October in Montreal is when the city truly embraces its spooky, weird, and downright wild side.
From legendary punk rock shows to fetish Halloween parties, and everything in between, this month has something for everyone—whether you're looking to keep it chill with an indie film or go full throttle on the dance floor.
Check out some of the best things to do in Montreal this October, and get ready to make the most of the year's freakiest month.
Explore Oktoberfest at the Montreal Public Markets
When: September 28 and 29 (Atwater Market), October 5 and 6 (Jean-Talon Market), October 12 (Maisonneuve Market)
Where: Atwater Market, Jean-Talon Market, Maisonneuve Market
Cost: Free admission, drinks from $3.50
Why You Should Go: Sample craft beers, enjoy paella, oysters, and pretzels, and join in on family-friendly fun with inflatable games, face painting, and live music.
Eat everything at Ramen Ramen Fes
When: October 14 to 27, 2024
Where: Various locations across Montreal
Cost: Prices vary by restaurant
Why You Should Go: Celebrate this iconic Japanese noodle dish at Montreal's third annual Ramen Ramen Fest.
Taste unique creations from local ramen shops, participate in voting for the best bowls, and enjoy special events like the Tampopo ramen film screening on October 14. Discover the interactive map of participating restaurants and pop-ups, and immerse yourself in two weeks of delicious ramen.
Get weird at the 13th Phénomena Festival
When: October 2 to 25, 2024
Where: Various locations across Montreal
Cost: Prices vary per show
Why You Should Go: Over 100 artists will play 17 shows where you can experience cabarets, poetry readings, parades, and performances that are all unclassifiable and atypical. This interdisciplinary festival promises a blend of beauty and humour with bold, original voices across a variety of artistic mediums.
See the Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup
When: October 3 to 6, 2024
Where: Mont-Sainte-Anne, 2000 Bd du Beau Pré, Beaupré, QC
Cost: From $25 (VIP packages from $750)
Why You Should Go: Watch the world's top mountain bikers compete in downhill, cross-country, and short-course races. Enjoy new features like enhanced spectator zones, pop-up camping, and a fan zone with live screens and a bar service. The event also includes family-friendly activities, food trucks, and the Boréale après-races.
See a drag show at the MAI: DRAGCESSIBLE
When: October 17 and 18, 2024
Where: Cabaret, 3680 Rue Jeanne-Mance
Cost: $15 to $40
Why You Should Go: Hosted by Uma and Selma Gahd, this inclusive drag show features performances by Envy the Clown, Wheely Hot, and more. Expect a night full of glitter, surprises, and accessibility, proving that drag truly is for everyone!
Experience Lune Noire at Park Jean-Drapeau
When: October 25 to 27, 2024
Where: Hélène-de-Champlain pavilion, 200 Chem. du Tour de l'Isle, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Cost: Free
Why You Should Go: Experience a one-of-a-kind Halloween at the Lune Noire village. During the day, enjoy family-friendly activities, while the evening transforms into a chilling adventure for those seeking spine-tingling thrills. Perfect for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages!
See Montreal legends Chromeo with The Midnight live
When: October 7, 2024, at 8 p.m.
Where: MTelus, 59 Rue Sainte-Catherine E
Cost: From $34
Why You Should Go: Catch Chromeo live as they perform tracks from their latest album, Adult Contemporary, along with special guests The Midnight. Chromeo is from Montreal and is a must-see for fans of electronic funk and synthwave.
Rock out with Social Distortion
When: October 6, 2024, at 8 p.m.
Where: MTelus, 59 Rue Sainte-Catherine E
Cost: From $69
Why You Should Go: Catch punk rock icons Social Distortion as they hit the stage following lead singer Mike Ness's recovery from tonsil cancer. With over four decades of gritty anthems like "Story of My Life" and "Ball and Chain," this show promises raw energy and a setlist packed with fan favourites.
Social Distortion tickets
Grab popcorn and chill at Festival du Nouveau Cinéma
When: October 9 to 20, 2024
Where: Various venues including Cinémathèque québécoise, Cineplex Quartier Latin, Cinéma du Musée, Cinéma Moderne, and Concordia University
Cost: Prices vary by screening
Why You Should Go: Over 200 films from around the globe will play at the 53rd edition of this beloved festival. With films like Cu Li Never Cries and On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, this event caters to cinephiles and newcomers alike. Enjoy free events, industry meetings, and even a special day for children with the "Grande kermesse des P'tits Loups" on October 13.
