A new tradition since 2008, the Montreal Gay Village rids its main artery of cars, along Ste. Catherine Street, from Berri in the west to Papineau in the east (view map of car-free zone).
Making way for several street events, art exhibits and dozens of terraces -- Montreal newbies should know we call them terrasses, roughly pronounced "tear-ass" with a rolled "r" -- the Gay Village's street events are plentiful, family-friendly and best of all, free!
Click on each month listed for a glimpse of Montreal Gay Village street event best bets.
May 25 through September 8, 2009
Visit a Secret Garden
Visit a secret garden in the Gay Village, a couple of blocks north of Ste. Catherine on Panet Street and discover an urban oasis of natural beauty, showing residents what they themselves can do to take a bite out of smog and city heat, an inspiration to renaturalize backyards, rooftops and balconies, however small.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1810 Panet
May 28 through September 1st
Live Street Art With Roadsworth
Peter Gibson -- better known as Montreal street artist/public property defacer Roadsworth -- will spruce up the Gay Village car-free zone with dandelions, an oft-maligned "weed" that is actually an herb ripe with benefits and medicinal properties (and in your humble guide's opinion makes for a dandy sorbet flavor). Gibson attempts to destroy their bad rep with his team as they stencil them live on the street for onlookers, from May 28 to June 6. The dandelions will then be exhibited until September 1st.
When: not specified
Where: throughout the Gay Village car-free zone
May 30 through May 31st
24-Hour Bed-In For Peace
Inspired by the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Yoko Ono/John Lennon bed-in for peace, organizers are setting up their own a bed-in at Parc de l'espoir, encouraging attendees to bring pillows and pyjamas as they're entertained by politicians, artists, musicians, a mural painting-in-progress, debates, a film projection, you name it. And watch out for the roving bed.
When: Saturday, 12 p.m. to Sunday, 12 p.m.
Where: Parc de l'espoir at the corner of Ste. Catherine and Panet or Foufounes Électriques, 87 St-Catherine East
For the full lineup of events, consult the Aires Libres website.
