by Martin Morin
Movies, tacos, saving the planet, going out for some fresh air, stocking up on sweets...This October, which we hope is as fun as September (although perhaps less warm), is likely to keep you well occupied. These activities will entice you to emerge from your cocooning phase. [image credit: iStock]
If you've never taken a movie-loving look at the Festival du nouveau cinéma, you don't know what you're missing. For its 46th event running from October 4 to 15, the Festival makes a strong entrance by opening with the film Blade Runner 2049 by Denis Villeneuve. The program is enticing, as always, with special events such as...cine-karaoke! And if you prefer unusual short films, get to the SPASM Festival, which takes place from October 19 to 28.
The Marché Bonsecours will provide the setting for the first edition – and many more, we hope – of the Montreal Zero Waste Festival. On the menu: workshops, talks, kiosks and exhibitors. Themes to be covered include responsible consumption, management of residual materials and more. And why not go as a volunteer?
This October 18, treat yourself to a meal for a good cause with Restaurants for change. More than 90 restaurants in 20 cities will be donating 50 per cent of all dinner profits to community food programs in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Seven Montreal restaurants are taking part, including Garde Manger and Porco.
Not only does Montreal celebrate Pizza Week (October 24 to 31) – it's also the host of Taco Week (October 21 to 28)! Whether you're Italian or Mexican at heart – why not love both? – let yourself be taken on a journey of dishes created especially for the occasion. And you can even vote for your favourite!
There are still more than 120 events to be seen or re-seen by the end of the year! Take a stroll through the Plateau to explore the Paul à Montreal outdoor exhibition. Several exhibitions, films and presentations celebrate the 50th anniversary of Expo 67. On October 14, head to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum for the “Spoken Archives” activity (held in French), which combines the words of old with the images of yesteryear.
____________________________________________________________
D'AUTRES BONNES IDÉES:
____________________________________________________________
In October, the temperature is still mild. Throw on an extra layer if necessary and head out to (re)discover the tens of kilometres of paths and trails on Mount-Royal. Several activities are offered – even in October – by Friends of the Mountain. And it must be said: the view from the belvedere is truly breath-taking! You can even see the giant wall dedicated to Leonard Cohen. Come find it!
Do you like jazz? No need to wait for next summer's festival. Take part in the 18th OFF JAZZ festival, from October 5 to 14. Twenty-six concerts will be presented in 9 venues around the city (including the Lion d'Or, Gesso and Upstairs) by nearly 150 musicians!
On October 28, take part in the Montreal Zombie Walk at the Place des Festivals (opposite the Museum of Modern Art). The event starts at 1pm and the walk starts at 5pm. On the program: an express make-up service and shows in the evening. Gross out!
Carving a pumpkin is great, but there are other ways to use a pumpkin – by bringing a little creativity to the proceedings! Why not go the whole hog and turn your home into a genuine haunted house? Halloween tips – we're full of them!
Autumn is settling in slowly and, for some, the time normally devoted to outdoor activities is now free time. Why not invest yourself in volunteering? Visit the Montreal Volunteer Centre website and check out our list of 10 ideas for volunteering.
