March madness anyone? The snow is slowly leaving our city streets and sidewalks (maybe). People are out, some are even wearing shorts, but they’re just crazy. March in Montreal is always a good time to be alive.

Mondays, February 17 – May 4, 2020

Cabaret Lion d’Or, 1676 rue Ontario est, Montréal, QC, Canada

Only one can be the best, but over the next few months let your ears decide which of these artists deserves to advance to the next round. Get to listen to new and upcoming local talent. Info HERE.

February 20 – March 1, 2020

Quartier des Spectacles / Place des Arts

This is a large winter festival with a slide, domes and tents, outdoor activities, and of course food. There’s a nuit blanche and all the rest.Full schedule will be released for the free shows soon. For info, click HERE.

Montreal’s Olympic Stadium has a new event this winter, every weekend, with dozens of free life-sized games to play. In addition there’s a skating rink, warm up spaces, a snowskate park with four runs and free sliding equipment, and a slide. Details HERE.

February 22 – March 8, 2020

Quartier des Spectacles

Montreal knows how to have a good time, even when it’s a board game. Montreal Joue celebrates playing in the city, from video games to analog ones. 200 free activities and 150 exhibitors are featured. Click HERE for details.

February 26 – March 7, 2020

For 11 days, 400 cinema buffs and industry people can gather to see nearly 300 films, with around 100 premieres. Info and tickets HERE.

February 28 – March 1, 2020

Palais de Congres, 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle

If you love motorcycles, this event is for you. Whether its touring, sports, or just plain old admiration for two wheels, there’s something here for you. Info HERE.

Le Vrai du Faux. Festival Art Souterrain 2019. Photo Esteban F. Rios.

February 29 – March 22, 2020

Various

Wander the tunnels of Montreal to visit art exhibits set up for your viewing pleasure. It’s a good way to get out without really going “out.” For details, click HERE.

February 29 – March 1, 2020

College de Maisonneuve, 2700 Bourbonnière

If lizards, snakes, skinks, and other things that are reptilian excite you, check out this expo. There will be over 100 species of reptiles and a few others from the world of amphibians, arachnids, and what not. Some special “guests” include Margo the Albino Reticulated Python and Wally the Aligator. Info HERE.

February 29 – March 31, 2020

We at Montreal Rampage believe that art matters. Do you? The annual Concordia festival that celebrates art in its many forms has an appeal that goes well beyond students. Check out who is up and coming as both artists and curators in the city of Montreal. All areas are covered — writing, dance, design, theatre, video, theatre, and digital arts. Check out vernissage yielding to vernissage throughout the whole of March. Click HERE for more information.

February 29 – March 8, 2020

Various

Films for everyone who clocks in at underage, actually or in spirit. This charming and fun festival invites the best of international cinema focused on children’s films. Many are unreleased. For details, click HERE.

March 4 – 8, 2020

The magic of puppetry is always in how the puppeteer gets an inanimate object not just to move, but to move you. This annual festival has over 10 artists and their manipulated creatures. More info can be found HERE. Tickets range from $16 to 30 per show.

March 5 – 8, 2020

Casa del Popolo, Sala Rosa, and B-Ward

This festival focuses on people who identify as femme, non-binary, trans, and counter cultural. Workshops and music are featured. Info HERE.

March 6 – 8, 2020

Sandman Hotel

999 Rue de Sérigny, Montréal, QC J4K 2T1



Those interested in Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Vanguard, Star Wars, and many other card games, along with their related ilk should check out this event. Cards will be traded. Info HERE.

March 6, 12, 13, 14, 2020

La Sotterenea

Darkwave, post punk, krautrock, and all other sorts of alternative musics get their moment at this music festival. Details HERE.

March 7 – 8, 2020

Esplanade of Olympic Park (4141 Avenue Pierre-de Coubertin)

free access to site; some activities are extra

Barbegazi means frozen beard. This festival is meant to get your warm ass outside so you can freeze your beard while doing weird winter sports. If you don’t have a beard, you can participate too. Try the obstacle course, snow skating, wood cutting, log toss, or arm wrestling. Okay, you can just watch others do these things if weird sports aren’t your thing. Info HERE.

March 12 – 15, 2020

Palais du Congres

1001 Place Jean Paul Riopelle

If you’re thinking about decorating, renovating, or even buying, this expo might be an ideal stopping place. For information check HERE.

March 19 – 22 , 2020

Rue Wellington, Verdun

An urban lumberchack party? If getting to a sugar shack is out of the question, head to Verdun for all the maple syrup products you can eat. Other cool events as well like square dancing and woodcutting are all on. Details HERE.

Prana. Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert 2017. Photo Rachel Levine

March 20 – 22, 2020

Palais des Congrès (1001 Place Jean Paul Riopelle)

An annual foodie event for everyone who likes free samples and green smoothies, the health food festival takes over Palais des Congrès with rows of people who want to help you improve your health. Try the latest organic chocolate and tempeh, learn about different holistic health methods, and enjoy the crowd. More info HERE.

March 21 – April 5, 2020

Vox Aeterna presents concerts and workshops as a way to support music in the community. Among them Ensemble Noir, Spectrum Voices, and Choeur du Chambre du Quebec. More information can be found HERE.

March 21 – June 21, 2020

Celebrating all of Montreal’s electro-talents, the Digital Spring unites different artistic venues and organizations and gives them recognition for their digital exhibits. Places to keep an eye on include the DHC/ART, the SAT, and the Phi Centre. More info HERE.

Patrick’s Irish Pub. St Denis. Photo Rachel Levine

March 22, 2020; 12 noon, starts De Bleury and De Maisonneuve

We’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s day. Some would vote it the best holiday in Montreal, though an Irish friend calls it Douchebag Christmas. I beg to differ. You can put a Guinness on that if you like. Watch the parade, squeeze into a packed bar on or off Bishop street, and enjoy. Info HERE.

March 27- 29, 2020

Hotel Bonaventure (900 Rue de la Gauchetière Ouest)

Come and find the audio system of your dreams. Also, 20 spectacles, 300 different marks, a record fair. Music lovers get ready! Info HERE.

March 27 – 29, 2020

Palais de Congrès

Everything fo the ladies of Montreal and Quebec. Speakers, workshops, lots of exhibitors, and of course a pretty good shopping zone. More info HERE.

March 28, 2020

CEGEP Ahuntsic

9155 St Hubert

Getting buggy with it. Butterflies and ants and all the rest of the things that crawl. You just needed the perfect excuse to go to Ahuntsic. Info HERE.

Upcoming

April 30 – May 3, 2020

Mainline Theatre

A four day event features intersectional feminist artists with works focused on the body. Performances explore power, vulnerability, and what it means to live life in a female or a non-binary body. More info HERE.