Things to do in Montreal: October 17-23

This week holds tons of free and less-free entertainment, but both are guaranteed to make you feel phenomenal in their special way. Keep some energy to party – there’s some hopping musical acts in town…

(art parties) Can’t wait for the Montreal Biennale to start? Join in on the high-class pre-opening benefit party! The $150 ticket price gets you the first view of the exhibitions, a chance to meet the artists and curators, plus tasty nibblets and drinks. It takes place at the Musée d’art contemporain on October 21 at 7 pm; get your tickets here. And since you’re in a magnanimous mood, CIRCA gallery in the Belgo is also launching a fundraiser exhibition this week too; the show opens October 18 and features work by famous Quebec artists for prices ranging between $100 and $3,200. Entry costs a mere $60, and it’s a must-see for budding collectors.

(phenomenal fun) The Phenomena Festival kicks off on October 17 till 23: music, dance, theatre and performance art mix into a frenzied epitome of entertainment. Don’t miss music by Blood and Glass and 10,000 Horses on Saturday at 8 pm, at Sala Rossa, or the performance by Andrew Tay and François Lalumière titled Summoning Aesthetics, at 8 pm on Monday October 20, the location of which will only be revealed during the festival. There’s also art by Lucie Bazzo all over shop windows in Mile End. Fans of ballet won’t want to miss Paquita by Grands Ballets Canadiens, at Théâtre Maisonneuve until October 19. On the theatre front, Centaur Theatre presents the Quebec English-language premiere of Venus in Fur until November 9 – a sexy, witty take on the famous Venus in Furs., while the Segal Centre launches Les Belles Soeurs – The Musical on October 19, based on the classic by Michel Tremblay.

(movies more) We’ve only got a few days left of Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, ending on October 21. Don’t miss the free screening of The Good Lie by Philippe Falardeau on October 18 at 7 pm., at Phi Centre in Old Montreal. Reese Witherspoon plays a woman who takes four South Sudanese former child soldiers (one of whom is played by Emmanuel Jal) into her care as they work toward overcoming the challenges of forging new lives in a strange land. The projection will be followed by a talk with Emmanuel Jal, hosted by Ferrari Sheppard, plus a concert by Jal. Get your tickets here.

 (fresh-air fitness) Join Les amis de la Montagne on a seven-hour walking tour of Mount Royal on October 19, which will explore the mountain’s history, ecology, urban planning and architecture. Or if you prefer to wheel around, Fitz Follwell offer an Autumn in Montreal afternoon bike tour everyday at 2 pm until November 2 (but make sure to reserve here) that will also take you up the mountain and its best viewpoints. After a break for a warm-up beverage at the historic Smith House, you’ll wind your way back down through the remarkably beautiful Mount Royal Cemetery to the leafy streets of stately Outremont.

(live music) Things get royal when King Diamond plays Olympia on October 17, but that night there’s also Boy and Bear in town tonight, at Le National. Dilemma! Don’t miss We Were Promised Jetpacks at Bar le Ritz PBD on Saturday October 18. Call me maybe for Demi Lovato at the Bell Centre on Sunday night, or check out PartyNextDoor at Le Belmont if you like things a little more downsized and a little more hip. Flying Lotus is the show not to miss on Monday October 20, at SAT, while on Tuesday, Fat White Family take over Divan Orange with their rough and raucous sound. Less Than Jake plays Petit Campus on October 23.

Photo credits: Susan Moss

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