Fun and entertainment Montreal

The Gesù has several halls, one of them in a church recognized as a "Classified Heritage Building" since 2012, as well as a 425-seat amphitheatre famous for its exceptional acoustics. Several exhibition spaces or meeting rooms are also available. A place for creation and dissemination, the Gesù offers a dynamic and rich program, visual art exhibitions and numerous shows of all kinds.

The Cinéma du Parc is a venue for the screening of foreign films with subtitles, independent films, repertory films and retrospectives. It actively participates in numerous film and documentary festivals. With tickets at very affordable prices, parking at a very low cost for spectators (only $3 CAN for 3 hours upon presentation of the ticket coupon), press clippings on all films shown, the place is very satisfying. Other theatres managed by the group: Cinéma Beaubien and Cinéma du Musée.

A mythical club and a veritable institution on busy and festive Crescent Street, this is the meeting place for those nostalgic for the music of the 1980s and 90s. Completely modernized a few years ago, it has lost none of its soul and the electric colors and light effects for which it is famous. And it's a good sign that crowds flock to the venue on both opening nights! Several services are also offered, including VIP reservations with bottle packages (maximum of 10 people per VIP section).

After an 8-year absence and several renovations, the 2,000-seat amphitheater finally reopened in 2022, more majestic than ever. Set on the lake in Parc de La Fontaine, the stage brings to life a varied program centred around four disciplines: dance, music, cinema and theater. Managed by the town's cultural department, all Théâtre de Verdure activities are free of charge. However, there are no reservations, so depending on the popularity of the shows, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a seat.

Life on stage, in all its nudity, defined but above all redefined, through the eyes of today's authors. Since 1968, the texts that have burned the stage of this former cinema in Carré Saint-Louis have been drawn exclusively from French-speaking Quebec and Canadian drama, whether they are creations or revivals of the repertoire. To encourage the next generation, artists in residence are also welcomed to give them the opportunity to assert their style.

In the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, this stage is a must in Montreal's cultural life, a must for young Quebec, Canadian and international groups. Lisa Leblanc, Coeur de Pirate, Oasis, Ben Harper, Amy Winehouse and Rufus Wainwright have played at Club Soda. Musical shows, comedy evenings, improv games and special events share the stage of this multi-purpose hall, whose sophisticated sound and lighting systems allow it to adapt to different moods.

Comfortably installed for over 75 years in the lively Plateau district, it was the country's first professional French-language theater. Antonine Maillet, Michel Tremblay, Gratien Gélinas, Marie-Claire Blais and many other great names have made their mark on this stage. The Théâtre du Rideau Vert has enjoyed some of the finest moments in its history, and continues to attract large audiences with its classic repertoire and contemporary programming.

This theatre invites the audience to discover new textual and scenic experiences. It gives a voice to contemporary authors from here and elsewhere, while revisiting some classics, all in a studio theatre with a variable configuration. Since its founding in 1979, under the name Théâtre Expérimental des Femmes, the company has been firmly committed to valuing the contribution of women to the adventure of theatre. The theatre also hosts some shows during the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival, among others.

Club Date is "THE" karaoke bar in the Village. It's a place with a relaxed atmosphere where gays, lesbians, transvestites, drags and straights come to sing along at night. You might even leave with a video recording of your performance, for better or for worse... Even if you're not a fan of karaoke or if you sing like a pan, don't hesitate to push the door of Club Date. The atmosphere is unpretentious and you'll meet a lot of characters, some of whom sing very well!

The largest casino in Canada and managed by the Société des casinos du Québec, it is a great place to have fun. Run with class, it features countless slot machines and gaming tables! There are several restaurants on site as well, offering deli cuisine, seafood, grilled meats, etc., not to mention three bars and a terrace for a drink. In addition to all this, the Cabaret du Casino offers a variety of shows. An icon of the city of Montreal!

The chimney of this former Raymond jam factory bears witness to the history of this industrial district. In this concrete universe, dancers walk around on a stage where the bleachers are configurable. Sometimes the seats face each other, sometimes they take on an Italian air. This multidisciplinary creation and performance space has established its reputation thanks to the creation company Carbone 14. Theatre, opera, artistic performance, dance, shows by foreign companies and special events come to liven up the place.

