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.
July 2 to July 5, 2009
Festival International Montréal en Arts
The Gay Village turns into one giant outdoor art exhibition.
When: all day, all night
Where: all of the Gay Village on Ste. Catherine, between St. Hubert and Papineau
July 11, 2009
Street Theatre
A walking play about explorers discovering a mutant race who live off of industrial waste and domestic garbage.
When: 4:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m.
Where: all of the Gay Village on Ste. Catherine, between Berri and Papineau
July 12, July 19 and July 26, 2009
Initiation to Qi Gong
The ancient art of chi manipulation, don't miss your chance to try out Qi Gong.
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (in English); 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (in French)
Where: corner of Ste. Catherine and Amherst
July 16 to July 19, 2009
Gay Village Bazaar
Thrift shops hawk their wares.
When: all day
Where: all of the Gay Village on Ste. Catherine, between Berri and Papineau
July 18, 2009
Street Theatre
Two psychics divulge what is in store for the human race.
When: 4:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m.
Where: all of the Gay Village on Ste. Catherine, between Berri and Papineau
July 24 to July 26, 2009
Live Sculpture
Watch Joël Prévost sculpt a work of art live, on the street.
When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Parc de l'espoir at the corner of Ste. Catherine and Panet
July 25, 2009
Street Theatre
Three octogenarians that escaped from an old folks home try to blend in with the crowd.
When: 4:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m.
Where: all of the Gay Village on Ste. Catherine, between Berri and Papineau
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
Through September 8, 2009
Street Beach Volleyball
A beach volleyball court will be laid out. Just bring your equipment and play!
When: no specific times listed
Where: corner of Ste. Catherine and Champlain
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 their own backyards, rooftops and/or balconies, however small.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1810 Panet
For the full lineup of events, consult the Aires Libres website.
