The Bulletin: 1,000 Cyclists From 80 Countries, All-Day Breakfast in Chinatown, and RuPaul at Piknic [Issue #199]

Morning, Montreal.

We’ve had our heads down with noses set firmly against the grindstone the past few weeks. Why? Well, you’re going to be finding out in the coming days why I’ve been repeating that you should have October 1 set aside in your calendar.

All I’ll say for now is that Insiders at The Main are going to get exclusive access, and it’s not to late to sign up ahead of the announcment. Keep an eye on those inboxes.

Now that we can finally take the blinders off, we’re looking ahead to the Quebec provincial election on October 5, and we want to hear from you.

Redpath Strike (church basement), Pointe Saint-Charles, Montreal, Quebec | Photograph: Pierre Gaudard / National Gallery of Canada

As part of The Main’s coverage for the upcoming provincial election, we want to hear your opinions, hopes, fears, concerns, and worries for the next four years.

If you’re interested in sharing your perspective, or know someone who might be, fill out the brief form below and we’ll be in touch shortly afterwards.

Talk to Us!

There’s lots more to share this week, so let’s get to it.

— JP Karwacki, Managing Editor

Join The Main for a guided walking tour of Little Italy.

Visit the neighbourhood’s best spots, sample local products, and learn about the historic area and the Italian community’s influence on Montreal

Visite en français: 14h30 à 16h30.

English tour: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Get your tickets.

In Partnership with SDC Saint-Denis

Home to one of North America’s busiest bike paths, Saint-Denis is throwing an 11-day-long celebration in honour of the UCI World Championships: Group rides for seasoned cyclists; lectures, parties, exhibitions for the cycling-curious; bike-decorating for the kids—learn more about each event in our guide to Saint-Denis en Bécik with the link below.

See the full list of events.

In Partnership with POP Montreal

POP Montreal is back for its 24th edition from September 23 to 27 with a full lineup championing independent and emerging artists.

There are over 200 concerts across the festival’s 5-day run taking place in more than 20 iconic Montreal venues, from Ubisoft’s rooftop and the 3-day revival of Divan Orange to the stage at La Sala Rossa, presented by The Main. 😊

Learn more about the 2026 venues here.

Thursday

🖼 Muralist Kevin Ledo throws a pop-up exhibition tracing four years of work, with a vernissage at Galerie Le 1040.

🎬 Montreal’s three-day animation film festival, Animaze, kicks off with an opening reception and screenings.

🚴 Le Club hosts a collection launch party for the UCI World Championships 2026 collaboration between visual artist Le Bicar and cycling apparel brand Le Braquet.

🎭 Portraits, a tragicomedy play about a Quebec family, has its second night onstage at Théâtre Duceppe.

📐 Join the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) for a talk by architect and CCA research resident Nana Biamah-Ofosu, exploring counter-histories and material culture.

🖼 Bref hosts a pop-up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of mural art organization MU, featuring 12 limited-edition posters each depicting a different mural.

🛋️ Galerie Maya opens its temporary showroom, offering a selection of hand-knotted rugs, furniture, objects, art and clothing, plus housemade food and drinks.

🖼 Fonderie Darling hosts a vernissage, presenting its fall programming and exhibitions, Après la pluie, la boue by Christopher Varady-Szabo and Solar Lamentation by Shanie Tomassini, with music, art, and drinks.

Friday

🎧 Ferias throws a block party at Mario Park, in collaboration with Marché des possibles and POP Montreal. Free and open to all.

⚽ VITA, Montreal’s two-day family-friendly sports festival, arrives at Olympic Park with tons of free activities, including sports try-outs, live music, games, workshops, and more.

🖼 Dennis Juneau’s D’espace et de couleur continues its exhibition at Galerie Simon Blais, tracing six decades of creative work.

🖼 50 years, 50 posters. Foil Gallery hosts a vernissage, uniting 28 studios and designers to celebrate and exhibit Quebec graphic design half a decade after the ‘76 Olympics.

🕺 Le Balcon throws a Back to the 80’s party, with Prince, Madonna, Bowie, and more.

🎧 New City Gas has its second Nuits Bazart, transforming into a celebration of Mediterranean music, art, and nightlife.

Saturday

🏒 The Habs preseason begins with split-squad games against Toronto.

👜 The Montreal Vintage Market returns with clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home decor, with 50+ vendors, a vinyl DJ, and more

📸 Regards Croisés sur l’Inde, a photo exhibit by photographer Justin Nault, comes to Brasserie Ayawan. Enjoy butter chicken and a set from DJ Iang in addition to Nault’s striking visuals.

🎹 Church of the Visitation presents its 2026 Commemoration Concert, with organist Marc-André Doran and the Montreal quintet Choros presenting works spanning the 18th century to the present day.

👜 The Plateau Vintage Bazaar hosts 35+ merchants at Church St-Denis, offering collectibles, home and kitchenware, clothing, jewelry, and more.

💿 A vinyl caravan parks at the Messorem Terrasse, with DJ sets by Figure 8 and special guests, and music satisfying a broad spectrum of tastes.

🎧 RuPaul DJs at OfF Piknic for one night only.

🖼 Étude Galerie presents Allers-Retours, by Montreal graffiti artist ONESIKER. Stop by the opening reception and enjoy the show.

⚽ Coupe (Bonjour) Chien returns for a 4v4 soccer tournament, with FIFA, music, giveaways, and a limited edition merch sale. Play for the cup or cheer on your friends.

Sunday

🕺 Tempéo, a five-day dance and music festival at the Place des Arts Esplanade, wraps up its programming with a Kompa-themed night, celebrating 70 years of the Haitian genre.

🪁 Laval en Folie concludes its four-day run of music, food, artisans, and more with a lawn tractor race, samba dance show, live painting, line dancing, and concerts.

✨ Marché des Possibles completes its six-weekend run of events in Mario Park.

🏃‍♀️ The legendary Terry Fox Run begins at Angrignon Park, fundraising for cancer research in honour of the eponymous late runner, humanitarian, and cancer research activist.

🚲 Montreal becomes the epicentre of global cycling as the 2026 UCI World Championships kick off its eight-day event, hosting 1,000 athletes hailing from over 80 countries.

The Editors' Picks

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

This week, we’ve got the flavours of East Asia and Italy: a Japanese speakeasy, a Japanese café, a Chinese soup dumpling spot, an Italian grocery store, and an Italian sandwich shop.

Plus, if you’re planning on heading to watch the UCI World Championships, two of these places are just off the route. For those watching in Old Montreal, Ciccio’s is not far from Rue de la Commune, while Osmo X Marusan is situated a few blocks from Avenue des Pins.

Discover these spots and more of our favourites in our mapped Directory.

If you think somewhere in Montreal deserves a closer look, we want to hear from you! Send an email to hello@themain.com. We read everything you send.

Atwater Market is throwing its annual Oktoberfest. Learn more below. | Photograph: Marché Publics de Montréal

What to Eat & Drink In and Around Montreal

Scope the latest restaurant openings, recommendations on where to eat, plus new menus, old classics, and everything in between.

Ontario-founded Rosie’s Burgers has opened its second location in Montreal on Saint-Viateur in the Mile End.

Mayo 28, a new smashburger joint, opened in the Mile End serving up a simple menu of four burgers, fries, poutine, dessert, and drinks.

Vivant, the city’s newest pizzeria, has arrived on the Plateau and is now in soft opening.

Barbetta, a modern take on the Italian trattoria, just opened in the heart of Griffintown. Pasta, cocktails, and more.

Chinatown casse-croûte Doboy now offers all-day breakfast, including fluffy pancakes, fried eggs, and house bacon.

Nevski celebrates its seventh birthday with a four-day bash including a roster of its OG cocktails, DJ sets, and more. From Wednesday, September 16 to Sunday, September 20.

Corn and cocktails take over Bar vinvinvin on Thursday, September 17, starting at 5 p.m.

Even Coffee has its second anniversary on September 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In celebration, and in collaboration with Minor Figures, the café will hand out free oat milk drinks and cartons while supplies last.

Celebrate three days of Oktoberfest at Atwater Market with microbrewery tastings, music, food, activities, and more, from Friday, September 18 to 20.