With its two halls, the St-Denis is one of the most beautiful and popular theatres in the city. It hosts a number of comedians, musical artists from here and abroad and musicals. This hundred-year-old theatre is a historical pearl of the Latin Quarter; it would be a shame to attend a performance without taking the opportunity to discover or rediscover one of the good restaurants in the surrounding area or to linger in one of the many bars on the way out, just to discuss the show over a good drink.

The Cinémathèque québécoise houses more than 70,000 film and television archive titles, as well as experimental multimedia novelties, not to mention books, posters, photos, scripts and production documents, etc., for a total collection of nearly 480,000 documents. Many tributes, retrospectives and various festivals are organized in this place dedicated to film and television heritage. It should be noted that exhibitions are also presented here and are accessible free of charge.

Seventeen screens showing European, Quebec and American films (mainly in the original French or VF version, although some foreign films are subtitled). Theatres are medium-sized with curved screens, low-frequency speakers and comfortable seating. A must-see cinema in the Latin Quarter, close to many bars and restaurants to discuss the film after the screening. Food counters are also available on site.

The bar takes its name from its founder, Else Smith, who boasted that she was the oldest punk in town. The decoration is rather artisanal: we discover a new little detail each time, marrying perfectly with the collages on the tables and the advertising posters. Warm and dark colours dominate, for an intimate and subdued atmosphere. The place, rather frequented by a clientele of English-speaking academics, has kept a bohemian spirit and remains as popular as ever, more than twenty years after its opening.

Bily Kun means "white horse" in Czech. The idea came from one of the bistro's owners, who had previously worked at Cheval Blanc on Ontario Street. Only the name and style of the Centre-Sud brewery were imported, the rest having undergone the essential modifications to adapt to the standing of Mont-Royal Avenue. Mission accomplished: people are on their feet almost every night. A DJ is on hand Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm, and jazz and classical musicians perform regularly. Check out the program on their website.

Located in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, La Vitrine culturelle is more than just an online box office: it presents the diversity of the cultural offer in the Greater Montreal area with an exhaustive calendar. Its website allows you to find out in a few clicks about the entire offer, both paid and free, and to buy your tickets online. An advanced search engine will allow you to filter the offers that are most suitable for you. Good plan: take advantage of special offers and pre-sales.

Opening in July 2019, this Little Italy address is worth discovering. The menu offers a very nice selection of wines as well as small savory dishes and desserts that are as original as they are delicious, not to mention the discovery menu for two. The house cocktails are also tasty, without forgetting the "holes" (balls of sorbet sprinkled with alcohol) revisited. The interior offers several atmospheres: small tables in the dining room for a romantic evening, seats at the bar to admire the dishes or larger tables in front of the bay window.

Nice and bright neighbourhood café with a family and artistic atmosphere, close to the Saint-Jacques market. It was named in honor of the famous Lebanese vegan cake made of wheat semolina, scented with turmeric and decorated with pine nuts. This speciality goes wonderfully well with hot drinks, always served with good humour. The slate also displays simple and tasty dishes: sweet or savoury toasts, soups and salads, and all kinds of sweets. On weekends, the Lebanese brunch plate is succulent.

Clearly a café that stands out from the others with its fairground themed concept that can be felt in all four corners of the place: an old roller coaster car at the entrance, small cabins for young and old, video games in a small lounge, colors everywhere and even a haunted house in the toilets. Food on the go, sandwiches, wraps, paninis and grilled cheese, chili, soups and a few sweets on the menu, including the vegan brownie, not to mention the range of hot and cold drinks, with or without alcohol. To be discovered!

The Atwater Cocktail Club is THE speakeasy of the Saint-Henri district. It welcomes you, as it should, without any sign or indication. A normal alley, a little dark, located at the back of the restaurant Foiegwa (owners of the place), will lead you to a bar room with a sophisticated decor signed Gaulay Brothers. Banquettes and candles for a cozy atmosphere, chic cocktails for romantic evenings. On the slate, you can also find some of the dishes from the restaurant Foiegwa. A must-try if you're just passing through the neighborhood.

