Why is it so dark already? November. Right. The grey, rainy, and cold month before it gets snowy and cold. Well, that’s what parkas are for and Canadians know how to work their parkas. There are so many festivals going on, it’d be a shame to spend all your time watching Stranger Things 2 on Netflix (binge watch and get on with it). Get out and shake that gorgeous booty of yours.

October 20-November 6, 29017

Slam poetry is hot in Montreal, especially given our bilingual blessings. INTY/SLAMONTREAL celebrate 10 years of performances in the city with a lineup every night of the week. Most performances are at O Patro Vys. Find out more HERE.

October 27-29 and November 3-5, 2017

J.A. De Sève Cinema at Concordia University 1400 De Maisonneuve W.

Over two weekends, the festival showcases films from South Asia and those connected with the region. Panels and workshops are part of this thought-provoking and entertaining event. Details HERE.

Oct 27-Nov 12, 2017

Celebrating Arab culture and art through performing arts and cinema, the Arab World Festival delights the city with dance, theatre, film, debate, conference, lectures, and more. More info HERE.

November 2-4, 2017

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

Over 200 wine producers come to Montreal to showcase their reds, their whites, and everything in-between. Tastings vary in price, but at the very least, you walk away with a glass. $12/15 More info HERE.

November 2-16, 2017

various places

Trying new restaurants (and old favorites) is a breeze with this food festival. Select restaurants price their menus with plates and complete meals at set price points ($21, $31, $41, $15 brunch). It’s a bargain and an adventure. The favourites sell out quickly, so make reservations early. There are over 150 to choose from. Some good ones to try: XO Le Restaurant, Restaurant Manitoba, Restaurant HVOR, and Bonaparte. More info HERE.

November 2-12, 2017

Imperial Cinema (1430 Bleury)

French film gets its day(s) on the screen at Cinemania and as long as you can read English, you can follow along. The films are subtitled en anglais (in English). Amateurs de film can check out all the latest offerings from around the French speaking world. For more info on what’s showing and when, click HERE.

November 2-12, 2017

Get ready for eleven nights of your favourite francophone artists performing all over the city. Artists performing includeFet.Nat, Loic April, Halo Maud, and the Auclair Ensemble. Venues vary. More info HERE.

November 3-11,2017

D.B. Clarke Theatre, Henry Hall Building (1455 Maisonneuve W).

Theatre sorts from Concordia showcase their productions with this festival of short works. Plays include When We Were Birds, The Freddie Stories (adapted from Lynda Barry’s graphic novel) and Beckett Shorts. Shows take place nightly at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. $12/7 Click HERE for more details.

November 4-5 2017

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

A public event for the animal lover, pet fanatic. Breeders, vets, behaviorists, and anyone associated with pets will be around to talk about their expertise. And this isn’t just cats and dogs — it’s also reptiles, rodents, ponies, and exotic birds. Not quite Crufts, but this is Montreal’s cat show and dog agility competition. $14/12/10, free for children under 5. More info HERE.

November 4-5, 2017

Marche Bonsecours (350 St Paul E)

The one day festival just got bigger to accomodate all the yummy. For those who abstain from eating and using animal products, the vegan festival might be just up your alley. There’s a film screening this year, along with workshops (DIY cosmetics!), tastings, and products to buy. Info HERE.

November 6-12, 2017

Montreal Improv Theatre

The Montreal Improv festival gets bigger and more diverse each year. Three days of French programming are followed by a line up of groups you don’t want to miss. Locals include Easy Action, Grinders, Merlin Monroe to name a few. Other groups come from Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Winnipeg, and Ottawa. Total win! Tickets range from $6 per show to $25 for the night (3 per night). Click HERE for details.

November 9-19, 2017

Lovers of documentary film can catch RIDM’s offerings all year round at their doc circuit. Their festival happens in November. The best documentaries from around the world screen in Montreal in this 11 day festival. Find out what issues you need to know about yesterday. More info HERE.

November 10-12 2017

La Gare (5333 Casgrain #102)

Focusing on Diversité, Google helps Montreal entrepreneurs get their businesses started. Pitches are proposed on the first day. This is a bilingual event. More info HERE.

