The Montreal Grand Prix is a true benchmark of our summer festival season, injecting the whole city with F1 fever and more events you can shake a dipstick at. Considered as one of the top circuits of the entire season by both fans and drivers alike, Montrealers celebrate Grand Prix like nowhere else. There's no denying that our passion for all things automotive is highly contagious and truly comes alive during the event, filling the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve with high-octane aficionados and spilling into the streets for three whole days of madness.
With so much going on over the course of the weekend, we thought we'd compile a few ideas of things to see and do to help you get the most out of your Grand Prix 2015 experience.
1. Muzique
Where: 3781 Boul St-Laurent
What: Muzique, Montreal's most famous club and celebrity hang out has teamed up with Grey Goose to ensure that you turn up in style this Grand Prix weekend. Muzique will be hosting three nights of F1 hype, so suit up and dance with the stars.
Friday June 5th, start the festivities off right with the Official Grey Goose Grand Prix Commencement Party featuring dj/producer STARKILLERS who will be playing his classic track “Pressure” featuring Nadia Ali and his most recent releases on Steve Angelo’s Size label.
Saturday June 6th will be the Official Grey Goose Grand Prix Gala hosted by the ridiculously beautiful singer/model/actress NIYKEE HEATON. This will no doubt be the hottest event in the whole city, so you definitely do not want to miss this.
Sunday June 7th wrap up your weekend at the world famous Muzique Industry Sundays as they host the Official Grey Goose Grand Finale with dj/producer Miss Tara, spinning her unique brand of house to keep you moving well into the night after a long day at the races.
2. Bâton Rouge
Where: 1050 de la Montagne & 180 rue Ste-Catherine Ouest
What: Bâton Rouge Steakhouse & Bar has been serving their mouth-watering, signature ribs and steaks to Montreal meat-lovers since 1992. With two Downtown locations conveniently located near all of the Crescent and Peel Street action, Bâton Rouge is the ideal spot to get your dose of delicious food and drink throughout the Grand Prix Weekend festivities. Their famous pork back ribs basted in their one-of-a-kind, in-house BBQ sauce are truly undeniable and their buzzing terraces are perfect for sangria-sipping and people-watching. Bâton Rouge also serves amazing desserts like The BR Cookie, Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Cheesecake and crème brulée shots, so make sure to save room for dessert.
3. Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival
Where: Crescent Street
What: Just about the largest F1 party in the world, the official Grand Prix Festival happens in Montreal's downtown core throughout the weekend, with Crescent Street being at the very center of it all. F1 Fever will be on full display with a variety of booths and fun activities to check out, see real racing cars up close and personal, and the giant Corona Extra stage will offer free outdoor shows and concerts every night. And for even more looks at incredible cars and F1 madness, Peel Street is just a couple of blocks away.
4. Old Montreal Celebrates Grand Prix
Where: Place-Royale
What: For all you foodies out there,make sure to check out Old Montreal for some some seriously good eats and festive Grand Prix vibe. Place-Royale will become an official "Foodie Zone" with a myriad of pop-up food stations to sample from, and St-Paul Street West will be spilling over as well with numerous terraces, perfect for sipping on F1 cocktails while you take in the luxury cars, street entertainers, and live music.
5. Miso Restaurant and Sushi-Bar
Where: 4000 Ste-Catherine West Street (corner Atwater)
What: What kind of Grand Prix celebration would be complete without your sushi fix! Located just steps away from the iconic Montreal Forum, Miso offers an exciting Asian-fusion concept, serving the freshest sushi and other delectable Japanese dishes. With its three floors and large summer terrasse, Miso is the perfect setting for a quick bite with friends, business lunch, group event or a romantic evening with a special someone. Choose from a great selection of sake and wine to perfectly complement your intimate dinning experience at this renowned restaurant. The staff is super friendly and the service is impeccable, definitely a must try!
