It seems like we're just getting warmed up in more than one way, Montreal.

This will become clearer with a little look behind the curtain: When we pull together the Bulletin for the next week, we've more or less got a good idea of everything that we want to feature. We've got our tips, tricks, and spooky figures shrouded in trenchcoats and alleyways to get our info from.

But this weekend? Man oh man did it never seem to stop, even when we did our darnedest to curate it. Events, notifications and announcements that places were back open for businesses were flying at us every which way. We had to borrow a pair of blinders from an SPVM horse just to stay focused and get this edition done.

That said, there is a lot you can do this weekend (and later this month, too).

But you are but one Montrealer. Take a close look, and while we'd normally say "choose wisely", trust that whatever you see below has been curated just for you.

Activities, parties, points of interest, art exhibitions, you name it: These are the weekend events you don't want to miss.

Thursday

❄️ It's the SAT Winter Terrace's opening night, with artist Sabrina Ratté’s Cyberdelia and a DJ set by Claire from 5 PM to 10 PM—free and open to all!

🎷 Join The Tin Cans Jazz Jam at ProjetMILL, where musicians and jazz lovers unite for a night of spontaneous music and creativity.

🎥 The 1st Montreal Critics’ Week, the first in Canada, inaugurates its yearly gathering meant to increase the space for discourse and discovery around cinema.

🏳️‍🌈 There's a cozy night of queer crafting at Champs Bar—materials provided, PWYC entry, and masking encouraged. 🎨✨

✨ Zeynep is unveiling The Monumental Collection, a series of six original lighting designs inspired by ancient civilizations and pre-modern Turkey, with an exhibition at 6909 Marconi.

🎙️ Melody & The Mellow Tones brings jazz jams to Verre Bouteille, starting with a house band set at 8 PM followed by an open jam at 9 PM—bring your instrument.

Friday

❄️ Montreal’s Igloofest proves that snow and ice can’t stop the party, as thousands gather in Old Montreal to dance away the winter chill across four weekends.

🎧 SOS_6 UNDERGROUND returns to Osmo x Marusan with a packed lineup of house, techno, and hardgroove DJs, interactive art installations, and pop-up stores from local creators.

🗿 Catch Silent EM, a cornerstone of the underground scene blending Coldwave, Synthpunk, and EBM, as they debut their album alongside Automelodi, Voyageur Statique, and DJ Sérénade Obsolète at Piranha Bar.

Saturday

🛷 Glissades Gamelin in the Quartier des Spectacles features refrigerated sledding tracks, snow activities, and cozy après-glide fun as of January 16—and it's free.

🧧 Celebrate the Year of the Snake this Saturday with cultural activities, Hong Kong-style Fukubukuro gift bags, and traditional games.

🚗 Car enthusiasts can explore the Montréal Auto Show, featuring multiple brands under one roof at the convention centre until January 26.

🌴 An explosive dance night as Canicule Tropicale takes over La Sala Rossa with African, Latin, Brazilian, and Caribbean grooves from 1950-1980, featuring DJ GrandHuit and original vintage vinyl.

Sunday

🇻🇳 Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year at Festival du Tết Montréal, featuring culture, cuisine, and festive events at the Grand Quay in the Old Port.

🎸 Experience an evening of harsh noise and experimental drone featuring 2444PRINTS and special guest Andelina at Casa del Popolo.

🛁 BKIND’s got pop-up shop featuring local brands Fornix, Quintescent, and Maslov, with prize draws for on-site purchases.

🎨 Time's running out to see Alanis Obomsawin’s The Children Have to Hear Another Story exhibition at MAC Montréal, showcasing the groundbreaking work of the 92-year-old filmmaker and activist.

Show us some love. 🫰

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WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN AND AROUND MONTREAL

Scope the latest restaurant openings, recommendations on where to eat, plus new menus, old classics, and everything in between.

Chez Greenberg, the new spot of Zaidies fame, reopens from now until Jan 19, 10am to 4pm, serving their smoked salmon, coffee, latkes, and more.

Cicchetti celebrates seven incredible years with a Sourpuss fountain, fresh oysters, and music during a night of laughter, memories, and moments on Jan 18.

Polari welcomes Mike Chanthamynavong for an afternoon of “Double Soupe”—two soups, double the flavour, and a bit of trouble—on Jan 19 as of 1pm.

Celebrate Gia’s third anniversary on Jan 21 with a Piedmontese-inspired evening featuring wines from Barolo, Barbaresco, and the Langhe, hosted by Véronique Dalle of Foxy.

César Lewandowski from Top Chef France joins forces with Barroco chef Jeremie Falissard for two unforgettable evenings on January 21 and 22.

Celebrate Filipino culture at Pavillon’s pop-up event on January 22, featuring reimagined Filipino cuisine, special cocktails, a groovy DJ set, and a clothing sale.

