their wares for her and him in an ambiance combining fashion shows with music and tippling on a terrasse. It takes place at Hotel Le Crystal.

Walk off your hangover on the Prestige Circuit, an exclusively curated shopping experience only during F1, featuring art galleries, designer boutiques and home décor shops that show off the best of Montréal. Whether you pick up a rare find for your home at Espace Pépin or a designer dress at Denis Gagnon, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir.