How to Spend Halloween Weekend in Montreal
As any candy and costume-loving adult knows, Halloween isn’t just for kids. That’s especially evident in Montreal, where the locals’ fun-loving reputation and penchant for throwing good parties makes it the ideal place for people of all ages to live it up on the night of the dead. All you really need for a quality Halloween celebration is a costume and some friends, but if you’re looking for a way to eat, drink and be scary in uniquely Montreal style, check out these local events that are sure to put you in a spooky mood.
The Montreal Zombie Walk 2018
This Halloween, don’t settle for watching two-dimensional monsters on a screen: head downtown to check out the Montreal Zombie Walk, which will send thousands of participants marching down St. Catherine St. West in zombie garb and makeup on October 27. The parade of the undead is an impressive sight to behold (especially for aficionados of special effects makeup), but it’s even more fun to attend as a participant. It kicks off at 3 p.m. and is open for anyone to join, so don some tattered clothes, stock up on fake blood, look up a makeup tutorial on Youtube and get marching (slowly. You’ll want to stay in character).
https://www.mtlblog.com/news/montreals-2015-zombie-walk-will-be-in-october
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball Montreal
Anyone who insists that Halloween is just for kids has clearly never experienced the thrill of attending an interactive screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a Halloween tradition nearly as old as the 1975 cult classic itself. Such screenings are a staple of Halloween celebrations across North America, but the Montreal event is the biggest of its kind. Screening at the beautiful Cinéma Impérial, the film will play as a backdrop to live performers, and as tradition dictates, attendees are encouraged to shout lines and use props (detailed on the event website for the uninitiated) and of course dress in costume. Tickets are available online, at the door and from select vendors for the six performances, which will run October 26, 27 and 31 at 19:30 and 23:00.
https://www.somontreal.ca/blog/2014/10/15/so-montreal-decrypte-le-rocky-horror-picture-show-pour-vous/
Pick Your Own Pumpkin
Stores have been full of Halloween decorations since late August, but there’s no better way to decorate for the big day than by picking and/or carving your own pumpkin. For those who are new to North America, pumpkin carving is a perfect introduction to the holiday; you haven’t truly experienced Halloween until you’ve found yourself elbow-deep in pumpkin guts. For a wonderfully Instagrammable experience, embrace your inner Charlie Brown and head to one of the many pumpkin patches surrounding Montreal, or pick up a pumpkin from your local market. If you’re new to carving (or want to show off your skills in a group setting), come along to E-QIP’s annual pumpkin carving event, which will be held on Friday, October 27 at 13:30 and costs just $2 to join.
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-pumpkin-patches-in-southern-california/
Fright Fest at La Ronde
La Ronde may be synonymous with carefree summer fun, but come October the park is transformed into a horror-lover’s paradise for Fright Fest, a month-long Halloween celebration that delivers spooktacular thrills in the form of costumed characters, “haunted attractions” and bone-chilling entertainment. Taking place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, Fright Fest offers family-friendly entertainment until 6 p.m. (albeit with a warning attached for children under 13). By nightfall, the monsters descend and the real thrills begin. Attractions include haunted mazes, zombie and vampire-filled “scare zones” and the park’s always-exhilarating rides. This weekend marks the park’s last open days of the year, so put it in your calendar fright away and pay a visit before it’s too late!
http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/laronde-fright-fest/
… and if none of these events strike your fancy, simply dig out an old costume, throw on some tunes and “boo”-gie the night away with friends (sorry, we had to).