Nolan and Brommelier host a wine-filled evening on Jan 23 with rare pours by the glass, a Champagne “carafé,” and fun vibes starting at 6 PM.

Experience L’Heure du Thé des Drags at Paparmane with performers, personalized gourmet platters, tea, and a welcome cocktail on Jan 24.

Kick off the 2025 season of Nevski After Hours on January 25 — a night of Slavic-inspired après-ski vibes and unforgettable beats.

Castel Francos' Spaghatt night takes over the backroom of Montreal Pool Room on Jan 26 at 2pm—cash only for a day of spaghetti, hot dogs, and surprises.

Join La Spada for Sunday Sauce on January 26: A $65 Italian feast featuring cold cuts, cheese, pasta, focaccia, greens, and a rich tomato sauce with meatballs, sausage, and braciola.

Le Casavant will host the esteemed Club Chasse et Pêche on Jan 26 for a special six-course gastronomic evening ($125pp), celebrating the restaurant’s 20th anniversary and reuniting chefs Charles-Tristan Provost and Olivier Larocque.

Microbrewery Mutoïde is hosting a friendly pinball tournament on January 26th, starting at 5 PM. Open to all skill levels, with free registration and prizes for the winners.

An unforgettable Marseille-inspired evening will take place on Jan 28 when Majestique throws it, plus cocktails inspired by the region.

Le Babar turns 2! Celebrate this milestone on Jan 28 with an exclusive off-menu dining experience and the latest cuvées from Lieux Communs.

Beba takes over Bottega on January 30 for an exclusive evening of winter-inspired dishes paired with curated wines.

Just a friendly neighbourhood reminder that you can now enjoy $1 oysters and $12 martinis every Wednesday at Bistro La Franquette.

Concordians know how good (or bad) times could get at Reggie's. Welp, now it's got a makeover.

June Buvette teams up with San Pellegrino for a bouchon lyonnais-themed evening featuring a $60 sharing menu and signature cocktails on Feb 4.

Mange-Tout has unveiled its anticipated Super Bowl 2025 menu, featuring crowd-pleasing favourites like taco kits, fried chicken, duck-fat fries, and more, available by special order for pick-up on February 9.

Not exactly edible, but: Moccione’s recipe book from their beloved Italian eatery are now available for pre-order, signed and shipped around Feb 11.

Mark your calendar for Feb 20 as @sessions_vins takes you on a unique journey blending art and history with a special tasting of French and New World wines.

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Here, you'll find a weekly round-up of the latest local news, from entertainment to current affairs and more.

When's the last time you were in the Eastern Townships? We put together a full, choose-your-own-adventure day trip itinerary for you. Read more.

Meet an OG of Quebec's cycling industry, Elio Fratangelo. The owner of Centre du Vélo 82 in Montreal, he's got some amazing stories. Read more.

Nightlife faces an uncertain future in Montreal: Following our story from our friends at URBANIA, The Rover has made its own deep dive into the topic. Read more.

Da mystery of snow removal. When we're buried in white, these machines cut through the night. Here's how a citywide race works at a breakneck pace. Read more.

One billion dollars. And no, that's not an Austin Powers reference. We're talking about how Montreal's waterfront is set to see huge changes. Read more.

As Montrealers, are we... good citizens? A recent dossier from La Presse how much of this question falls on the city, and what's on us as individuals. Read more.

Until the sun goes down? Nah. New outcrops of dance events show that a lot of Montrealers are opting for spots that allow for daytime partying. Read more.

The quest to find a lost Cybertruck while filming in a snowstorm: Sounds dramatic and absurd, right? Just about as much as the vehicle itself. Read more.

Old popcorn, beer on tap, and social issues. Yup, that sounds like the Latin Quarter alright. But what happened to this once-venerated street? Read more.

They seem like ordinary customers, but 23 undercover agents across Quebec are on a nine-month government mission to "probe the province’s linguistic frontlines." Read more.

Taverne Tour, the big music festival that connects multiple indie venues in Montreal, is coming: Here's what you can anticipate this year. Read more.

PSA: Don't throw your Christmas tree off the balcony. fIt may seem convenient when you're up on the 2nd or 3rd floor, but it can kill. Read more.

The ol' construction and traffic blues are playing at a key intersection of the Latin Quarter—painful stuff during one of the slowest months of the year. Read more.

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And that wraps yet another weekly bulletin. We’ll be back with more curiosities, local stories, and events to discover next week.

If ever you catch something we should know, don't hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram.

👋 Masthead: Philip Tabah, Founder & Head of Creative / Jean-Philippe Lauzon, Co-Founder & Head of Tech / Daniel Bromberg, Co-Founder & Head of Operations / JP Karwacki, Managing Editor / Amber Spector, Social Media Manager