6. Jack Saloon
Where: 262 Rue Saint Paul E
What: Known for its powerhouse drinks, off-the-wall cuisine, and rock 'n roll edge, Jack Saloon is a smokehouse and burger joint in the Old Port that's kind of like stepping into a Tarantino movie. A unique setting to enjoy a sit-down meal and a good glass of wine on the top floor, their beautiful terraces, and a one-of-a-kind show bar downstairs dedicated to rocking out, complete with stage and an out-of-this-world snack bar. Jack Saloon Old Montreal has prepared an exciting program for their first ever F1 celebration from June 4th until 6th, and will be the city's best place to rock out.
Thursday June 4 - The second edition of Cool Rebels, a spectacular black carpet event hosting a variety of local celebs and media as well as exclusive performances from Steve Hill, Les Respectables, Paul Deslauriers, DJ Frigid, DJ Louis Costa and DJ Luc Raymond
Friday June 5 - World-renowned model/DJ Ève Salvail will be spinning for the evening. Best-known for her collaborations with designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, as well as her roles in the Fifth Element, Zoolander, Celebrity, and Prêt-à-porter, Ève Salvail is no stranger to the decks, with prestigious clients like Maserati, Duran Duran, Diesel and Vogue. DJ Davidé (cirque de boudoir) will also be there and the event will feature special guest DJ Laflèche in her set. To top it all off, artist July Barrette will paint a live portrait of Ève Salvail.
Saturday June 6 - Jack Saloon will welcome 21 Gun Salute, Canada's best AC/DC tribute band, reacreating the pure rock energy of the legendary Australian group.
Tickets general admission: 15$
At the door: 20$
Passes for the 3 events: 40$
7. Monkland Grand Prix Festival
Where: Monkland Avenue
What: The Monkland Grand Prix Festival in Montreal's west end offers 4 days and 8 blocks of live music, food trucks, street merchants, exotic cars, circus acts, and basically one big ol' party to celebrate Grand Prix Weekend. Starting Thursday, Monkland Village will catch F1 fever and close off the street to set up several sunny terrasses, pop-up bars, various sponsored tents, 2 Dj stages, and a main music stage featuring amazing local talent like Shane Murphey, Bud Rice and John Jacob Majestry for your listening pleasure. Definitely a festive way to get in some GP action if you're looking for something a little more low-key than the downtown madness.
8. Santos
Where: 191 Rue Saint Paul O
What: Specializing in traditional Spanish tapas, Santos offers a large selection of spirits, cocktails, wines, sangrias mojitos, along with live DJs every night, and will be the spot to get rowdy for Grand Prix Weekend in the Old Port. Santos will be throwing a big Kickoff Party on Thursday, boasting the largest sangria barrel on the entire street. There will also be plenty of new menu items and other cocktails on offer as well. The party continues all weekend long with a huge terrasse that will feature amazing music, block parties, art galleries, great food, and of course, beautiful Montrealers.
9. St. Laurent’s Grand Prix Street Fest
Where: Boul St-Laurent
What: Much like Crescent Street, The Main transforms into a massive pedestrian zone and outdoor party for St. Laurent’s Grand Prix Street Fest. Already the mecca for incredible nightlife, beautiful people and unbeatable atmosphere, Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 3am, St-Lo will be closed off to traffic, offering loads of fun things to see and do including street food, merchant tents, vintage cars, lively terrasses, bumping DJ sets and more. What's more, Montreal's Mural Festival is coinciding with Grand Prix this year, which means The Main will absolutely buzzing with amazing street art being created live before your eyes and open-air markets throughout the weekend.
10. Vallier
Where: 425 Rue McGill
What: Escape some of that F1 action for a relaxed meal at the friendly and comfy Vallier restaurant. This relaxed 1950s style diner offers elevated versions of your favourite comfort foods and classic bistro staples, but during Grand Prix Weekend, Vallier will be the spot to get your hands on some fresh lobster! Enjoy the warm weather and the charm of Old Montreal from their sunny terrasse while you dig into their Fresh Lobster table d'hôte at just $39 all weekend long.