A place not to be missed on the banks of the Lachine Canal. After a walk, a bike ride or a kayak ride, what better than this huge terrace to enjoy a little more sunshine at the end of the day? The atmosphere is relaxed and you will meet groups of friends and families (some outdoor games are sometimes available). The range of beers from the McAuslan brewery is there, as well as some snacks for the aperitif. An address where regulars flock, especially to enjoy the incredible setting.

During the day, you come and sit there with your computer or a good book, enjoying a coffee or some pastries from the Autumn bakery, or simply to watch the people in a hurry passing by on the boulevard, behind the large bay windows. In the evening, the atmosphere is subdued, you order a glass of wine, many if the evening is good, and you let yourself be tempted to share a plate of 100% Quebec products. The Darling opened its doors in March 2017 and quickly won over the residents of the neighbourhood and elsewhere.

This jazz cellar is an institution of the Plateau. Every evening of opening, two shows are performed. From gypsy jazz to traditional jazz, passing by flamenco, everything is good to warm up the cold winter evenings. On the menu: tapas (oysters, tartar, pork from the market...) and a nice wine list. The bar participates in the Off-Jazz and the Montreal International Jazz Festival. An address for lovers of this musical style and hushed atmospheres.

Art Deco style of the 1930s, red velvet curtains and wooden furniture: the Golden Lion is one of the oldest cabarets in Montreal. It hosts shows based on a variety of Quebec programming (comedy, theatre, jazz, French song...), as well as special evenings, for a projection or a launch, becoming a television set... At the back of the hall, a bar allows you to sip a drink while listening to the music. Le Lion d'Or also has its own restaurant, the Petit Extra, which offers French-inspired cuisine.

The late Artgang, now Ausgang Plaza! A hot spot for local culture, this space has been renovated and reopened with a new team, putting more emphasis on creation (even more so if it's from Montreal or the surrounding area). A pop-up gallery event features a different artist each month. The space also has an exhibition room and a performance hall. Screenings, markets, concerts, DJ nights, festivals: there's always something interesting going on in this space that aims to be inclusive and unifying.

This café is one of the most pleasant gourmet landmarks in the area. In summer, the terrace on the street is shaded. In winter, you can sit on the benches near the windows to watch the snow fall. In all seasons, you can spend hours reading or working. Or even better: you come here for the ultimate afternoon tea experience with its sweet and savoury delicacies to be enjoyed with a good tea of your choice. Special mention for the scones!

This grandiose bar is entered through a tiny black door. The transparent roof reveals a romantic counter. Cocktails are light and delicate, like the Vol de Nuit (calvados, sherry, rum, crème de mûre, lemon and thyme) or round and gourmet, like the Bon pour le Moral (vodka, coconut, curacao, elderberry, rum, orange, pineapple, lemon and vanilla). Good news: you can also accompany your cocktail with a pizza from next door: Fugazzi Pizza. Even if the price is a few dollars higher when you go through this privileged setting.

It's not every day you walk through a big, locked door to go dancing... The Vault is in the basement of the former Royal Bank headquarters, on the level of the vaults! Needless to say, the space is incredible, perfect for an evening out of the ordinary. Theme evenings are organised every month, in addition to one-off events such as Mardi Gras or Chinese New Year (hosts and hostesses in disguise set the mood even before entering the club). Possibility to book online.

At the corner of rue Notre-Dame Ouest and rue de Courcelle, this well-decorated neighborhood bar offers a rather classic and limited selection of beers, quickly compensated for by its relaxed atmosphere and cocktail menu. Snacks and hearty platters are also on offer. The bar often organizes events in partnership with local restaurants. Good to know: the leafy terrace stays sunny well into summer. A great place to discover the authentic spirit of the Saint-Henri district.

