Redpath Museum Day of the Dead
A person in a blue dress with flowers sits in front on a Day of the Dead altar.
Courtesy of Redpath Museum.
When: Tuesday to Friday, November 1 to 30
Where: Redpath Museum, 859, rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Cost: Free
Reason to go: You can learn more about the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos through a display of Indigenous celebrations at one of Montreal's most underrated museums. The Day of the Dead has been popularized in animated films like Coco and The Book of Life, but this exhibit will give viewers a first-hand view of what the celebration is really all about.
More at museesmontreal.org
Depeche Mode Live
When: November 3, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Centre Bell, 1909, av. des Canadiens-de-Montreal
Cost: $56.75+
Reason to go: England’s New Wave legends are coming to town. Their show will feature tracks from dozens of albums that you’re sure to recognize. Depeche Mode has been helping people find their "Personal Jesus" for decades and their records trace back to the 1970s. Their Memento Mori Tour is the first not to feature keyboardist Andy Fletcher, who passed away in 2022. If you sit at home you won’t "enjoy the silence," so depeche-toi!
Tickets at depechemode.com
National Pet Show Montreal
When: November 4 to 5
Where: Olympic Stadium, 4545, ave Pierre-de Coubertin
Cost: $16.50
Reason to go: Watch cats, dogs, and exotic species compete in a "cat-cophony" of exploits in the Big O. Good dogs will show off their agility by jumping hoops and climbing beams, while cats parade in a fashion show. Hundreds of animals will be on display including some rarities. The activities at this show don’t tour around,
More at snac.ca
Sober Night Out
When: Any day in November
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Reason to go: Montreal has a lot of nightlife to offer, but not all of it is about bars. Clocks are turning back, making night darker along with people’s moods. Seasonal Affective Disorder peaks each year in November and as drinking is a depressant, it’s important to keep mental health in mind. If you missed Sober October, November is as good a time as any, especially before the holiday season. Make time to explore places that don’t have bars and you may be surprised how much fun you have!
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International Tourism & Travel Expo
When: November 3 to 5
Where: Palais des congrès, 1001, pl. Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Cost: $16
Reason to go: Montreal’s YUL Aéroport Montréal-Trudeau is hosting an expo that could help you find and plan your next adventure. The trade show will feature world-renowned chefs cooking up food alongside performances by dancers and musicians to bring to life flavours and cultures to be found abroad.
More at salontourismevoyages.com
Holiday Book Fair Wine & Cheese
When: November 3 to 4, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Concordia Library Atrium, 1400 De Maisonneuve Boulevard W
Cost: Free
Reason to go: If you love books, then this is the perfect chance to find English literature written right here in Quebec, or pick up some early holiday gifts for loved ones. There will be a wine and cheese reception on Friday and coffee on Saturday morning to get you in the mood for shopping.
More at readquebec.ca
MTL à Table
When: November 3 to 19
Where: Various locations
Cost: $38 to $83
Reason to go: Montreal’s special event to showcase the city’s culinary scene is back for its 11th edition. Over 135 restaurants will become more accessible, offering lower price points for three and four-course meals. Reserve ahead of time because seats will fill with people looking to get cozy indoors now that terrasses are gone for the year.
More at mtlatable.mtl.org
Dragonforce
When: November 5, 6:30 pm.
Where: MTelus, 59, rue Sainte-Catherine Est
Cost: $66+
Reason to go: Bring yourself back through the fire and flames to experience Dragonforce in all of their fury on Guy Fawkes night. This very fitting date will blow your mind with the most famous extreme power metal bands in the world. Their guitar noodling skills are far beyond anything else you’ve seen live. You won’t have a hard time trying to "remember, remember the fifth of November" after this show.
Tickets at dragonforce.com
Bach Festival Montreal
When: November 6 to December 3
Where: Various Locations
Cost: Various prices
Reason to go: This is *the* classical music event of the year. Much different than what you might find on the radio, the experience will feature music by Johann Sebastian Bach, who is known as one of the greatest composers of all time. The venues will range from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to Montreal’s many churches including St. Joseph’s Oratory. It’s a great event to bring a parent or grandparent to, maybe don’t confuse it with Montreal’s Bachata Festival (or do)!