Drink in the spooky decor at a Black Lagoon pop-up bar
When: October 1 to 31, 2024
Where: Bar 132 Vintage, 132 Rue Fleury O
Cost: TBD
Why You Should Go: Montreal’s nightlife gets a gothic twist this October as Black Lagoon takes over Bar 132 Vintage near Sauvé metro. Sip on Halloween-themed cocktails in a chillingly gothic atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to don your costume and hang out with friends for a spooky night out.
Get freaked out at a Halloween dubstep night
Hardsteppers and MTL Bassix Presents: Wally, Sase One, Pyrotrich, and Kiffah.
MTL's Bassix Production | Facebook
When: October 27, 2024, at 9 p.m.
Where: Club 2061, 2061 Saint-Denis Street
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door (if available)
Why You Should Go: The DJs who first brought dubstep to Montreal, Sase One, Kiffah, and Wally will fuse with Pyrotrich and MTL Bassix for an all-night Halloween show. Featuring deep bass and dark beats, this is a rare chance to experience the power of the legendary Montreal sound system in an intimate (and spooky) setting.
Get fancy at the Montreal Burlesque Festival
When: October 18-19, 2024
Where: Club Soda, 1225 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Cost: From $54.25
Why You Should Go: Two nights of burlesque and cabaret will bring back the buzz of Montreal's historic Cabaret glory days with top acts like Miss Tosh and Frankie Fictitious. Expect a mix of glitz, humor, and some seriously bold performances. Dress to impress—this is a glamourous event.
Celebrate Halloween at Pumpkinferno
When: Select dates, October 1 to 31, 2024
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON
Cost: $22
Why You Should Go: Stroll through a magical nighttime experience featuring over 9,000 hand-carved pumpkins, bringing a blend of artistry and creativity to life. From whimsical displays to spooky setups, Pumpkinferno offers a captivating journey perfect for visitors of all ages. As the trailblazer of pumpkin-themed festivals in Canada, it continues to enchant audiences every fall.
Try a sustainable pumpkin carving workshop
When: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Where: Concordia Greenhouse, 1455 Boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest, 7th floor
Cost: Pay-what-you-can (suggested $5)
Why You Should Go: Carve pumpkins for Halloween and learn about sustainable practices by feeding the pumpkin waste to worms in vermicomposters. Materials are provided, making this an eco-friendly and fun way to celebrate the season while supporting sustainability initiatives.
Dress up for Mainline's Rocky Horror Show
When: October 17 to November 2, 2024
Where: MainLine Theatre, 3997 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Cost: $32 in advance, $37 at the door, $28 for students, $25 for groups of 8+ (until October 1), $50 VIP
Why You Should Go: Get ready for antici...pation like never before. This live production of the cult classic promises a wild mix of sci-fi, glam-rock, and (the best) audience participation. VIP tickets include the best seats, a participation kit, and a drink to toast the madness.
Get naughty at the Monstrous Fetish Halloween Party
When: October 26, from 9 p.m. to October 27 at 3 a.m.
Where: Théâtre Paradoxe, 5959 Boulevard Monk
Cost: $69-$89 (General Admission), $95-$125+ (VIP Admission)
Why You Should Go: Montreal's wildest fetish Halloween party returns with a "Monsters" theme, live performances, DJs, dungeon play areas, and VIP perks. Get creative with your costume and join the hottest crowd in town for a night of kinky fun.
Settle in for a warehouse Movie Night
When: October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: L'Entrepôt, 2901 boul. Saint-Joseph, Lachine
Cost: $6.50 per film
Why You Should Go: Enjoy a selection of international films at L'Entrepôt's Warehouse Movie Club in an intimate venue with great acoustics. With screenings like Silence Hotel, Kanaval, Rosalie, and Hurricane FYT, this cultural center offers a unique movie-going experience in a historic setting.
Unleash your inner "Teenage Dirtbag" at Iron Maiden
When: October 30, 2024
Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Cost: From $252
Why You Should Go: See the legendary Iron Maiden perform hits from their latest album Senjutsu and the classic Somewhere In Time with Mongolian rockers The HU as special guests. Expect a show packed with fan-favourite tracks from the pioneers of British heavy metal.