November 14-17, 2017

This festival celebrates the diversity of Montreal through its many residents. Cultural events, but especially concerts are on offer. For information about shows and venues, click HERE.

November 15-18, 2017

various

Over 100 bands play at this festival, designed to spotlight Montreal’s music community. These are bands about to break through to “selling out” or just widespread acclaim. Music industry types come in to see what’s hot right now. Among those playing are Florda Well, John Jacob Magistery, Killason, Graham Van Pelt, Nomadic Massive, and Odesza. Info HERE.

November 15-20, 2017

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

The not independent book gets its moment at this festival that focuses on French publications. Quebec literature in particular gets plenty of visibility. Author talks, discussions, debates, and public readings make this an exciting event. $6. More info HERE.

November 18, 2017

Get ready to find out if your neighbours can cook when everyone in the city is invited to open their own restaurant. Check the website to find out where in Montreal you can find a home cooked meal. More info HERE.

November 18-December 3, 2017

various

As the church composer extraordinaire, enjoy works by Bach in a variety of venues performed by musicians who range from classical to avant-garde. More info HERE.

November 23-December 3, 2017

This is the oldest festival of its kind in Canada and often is the place to catch both innovative and new films that relate to the LGBTQ community. Watch here for more details.

November 24-26, 2017

Place Bonaventure (800 Gauchetiere St W)

If rocks are your thing, this show is a good place to pick up a few of your favorite things! Gems, jewelry, sculptures, pearls, beads, fossils, tools, and minerals are all available here. The stones come from around the world too. Professional jewelers are on site to turn your purchases into jewellery. Also, representatives from the école de gemmologie de Montréal will provide you with information about your gems. $8/6. Info HERE.

November 25, 2017; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Eglise Santa Cruz (60 Rachel W)

Tibetans have migrated around the world. Those in Montreal, and those connected to Montreal gather this weekend to perform Tibetan dances and music, as well as vend wares from the Himalayas. Get what you need most this winter, a kidney/butt warmers. These handy things are used by sherpas to stay warm. $5/$3, under 12 free. More info HERE.

November 25-26 2017

454 Laurier East 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Every year Montreal Rampage relishes in this celebration of the zine, small press, pinback button, poster, and other indie creations. It’s a total madhouse, but a good one. Artists draw, knitters knit, and everyone who loves the written word gathers. All you need to know HERE.

November 26 2017

Stops at Montreal West (6:35 p.m.) and Beaconsfield (8:00 p.m.)

With lights and music, the annual train raises money for local food banks. Colin James, Jonathan Roy and Emma Lee perform at each stop. Info HERE.

November 29 – December 3, 2017

SAT (1201 St Laurent)

The annual Christmas market at the SOUK is a not to be missed event where you can get one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans who produce high quality stuff. It has a real designer flair. Keep an eye HERE for more info.

November 30-December 10, 2017

Mall of Palais de Congrès de Montréal (1001 place Jean Paul Riopelle)

Enjoy shopping for all kinds of goods in this Austrian style Christmas market. The market raises money to allow disadvantaged children to attend a free performance of the Nutcracker as well as participate in educational workshops. Info HERE.

November 22-26, 2017

Cinémathèque Québécoise (335 de Maisonneuve E)

This international festival celebrates animation in all its forms, both new and old. Exhibits, discussion forums, workshops, film classes, it’s all there. There are also prizes awarded at this festival. More info HERE.

November 30 – January 2, 2017

Quatier des Spectacles

As days get shorter and there is less light, Luminothérapie puts on an annual light show in Place des Arts. Impulse, in particular, has seesaws of different sizes with lighting and sound. Information HERE.

Upcoming and Dates TBA

Coinciding with the World Fringe Conference, the infringement festival focuses on grassroots, anti-corporate sponsored theatre. Expect the unexpected in these activist performances. For details, click HERE.

December 12-13 2017

Palais de Congès (1001 place Jean Paul Riopelle)

The Montreal International Game Summit is the largest technical conference on the East Coast. It brings together developers and industry professionals, with exhibitors including indie gaming studios and the big guns like EA. More info HERE.

Got another event that we didn’t cover here. Let us know at montrealrampage@gmail.com