More at festivalbachmontreal.com
National Gathering for Indigenous Education
When: November 15 to 17
Where: Hotel Bonaventure, 900, rue de la Gauchetiere
Cost: $57.52
Reason to go: Keynote speakers from across Turtle Island (North America) will offer their knowledge to educators and students alike. The panels will further the discussion between Indigenous and non-Indigenous academic communities, providing an opportunity to learn how to make classrooms more inclusive.
More at indspire.ca
KISS End of The Road Tour
When: November 18, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Centre Bell, 1909 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montreal
Cost: $190+
Reason to go: This is your last chance to "rock and roll all nite" with KISS, who have begun their final tour after six decades. Their wild attire and performances have touched almost as many people as Gene Simmons. They were made for lovin’ you, baby.
More at kissonline.com
TOOL Live
When: November 19, 7 p.m.
Where: Centre Bell, 1909, av. des Canadiens-de-Montreal
Cost: $144+
Reason to go: TOOL is one of the most iconic progressive metal bands on the scene and is well known for putting on an iconic live show. They have made it clear they don’t like phones at their concerts, so keep yours in your pocket! Their performances are meant to be enjoyed without everyone sharing reels (or pointlessly recording the whole performance).
Tickets at axs.com
Montreal Bachata Festival
When: November 16 to 19
Where: Sheraton Hotel, 1201, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest
Cost: $38.15+
Reason To go: This music festival has everything from how-to dance workshops to social dances and competitive performances. Dancers and DJs will be flying in from around the world to show off their style. The formerly illegal style of dance, bachata was originally banned in the Dominican Republic for being too vulgar for television but has since spread to the rest of the Caribbean and the world. Just don’t confuse it with the three-letter different Bach Festival in Montreal!
More at montrealbachatafestival.com
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
When: November 21, 6:45 p.m.
Where: Montreal West Station, 7499, ave Harley
Cost: Free
Reason to go: Catch a performance by Kieza and Seaforth as the holiday train pulls into Montreal West on the first night of the railway tour across Canada and the US. The train will also stop in Beaconsfield at 8:30 p.m. The CP Holiday Train supports Food Banks Canada and raised over $22 million last year in donations.
More at cpr.ca
Montreal Autumn Slow Dance
People at a slow dance.
Courtesy of Patreon.
When: November 25, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Mainline Theatre, 3997, boul. Saint-Laurent
Cost: $15
Reason to go: This may be one of the cutest Montreal events of the year, where all wallflowers feel welcome. Along with entry, each participant will receive a hand-made booklet to sign up for slow dances. Anyone too shy to ask another attendee can request a dance with a volunteer instead. The unique 18+ event is designed to bring people together and share slow jams.
Facebook Event
Montreal Grand Christmas Market
When: Opens November 25
Where: 1499, rue Jeanne-Mance
Cost: Free entry
Reason to go: Montreal’s biggest Christmas market will open for six weeks over the holiday season, with 50+ kiosks selling holiday treats and gifts from over 140 Quebec artisans. Featuring a new segment this year, the market will have animators in costume to bring the event space to life as part of the "Kingdom of the Elves." There's also live music to serenade you while you shop and even a Santa parade on November 19 along rue Sainte-Catherine, between Guy and Jeanne-Mance.
More at noelmontreal.ca
Mariah Carey Merry Christmas One and All Tour
When: November 29
Where: Centre Bell, 1909, av. des Canadiens-de-Montreal
Cost: $60+
Reason to go: If all you want for Christmas is Mariah, then you’re in luck. She’s coming early this year and to the Bell Centre! Kick off the holiday season with all of the hits you’ll hear in every store this season but with the bonus of catching Mariah sing her high notes in person.
More at mariahcarey.com
People stand in front of a stage at Festival Noël dans le Parc.
Performers dressed like nutcrackers in the snow.
Christmas trees for sale at the Montreal holiday market.
People walk by artisanal booths at the Laval Christmas Market.
People walking through the market decorated with light-up Christmas trees and a rustic "Tire d'érable" (maple taffy) station. 
The interior of Montreal's Crew Collective & Café.Courtesy of Crew Collective & Café
Tourisme Basses-Laurentides