The Montreal International Literary Festival

With 350 participants, The Montreal International Literary Festival offers a series of activities, workshops, and regular features that provide you with the opportunity to meet a number of international authors, photographers, storytellers, illustrators, publishers and literary professionals.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at (514) 790-1245, in person, at the Festival Ticket Office at the Delta Hotel, or on the Blue Metropolis Website.

Les Printemps du Musée d’Art Contemporaine (MAC) : Abstraction

On April 24th, the Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting an exciting event called Abstraction that will provide the opportunity to enjoy the unusual experience of venturing through the museum throughout the hours of 9PM-3AM! The soirée will feature Quebec artist Claude Tousignant, DJ Vito V, as well as various other exhibits and performances!

The MAC committee organizing the event consists a group of dynamic young individuals whose mission is to “encourage new generations to take an active interest in contemporary art, while raising awareness on the importance of the MAC’s role in preserving and promoting this great heritage in Montreal, throughout Canada and abroad.”

Location: Museum of Contemporary Art: 185 Sainte-Catherine W

Tickets: $100 with profits going to support the museum. Open Bar & Hors-D’oeuvres served throughout the night.

For tickets and more information contact Kim McKenna at (514) 847-6270

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The parade has been a favorite of mine for years! It takes place on March 22nd at noon starting on Fort and Ste-Catherine W. The event attracts crowds of 600K and there are a number of pubs along the way that take part in the festivities. The Parade is 3 hours long with floats, bands, community and cultural groups. It’s a celebration of St. Patrick, the Irish community, and the welcoming of spring!

Sugaring Off

A visit to a sugar shack is a great way to break out of the winter blues! Maple taffy, traditional food, music, sleigh rides, and some fresh air are all part of the fun! Sugaring off is a fun activity to enjoy with your family or friends. I have been to a number of shacks over the years, and have enjoyed each and every one of them. However, weekends can get very busy, so if you have the luxury of taking a weekday trip, it is highly recommended.

The following are a number of options within a 1 hour drive from Montreal:

Cabane à Sucre Constantin Gregoire

Cabane à Sucre Oswald

Erablière Jean Parent

Cabane à Sucre Bernard Duquette

There are hundreds of additional options that you can also explore as well.

Have a great time!