Grand PoutineFest comes to Marché Central with three days of poutine, inflatable games, tastings, musical performances, and a Sunday family day. From September 18 to 20.

Enjoy a culinary lounge experience, curated by eau, with a Japanese food pop-up at La Salla Rossa by Shota (Yokato Yokabai, Ichigo Ichie, Casa del Popolo), and sound by kiju. September 18, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

La Spada and Burger Drops are doing a special menu for one day only on Sunday, September 20. | Photograph: Scott Usheroff / @cravingcurator

Mellon Brasserie transforms into a 100% lager mini-fest. On Saturday, September 19, enjoy a draft spritz, DJ set, food, surprises, and, of course, lots of lager.

WILLS Beer is three and is celebrating with an anniversary beer collab, DJ set, social 5k run, group cycle, and snacks. September 19, 3 p.m. to late.

Herman Brasserie celebrates Oktoberfest with four new lagers, German street food, and a Bavarian atmosphere on September 19, starting at noon.

September Café turns 10 years old on September 19, from 3 to 11 p.m. at Parc Vinet. Expect burgers, wine, spicy margs, WILLS beer, a Satay Bros pop-up, Ciccio’s desserts, and more.

The La Spada Burger, in collaboration with Burger Drops, comes to the back of La Spada for one day only, on Sunday, September 20.

Cardynal Café and The Recipe Sessions come together for an afternoon of vinyl mixing, vocals, limited-edition drinks, and company. Free entry, September 20.

The Martinique Gourmande Festival concludes its 2026 season on September 20, with the last day to visit participating restaurants.

Coco Disco Club turns one! Celebrate with a five-course dinner, featuring four guest chefs from some of Montreal’s favourite restaurants. Sunday, September 27: first service at 5:45 p.m.; second service at 8:45 p.m.

Mon Lapin heads to sister restaurant Rôtisserie La Lune as the first stop on its North East cookbook tour on September 27.

Espace Old Mill x Frankies, of Burlington, VT, collaborate on a locally sourced dinner, breaking down borders. Friday, October 2. Book your spot here.

Here, you'll find a weekly round-up of our stories from the past week, plus the latest local news.

Marché Floh’s new homeware venture, Chez Floh, is stocking furniture, ceramics, and glassware next to the original vintage store. Read more.

Depanneur Studios is a West Islander answer to why Montreal creatives are drifting from the city’s usual cultural corridors. Read more.

The Gallagher brothers are back on stage in Oasis’s reunion film Don’t Look Back in Anger, but the most revealing moments happen behind the scenes. Read more.

A vacant lot across from Mano Cornuto is now Piazaa di Mano, and they’re banking that it’s far from a flash in the pan as the community hopes to last more than one summer. Read more.

Montreal has all the components for a proper beefsteak banquet, a century-old feast uniting strangers of all classes. Here’s the blueprint: Read more.

Éric Berlin and Grégoire Routy have made their Van Horne address into Routy, with an intimate room and Mediterranean cooking. Read more.

Montreal holds its own against the world’s most liveable cities (it does on paper, anyway). The city’s harder problem is a matter of identity, not infrastructure. Read more.

Palm Isle Skateshop’s Hochelagan address channels taps into what founder Olivier Brunelle calls a natural skate district, with a multi-generational community building around it. Read more.

The Main’s guide to the best restaurants in Montreal, refreshed for September. Read more.

If you’re going to be plotting out an evening in Villeray this weekend, check out our guide to the best bars in the area. Read more.

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And that wraps yet another weekly bulletin. We’ll be back with more curiosities, local stories, and events to discover next week.

If ever you catch something we should know, don't hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram.

👋 Masthead: Philip Tabah, Founder & Head of Creative / Daniel Bromberg, Co-Founder & Head of Operations / Jean-Philippe Lauzon, Co-Founder & Head of Tech / JP Karwacki, Managing Editor / Whitney Domingo, Community Manager / Anahi Pellathy, Producer / AnnaClare Sung, Junior Staff Writer / Saskia Wodarczak, Editorial Operations Coordinator