The top 5 things to do in Montreal: May 19 to June 2
Vent d’Asie (part of the Festival Accès Asie) runs from May 20 to 22. | Photo courtesy of Festival Accès Asie
It's finally warming up, which must mean festival season is here! This is the time when Montreal comes alive with vibrant displays, creative spaces and intricate movements. The best way to experience the city is to be part of the buzz.
1. DON’T MISS: AN ASIAN SENSATION
Vent d’Asie (part of the Festival Accès Asie) | Les Jardins Gamelin (Berri-UQAM metro station) | May 20 to 22
Feast on a spectacle of Asian music and dance for three days straight.
From Iran to Japan, dancers and musicians will explore their rich cultural milieus in the heart of downtown Montreal. Every day brings a fresh program so make sure you don’t miss out!
This event is a small part of the Festival Accès Asie which wraps up on May 29. It features artists of Asian origins and artists whose work is inspired by Asian arts, cultures and histories. To date, it has presented over 600 artists from more than 20 countries.
Get more information on the Vente d'Asie event and the Festival Accès Asie.
2. CHROMATIC COOL
Ephemeral terrace (part of MASSIVart’s Chromatic festival) | Behind Hangar 16 in the Old Port (1 rue de la Commune) | Until May 22
Montreal is famous for its beautiful terraces. If you haven’t sat out for your first terrace experience of the season, here’s your chance.
Chromatic’s pop-up beer garden is an ideal spot for a long-weekend meet-up. Pull up a chair, grab a cold one and enjoy the view. If your friends ask, you were checking out Chromatic’s incredible exhibition that redefines the relationship between common artistic concepts and new media.
Your secret is safe with us.
3. WARNING: ARTIST AT WORK
2Fik court la chasse-galerie (part of the Festival TransAmériques) | Place des Festivals | May 28 to May 30 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Who do you feel like being today? Artist 2Fik challenges identities through his photography … Watch as he sets up his studio, before transforming himself into his fantasized alter egos — men and women from France and Quebec, Muslims, Catholics and atheists. On the third day he will complete a photo montage of his reimagined chasse-galerie, the flying canoe from the popular French-Canadian tale.
Get more information on the event from La Vitrine and check out the Festival TransAmériques.
4. WHAT’S THIS VR THING, ANYWAYS?
Exposition VR (part of Mutek) | PHI Centre (407 rue St-Pierre) | June 1 to 5 from 12 p.m.
Oculus Rift has made quite the splash — so don’t get left out.
What’s it like to experience virtual reality? Here is your opportunity to dive into more than 20 immersive works and interactive experiences. Don’t be shy — strap on a headset and give it a try.
Get more information on the event from La Vitrine.
5. WELCOME TO THE URBAN JUNGLE
Corps secret / Corps public (part of the Festival TransAmériques) | Place des Arts | Until June 8
How is your everyday environment affected by images and time?
With their interactive installation Corps secret / Corps public, Isabelle Van Grimde, Thom Gossage and Anick La Bissonnière combine movement, sound and architecture to transform and challenge how we use images and time.
Experience three structures that embrace your rhythm and the pace of those around you. Your movements inspire a soundtrack — a unique sound that brings to mind the rustling and murmurs of a supernatural urban jungle. Get up and march to your own beat!
Get the performance times on La Vitrine.
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