July Nightlife: Montréal, Canada

FESTIVAL

Divers/cité (July 26th to August 2nd)

An internationally recognized LGBT festival that celebrates art, music, performance and diversity, Divers/cité is back for it's 17th year. This year there are a heap of free parties, photo exhibits, a movie in the park, cabaret performances and the hipster glam "Sexgarage". My Divers/cité recommendations:

1) Cabaret de Minuit (Thursday, July 30th) - Justin Bond (from Shortbus) belts it out with Our Lady J on piano. Guaranteed debauchery/fun.
2) Mascara (Saturday, August 1st) - The world's biggest drag show, featuring over 100 artists in a whopping five-hour, non-stop theatrical extravaganza. Epic. Hilarious. Catty.

http://www.diverscite.org/2009/anglais/index.htm

PARTY

MEC PLUS ULTRA (July 10th and 26th)

If you are ready to take a break from the Celine Dion remixes and drag queens, then this is for you. The premiere "out of the village" event in Montréal, Mec Plus Ultra is an evening of hot guys, electropop and cheap drinks. I go religiously, so come say hi if you see me. Hosted at "The Belmont" - 4483 St-Laurent Boulevard.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52663611296&ref=ts

ART

International Fireworks Competition (Each Saturday night)

Okay, some people might argue whether or not fireworks are considered "art", but when you have a drink in your hands and the evening sky is aglow with beautiful pyrotechnics, the art snob in you might make an exception. Each Saturday evening throughout the summer, Montréal hosts an International Fireworks competition that just happen to explode right above the Gay Village. For a prime location, I recommend the rooftop patios at Sky Bar or Club Unity.

The July Lineup: Australia (4th), China/Hong Kong (11th), Argentina (18th), Québec/Canada (25th).

http://www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com/en/

FESTIVAL

Just For Laughs (July 3rd to 26th)

The world's largest festival devoted to comedy, laughter and intrigue, the festival will put the funny factor into any traveler's itinerary. This year's big performers include Bill Cosby, John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg and Caroline Rhea. Street performers and large installations will keep you on your (twinkly) toes.

Click here to see my recommendations for shows with gay content.

http://www.hahaha.com/en/

UNIQUELY MONTRÉAL

Tam Tams (Each Sunday afternoon)

Every Sunday afternoon, all the peace lovin' people of Montréal unite: black & white, Anglo & Franco, young & old, gay & straight (and everyone in between). The reason is the "Tam Tams," a collective drum/circus/dance festival, where the mood is chill and the air is filled with the smell of… hippie lettuce.

Insider Recommendation: Grab some picnic food (cheese, baguette, bottle of wine) and head over to the mountain. Look for the giant angel statue on Park Ave, one block north of Duluth. Make sure you wander around the site to see the circus performers, drummers, vendors and warriors.

http://tamtamsmontreal.net/english.html