Let’s face it, November isn’t everyone’s favourite month of the year. It gets the short end of the stick by being between the partying of Halloween and the festivities of Christmas. The days are longer, it gets dark at 3:00pm, and pumpkin spice lattés are replaced with candy inspired lattes. The weather is often a hit or miss and people usually like to take a physical and financial break in November to gear up for the madness that is December. But we can at least try to make the best of this somber month. Before the corny holiday music starts blasting everywhere, here are some events that may actually improve your relationship with Naughty November.
Nonna’s Lunch at Industria Brasserie Italienne (November 15th)
Nobody makes a better meal than Nonna! There’s never too little food and you better arrive with an appetite… or else! Combine that with one of Griffintown’s most popular restaurants, and you have a gastronomical experience to remember. Industria is popular all year round and has been a Montreal hotspot ever since it opened. With a modern meets rustic décor, the atmosphere is very welcoming and the food, even better! On November 15th, Industria will be hosting Nonna’s Lunch where 9 top chefs from 6 different restaurants will be serving a decadent 6 course meal. Restaurants include Slang, Mercuri, Brïz, and more! If you’ve never been to Industria (shame!), Nonna’s Lunch would be a perfect time to go! Just like Nonna’s house, no one will leave here hungry. Tickets are $60 and you must reserve your spot. Click here to learn more about this event and this awesome restaurant.
100 rue Peel #112, Montreal QC, H3C 0L8
(514) 931-4545
Montreal International Documentary Film Festival (November 12th – 22nd)
Thanks to a little thing called Netflix, documentaries have never been more popular. Why not take you obsession to another level and support an event dedicated to them! Founded in 1998, the Montreal International Documentary Festival (Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal – RIDM), will be showing documentaries from Canada and all over the world. It’s the perfect way to show off great talent and the next big name in not only documentaries, but filmmaking as well. Before these masterpieces hit Netflix, get a glimpse and a newfound appreciation for the documentarians’ hard work at this wonderful festival. View the schedules here and learn more about the RIDM’s hard work.
5333 rue Casgrain suite 1109, Montreal, QC H2T 1X3
(514) 499-3676
The Nutcracker Market (November 26th – December 6th)
The Nutcracker is not just a famous ballet, it’s also Montreal’s first non-profit Christmas market at the mall of Palais De Congrès. Founded in 2010 by Les Grands Ballets, the Nutcracker Market offers a unique holiday shopping experience. With over 70,000 visitors expected this year, it’s a shopper’s wonderland. You’ll not only be getting lovely goodies to give to your loved ones (or yourself!), but giving an important gift as well. 10% of pre-tax sales will be going to the Nutcracker Fund for Children. This wonderful charity will help children from underprivileged neighbourhoods attend educational workshops and a performance of the ballet. What better gift can be given during this time of year than to make a child happy? Click here to learn more about the Nutcracker Market and the Nutcracker Fund for Children. It’ll get you in the holiday spirit better than a bowl of eggnog.
1001, place Jean-Paul-Riopelle Montréal (QC) H2Z 1H2
(514 871-8122)
Montreal’s Artistic Community In The 1950’s-1960’s (November 11th)
An event for both art lovers and film film buffs, Montreal’s McCord Museum will be showing the documentary Artist in Montreal on November 11th. Artists and speakers will present important figures, places, and ideas that inspired Montreal’s creative community during the 1950s and 1960s. Directed by painter and art historian Jean Palardy, Artist in Montreal will take us a step back in time as we see how the city has changed both physically and creatively. Viewers will be able to pick at Parlardy’s brain during the discussion that’ll be held after the viewing. Click here for more information and to learn more about this educational exhibition.
690 Rue Sherbrooke West, Montréal, QC H3A 1E9
(514) 398-7100
M For Montreal (November 18th – 21st)
Some of the world’s greatest musical talents come from Montreal. The next big name in music may be found at M For Montreal! Founded in 2006, this annual event is hosted by an independent organization whose main goal is to give up-and-coming local musicians a chance to showcase their talents and to launch their careers outside of Canada. Occurring at various locations all over the city, M has developed quite a reputation in the music business. Big names in the international music scene will be scoping out the wonderful talent that Montreal and of Canada has to offer. The next Simple Plan, Nickelback, or Michael Bublé can be on their way to an exciting and life-changing career. Click here to learn more about this event and view the schedules of the talented lineup.
100 Sherbrooke Est, suite 2000, Montreal, Quebec, H2X-1C3
(514) 925-0050
