Concert halls Montreal

Located in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, this mythical venue, still known to many as Métropolis (the name was changed in May 2017), welcomes a crowd of 2,300 who can sway to their hearts' content in the pit and balcony. Big names such as David Bowie, The Wailers, Ben Harper, Manu Chao, Les Rita Mitsouko, INXS, Lady Gaga, Jon Batiste and Björk have performed here. The venue also hosts a number of major concerts at festivals such as Les Francos de Montréal.

The Bell Centre is the largest complex in the greater Montreal area with a total capacity of 21,000 seats for field hockey and 15,000 for shows. It is the place to be for mass gatherings during Montreal Canadiens field hockey games, but also for large-scale shows, rock and pop star tours, various circuses or ballets on ice, boxing galas, etc. For the adventurous, it is always possible to get last minute tickets at the door from scalpers.

The largest cultural complex in the city. Place des Arts has several venues: Théâtre Maisonneuve (large theatre), Salle Claude-Léveillée (small theatre), Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier (huge hall that houses the great names in music, among others), Théâtre Jean-Duceppe (large theatre), Cinquième Salle (smaller hall with emerging shows) and Maison symphonique (residence of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal). Restaurants, bars and shops, outdoor area (Esplanade de la Place des Arts).

Classics become superb productions in this beautiful Italian-style hall. The stage floor can be dismantled and opened in all directions, allowing for the most ambitious stagings. Major works from national and international repertoires, from Molière to Koltès, from Shakespeare to Michel Tremblay, are produced and presented here, with a strong emphasis on new works. The building is currently undergoing major renovations, and is soon to be given a modern facelift and expanded space.

The blues temple in Montreal, not without reason. Since 1975, the Bistro in Jojo has hosted hundreds of blues musicians of all kinds. Here's the pure blues, the one that comes to us in the guts. Amateurs: this is the address to remember!

We don't need to introduce her anymore, her drag shows make the whole Village (and not only) run. In short, Mado is a queen and her cabaret is her HQ. We come there for a drink in the late afternoon, and we stay all evening, for a drag show, to sway to the sound of DJs and to enjoy the irresistible humor of the mistress of the place. Her "Mado Receives" evenings allow you to discover the cream of the drag queens from here. The clientele is varied and always in a good mood. It's clearly a must-see address in the Village!

A historic address in the Griffintown area, a neighbourhood that has been on the rise in recent years. This concert hall is already the darling of big names in international electronic music. It has been ranked on a number of occasions as one of the best clubs in the country according to DJ Mag, a renowned British monthly magazine in the field. The sound equipment is at the cutting edge of technology and the atmosphere is in full swing as soon as the doors open. Here, fans of this musical genre will not be disappointed!

Slowly, the small room fills up, giving the place a comfortable warmth, conducive to reflection and boiling brains. On stage, the actors take possession of original texts by authors from here and elsewhere, developing a singular aesthetic. The audience is invited to discuss their impressions with the authors. Also, for over 35 years, the theatre has programmed General Auditions for new artists who have the chance to be seen and heard by the cultural community.

The show starts even before the performance begins. The decorative elements that adorn the beautiful hall are reminiscent of the great mythical texts presented by this theatre and are references to the classical repertoire. Under the spotlight, the actors play works by Dumas, Goldoni or Molière. The theatre also houses the Fred-Barry Hall, which is dedicated to more contemporary and emerging plays. A place to discover, why not after a meal in one of the good addresses of this less touristic area.

First a fire station, then home to the Carbone 14 dance troupe, then the Omnibus company, Espace Libre is now occupied by the Joe Jack and John company and the Nouveau Théâtre Expérimental. The place has a hall for large scale shows and smaller rooms, ideal for more intimate evenings of public reading, poetry, small theatre productions or workshops. The Espace Libre is also at the origin of the Comité spectateurs-trice-s project, which aims to introduce selected citizens to the theatre each year.

Since the closing of the Institut des Jeunes and the École des beaux-arts, the center wishes more than ever to assert its role as an artistic presenter, by offering theater, music and film performances, as well as cultural and artistic events for the community. The center is very involved in the transmission of knowledge to the young (and not so young) by offering courses in theater, dance, music, circus and Jewish arts

A multidisciplinary presenter of professional contemporary art, it presents original creations in dance, music, theatre (in French and English), visual and media arts. As the only venue in Montreal to offer such a diverse program, MAI is committed to a mission that promotes intercultural exchange and dialogue in the arts community. Also on the program: post-show discussions, workshops, guided tours of exhibitions, animated events, etc.

A cozy yet relaxed atmosphere where jazz resonates and explores new territories. It goes without saying that the place is very popular during the International Jazz Festival in the summer, but also throughout the year with its amazing program. The kitchen serves decadent burgers, grilled meats and other gourmet dishes. The ideal address for a pleasant evening of music and to discover new and renowned artists.

For over 45 years, the Ligue Nationale d'Improvisation has been an integral part of Quebec's theatrical universe. Every year, the Charade Cup hosts improv matches on a miniature field hockey rink (without ice). The original LNI concept is still as successful as ever, although other forms of play are constantly being proposed. The latest concept is L'Usine de théâtre potentiel, where the spectator chooses the constraints via an interactive platform.

This mythical theatre in the South-West district, inaugurated in 1912, is a historical jewel. Very popular until the 1960s, then threatened with demolition, it has been once again at the heart of artistic life in this district in full transformation. It welcomes musicians-composers-performers, musical groups of all genres, multidisciplinary shows and artists in residence from here and abroad. The programming is quite specialized. Special and private events are also organized there.

Located in the chic neighbourhood of Outremont, the theatre has welcomed within its walls renowned artists such as Félix Leclerc, Paul Piché, Beau Dommage and Diane Dufresne. A launching pad for many singers and a mecca for repertory films in the 1970s and 1980s, the theatre had to close in the late 1980s, before reopening its beautiful doors in 2001. The venue is dedicated to song, music, comedy, theatre and film, among other things. A great idea for a night out, after a drink or a meal in one of the fine restaurants in the area

The Ritz PDB moved into the premises of the defunct Il Motore in autumn 2014. Completely revamped, it continues the vocation of its predecessor by hosting independent music groups in its performance space. It has to be said that the owners are steeped in the milieu: Meyer Billurcu is the co-founder of Blue Skies Turn Black, a concert promotion company, and Thierry Amar and Efrim Menuck are members of the famous music group Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Special mention goes to the superb century-old bar, imported from Chicago.