The Bulletin: A Pizza Vending Machine, a Birthday for the Olympics, and Scottish Athletics [Issue #192]

Morning, Montreal.

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PRESENTED BY EVENKO

OSHEAGA is on the horizon, and what you eat can make or break the festival experience. In a city known for both its festival season and its diverse culinary scene, it can be hard to determine where to grab a bite in between sets.

To save you the guesswork, we mapped out the best spots across Parc Jean-Drapeau, featuring local landmarks like La Banquise poutine alongside quick bánh mì, Jamaican patties, and late-night frozen cocktails. Whether you’re hitting the stages at OSHEAGA, îLESONIQ, or LASSO, we’ve got you covered with full food itineraries at each.

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One Story to Read This Week

“It’s like a time warp in here.” | Photograph: Philip Tabah

Cheap Thrills has occupied its space on Metcalfe since 1984 and the hearts of Montreal’s physical media fanatics since opening its first (now defunct) store in 1971. One, or many, might wonder how an indie record store survives in the city’s downtown, a neighbourhood defined by its modernity—all Lululemon, Eaton Centre, and Second Cups.

This week's read addresses the 21st-century vinyl revival, the permanence records have found in contemporary youth culture and beyond, the value of going analog, and what it takes for a store like Cheap Thrills to sustain success across evolving eras.

Read the full story.

PRESENTED BY THE NATIONAL BANK OPEN

Tennis season is upon us, and the National Bank Open is coming to Montreal. Among the awaited on-court matches and other festivities is OBN à Table: an event that unites tennis’ tastemaker status and social atmosphere with the city’s culinary edge and penchant for hospitality. We’ve partnered with the National Bank Open presented by Rogers to give you more insight into what the week has to offer, beyond the tennis.

Thursday

🎵 Noise Not Borders, an independent music and arts festival, is running today through Saturday, featuring artists both local and international.

🍿 The Montreal Film Club is screening Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Montreal Art Center and Museum.

👚 Magasin Chainon thrift store is celebrating the launch of their online store with a pop-up at La Vend, with exclusive pieces, drinks, and prizes.

🎆 Watch Australia light up the sky for the 40th edition of l’International des Feux Loto-Québec.

Friday

🎶 Osheaga, Canada’s biggest music festival, is happening this weekend at Parc Jean-Drapeau.

🚣 Celebrate the historic entry of women in Olympic rowing with Montréal Aviron: Beach Sprint-style relay and free activities centred around rowing.

🌟 Concrete Breaks presents Breaking Borders, a communal art expo and rave at Barbossa.

🌈 Fierté Montréal’s Pride events kick off today with a market, drag shows, and art exhibits.

🎸 Kashmir Experience, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, will be performing tonight at Le Balcon. Tickets available here.

🎭 Shakespeare in the Park makes its next stop at Parc Grier in Pierrefonds with a performance of The Winter’s Tale.

Saturday

🏆 Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Montreal Olympic Games with Feu Sacré at the Olympic Park. Live performances by Robert Charlebois, Ariana Moffatt, and a special appearance by Nadia Comaneci.

⚽ Watch CF Montreal play New England Revolution at Saputo Stadium.

🪩 Village au Pied-du-Courant is having its 10th anniversary of Afrotonik with DJ sets by Benxoli, Mansa, Mootanda, featuring percussion by Wess Beaudry and dance performance by Uplift514.

🖼️ Raymond Biesinger, Montreal-based artist and author, is having a backyard sale with fashion, art, and vintage vendors.

🎾 The men’s tournament of the National Bank Open begins today. Get your tickets here.

🥐 Croissound kicks off 10 events in 10 days with a free morning DJ set at Café 2nd Gen. Dancing, drinks, and croissants.

Sunday

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The Montreal Highland Games, a celebration of Scottish sport, music, and culture, is happening today at Douglas Hospital grounds in Verdun. Enjoy Celtic music, pipe bands, highland dancing, and Scottish athletics.

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Morning, Montreal.

You’re reading this, right? Of course you are. You subscribed.

Thanks for being here, and as always, please consider supporting the team behind The Main by becoming a paid subscriber for no more than the price of a coffee a month.

Each dollar goes towards enhancing everything we do to give you the best possible storytelling we can muster.

— JP Karwacki, Managing Editor

PRESENTED BY EVENKO

The Editors' Picks

The places our editors keep coming back to. Every one has earned an editorial badge.