It all starts at a bicycle cafe that roams the streets of the city... Then, in 2016, Maxime and his two associates open their first café in the Petite-Patrie. In addition to a range of caffeinated drinks made from home-roasted beans, they serve excellent pastries and baked goods and simple, healthy snacks (sandwiches and bowls). This small neighbourhood address is so successful that another space will be opened downtown (café during the day, private room in the evening) in 2019, followed by a new roasting workshop on Masson Drive in 2020.

A superb space on the waterfront promoting local food and sustainability. You can stock up on local Quebec produce, especially at the Saturday farmers' market. On sunny days, you can also sit out on the magnificent terrace and enjoy a freshly squeezed juice, an organic, micro-torrefied coffee, or a glass of wine accompanied by local cheeses. Hungry eaters can turn to the food courts and the weekend gourmet brunch (9am-3pm). An essential break during a stroll through the Old Port!

This vast bar opened in September 2019, the day after the Montreal Climate March. Coincidence? Whatever the case, this new address on Plaza Saint-Hubert seems to be winning its bet, judging by the crowds who flock there for a drink (some twenty craft beers and house cocktails) or to attend an event ('live' every weekend and a karaoke night every Wednesday).

Little thirsty? Little peck? Pain in the legs? Just curious? Any excuse is good to discover this café, a little hidden treasure of the neighborhood. Located in a former bank, the decor is simply grandiose, from the floor to the ceiling through the columns. At the top of the large steps, you will find a quiet café area as well as a shared work area with meeting rooms and offices, where you can book an office for a day or a month. Very good coffee and fresh pastries every day.

A summer destination par excellence, this outdoor "village" is managed by the organization La Pépinière|Espaces Collectifs, which also manages other such sites in the city. The village is located a few steps from the St. Lawrence River and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. In addition to the sand and deckchairs that immerse us in the South, you can have a drink, a bite to eat and enjoy a free program that includes live shows or DJs almost every day.

For more than a decade, the Bonsecours pavilion has offered itself a new vocation during the summer season: a bistro coupled with a nightclub at night, directly on the banks of the St. Lawrence. With its multiple floors and terraces, its VIP lounge and its renowned DJs, it is definitely one of the trendiest places in the city. Don't miss the Sunday Boozy Brunch, starting at noon, where good food, mimosas, cocktails and champagne are on the menu (reservations required). This is the place to be seen in Montreal!

Located in the Little Burgundy district in the south of downtown, the Burgundy Lion is not a traditional pub. The owners focus on a superior product, from food and drink to service and atmosphere. The whisky and beer list is sure to please, not to mention the fine wine and cocktail list. This is a real gastro-pub, with special mention for the Welshman's Bride (braised lamb shank) and aufish& chips. In short, an upscale address that doesn't skimp on quality and diversity!

A well-known Mile End address, halfway between neighborhood bar and trendy club. The Waverly got a makeover in 2023 with a brand-new look. Original cocktails are the house specialty. The gourmet menu will satisfy both small and large appetites, and is an excellent choice for a comforting poutine-beer combo. In the evenings, DJs take to the decks with electro, vintage and other styles for an eclectic sound. Comedy nights on Mondays. Discover it for yourself!

One of the trendiest places in the district, the Pub in the Latin Quarter has a lounge and relaxed atmosphere. In addition to a selection of ports, wines and scotches, the pub is a proud representative of hops and serves as a showcase for Quebec brands such as Boréale, McAuslan and Le Cheval Blanc. In the summer, head for the magnificent terrace. In the kitchen, the good dishes are concocted on site (spreads, plates of Quebec cheeses or deli meats, sandwiches, etc.) and are perfect to accompany a drink. In short, a highly recommended place for an aperitif!

Located a little east of the Olympic Park and the Espace pour la vie institutions, this microbrewery is the perfect place to take a break. We have to admit that we're quite fond of this place. Is it the beautiful design of the place? The wonderful selection of house beers that makes us want to try everything? The gourmet menu with, among other things, its incredible pizzas baked in a wood oven? Most likely a little bit of all of the above! And since you'll fall in love with the house beers, there's a shop area where you can stock up.