The top 5 things to do in Montreal: Sept. 11 to Sept. 20
Last winter, Concordia became the first university in Montreal to partner with La Vitrine, Montreal’s Cultural Window. La Vitrine is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of all cultural activities.
This partnership has two advantages: it allows Montrealers to discover the wealth of diverse cultural activities available on both the university’s campuses — Sir George Williams and Loyola — while also sharing La Vitrine’s cultural programming and activities with the Concordia community.
Each week Concordia graduate and arts journalist Andy Fidel sets us up with her top five picks.
1. DANCING IN THE STREETS
Quartiers Dance | September 12 to 20
Organized annually by Transatlantique Montreal, this contemporary dance event takes place in numerous venues and outdoor locations all over the city.
It strives to democratize contemporary dance and make it more accessible to all audiences by offering a diverse program of works from national and international artists.
While maintaining a focus on dance, the festival takes a multidisciplinary approach that comprises shows, films, exhibitions, conferences/meetings and workshops.
Originally formed by Concordia grads, the experimental music and performance art collective Yamantaka // Sonic Titan are one of the many and various acts playing at Pop Montreal this year. | Photo by Richmond Lam
2. IT’S POP TIME!
POP Montreal | September 17 to 21
The POP Montreal International Music Festival is an annual event that showcases emerging and artistic talents from around the world. It features performances by more than 600 artists in the span of five days.
Take in compelling symposiums, artisan and visual art exhibitions, fashion shows and film screenings.
Many events are free. It’ll be music to your ears!
3. TOTALLY RANDOM AND POTENTIALLY AWESOME
The MicroZoo Exhibition | Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Did you know that Bioluminescent algae, like fireflies, can produce their own light?
Learn this and more at the Armand Frappier Museum, which is holding a hands-on exhibition on microorganisms. You’ll learn about the most harmful and useful microorganisms around and on our skin. Expect videos, games and exploration stops.
Spoiler alert: you’ll see bacteria magnified a thousand times.
Méandre, like Pan's Labyrinth, is an invitation to explore the contrasts between light and dark aspects of human nature.
4. UNDER THE BIG TOP
Méandre, Atelier De Recherche Et De Création De L'école Nationale De Cirque | Friday, September 12 at 8 p.m., Saturday, September 13 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Have you seen the movie Pan’s Labyrinth? Immerse yourself in the same imaginary world of truth and freedom.
Méandre is your invitation to explore the magical contrasts between light and dark aspects of human nature. Join the talented artists at the L'école Nationale De Cirque for an unforgettable circus performance.
5. WALK THIS WAY
Walking Tour Of Quartier Des Spectacles
English tours: Saturday, September 13, 20 and 27 from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and October 4 from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
French tours: Thursday, September 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 14 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Explore the creativity and history that inhabit the Quartier Des Spectacles, which is a 1 km² area of your favourite island. Listen to accredited tour guides as they give you the inside scoop on the Quartier’s most significant sites.
Meet at the intersection of Balmoral and Sainte-Catherine streets, but first make a reservation through the Quartier’s venues’ box offices.
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About the author
Andy Fidel is a Montreal-based freelance journalist, photographer and writer with dreams of living on a submarine. She enjoys metro rides, writer's block and cold instant coffee.