The Main

Montreal's Cultural Directory

Help us improve! Share your thoughts on how we can make your experience better.

Leave feedback

For partnerships and collaborations:

partnerships@themain.com

Content

  • Articles
  • Food & Drink
  • Arts & Culture
  • History Lesson
  • Bulletin
  • Events

Guides

  • All Guides
  • Best Restaurants
  • Best Cafés
  • Best Bars
  • Best Brunch
  • Best Bakeries

Explore Montreal

  • Browse Directory
  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Cafés
  • Bookstores
  • Leaderboard
  • Editor's Picks
  • New Places

About

  • About us
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Advertise
  • Pitch us
  • RSS Feed

Legal

  • Terms of service
  • Membership Terms
  • Privacy Policy
Follow us
InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin

The Main Media Inc. 2026

✦ Built By Field Office

    Your cart

    Your cart is empty.

    The Main

    Montreal's Cultural Directory

    Help us improve! Share your thoughts on how we can make your experience better.

    Leave feedback

    For partnerships and collaborations:

    partnerships@themain.com

    Content

    • Articles
    • Food & Drink
    • Arts & Culture
    • History Lesson
    • Bulletin
    • Events

    Guides

    • All Guides
    • Best Restaurants
    • Best Cafés
    • Best Bars
    • Best Brunch
    • Best Bakeries

    Explore Montreal

    • Browse Directory
    • Restaurants
    • Bars
    • Cafés
    • Bookstores
    • Leaderboard
    • Editor's Picks
    • New Places

    About

    • About us
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Advertise
    • Pitch us
    • RSS Feed

    Legal

    • Terms of service
    • Membership Terms
    • Privacy Policy
    Follow us
    InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin

    The Main Media Inc. 2026

    ✦ Built By Field Office

      Your cart

      Your cart is empty.

      --°C|Thursday, May 21, 2026|
      Subscribe today to get 3 free articles per month.Get 50% off your first 5 rides with Lyft
      InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin
      |
      Advertise
      |
      EN/FR
      The Main Logo
      Magazine
      Sections
      • Arts & Culture
      • Beyond Montreal
      • Design
      • Food & Drink
      • History Lessons
      • The Bulletin
      Explore
      Popular Guides
      • The Best Restaurants in Montreal
      • Best new Restaurants
      • Best Cafés
      • Unique Boutiques
      • Romantic Restaurants
      • Best Bookstores
      • See all Guides
      Neighbourhood
      • Downtown
      • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
      • Mile End
      • Mile-Ex
      • Saint-Henri
      • See All
      Business Type
      • Restaurant
      • Café
      • Boutique / Store
      • Bar
      • Bakery
      • See All
      Near the Metro
      • Peel
      • Mont-Royal
      • Place-Saint-Henri
      • Place-d'Armes
      • Jarry
      • View all
      ShopWeather
      Subscribe
      Subscribe
      --°C|Thursday, May 21, 2026|
      Subscribe today to get 3 free articles per month.Get 50% off your first 5 rides with Lyft
      InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin
      |
      Advertise
      |
      EN/FR
      The Main Logo
      Magazine
      Sections
      • Arts & Culture
      • Beyond Montreal
      • Design
      • Food & Drink
      • History Lessons
      • The Bulletin
      Explore
      Popular Guides
      • The Best Restaurants in Montreal
      • Best new Restaurants
      • Best Cafés
      • Unique Boutiques
      • Romantic Restaurants
      • Best Bookstores
      • See all Guides
      Neighbourhood
      • Downtown
      • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
      • Mile End
      • Mile-Ex
      • Saint-Henri
      • See All
      Business Type
      • Restaurant
      • Café
      • Boutique / Store
      • Bar
      • Bakery
      • See All
      Near the Metro
      • Peel
      • Mont-Royal
      • Place-Saint-Henri
      • Place-d'Armes
      • Jarry
      • View all
      ShopWeather
      Subscribe
      Subscribe

      More Arts & Culture

      Inside the Macabre World of Arizona O’Neill’s Opioids & Organs
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      Inside the Macabre World of Arizona O’Neill’s Opioids & Organs

      The author's debut graphic memoir explores organ donation, addiction, family memory, and the artistic instincts behind its softly haunting visual language.

      What To Do This Weekend (05.21–05.24)
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      What To Do This Weekend (05.21–05.24)

      From Grand Prix parties and playoff hockey to poetry and block parties: May 21 to 24, 2026.

      Here's Why Some Strippers Are Refusing to Strike During Grand Prix Weekend
      Arts & Culture
      Salomé Maari @ URBANIA

      Here's Why Some Strippers Are Refusing to Strike During Grand Prix Weekend

      A sex worker initiative planned for the F1 weekend isn't sitting well with everyone.

      The SAT Turns 30 With a Full-Building Celebration of Music and Digital Culture
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      The SAT Turns 30 With a Full-Building Celebration of Music and Digital Culture

      The Futurs Antérieurs celebration brings 30+ artists across three floors for two nights marking three decades of immersive art, electronic music, and technological experimentation.

      A Local's Guide to Little Italy
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      A Local's Guide to Little Italy

      The neighbourhood that turned a century of immigration into one of Montreal's most rewarding places to eat, drink, and spend an afternoon.

      Balls Up Wastes a Great Comedy Setup on Mark Wahlberg
      Arts & Culture
      Gianni Fiasche

      Balls Up Wastes a Great Comedy Setup on Mark Wahlberg

      Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser’s World Cup farce revives the spirit of mid-budget studio comedies, but Peter Farrelly’s latest mistakes noise, repetition, and celebrity presence for actual chemistry.

      Our Predictions, Picks, and a Few Honest Upsets at the 98th Oscars
      Arts & Culture
      Gianni Fiasche

      Our Predictions, Picks, and a Few Honest Upsets at the 98th Oscars

      From Best Picture to Supporting Actress, here's who we think will win, who should win, and the wildcards worth watching.

      Lewis Capaldi Packed the Bell Centre on a Playoff Tuesday
      Arts & Culture
      The Main

      Lewis Capaldi Packed the Bell Centre on a Playoff Tuesday

      A sold-out crowd, a Habs dedication, and a Scottish singer-songwriter happy to be back.

      Meet the Old Roots and New Blood of Mile End’s Greektown
      Arts & Culture
      Toula Drimonis

      Meet the Old Roots and New Blood of Mile End’s Greektown

      Years of tavernas, bouzouki nights, and freddo coffee joints have left traces that remain to this day.

      After a Close Call, MURAL Fest Finds a Future
      Arts & Culture
      AnnaClare Sung

      After a Close Call, MURAL Fest Finds a Future

      After bankruptcy put the agency behind it at risk, Multicolore has acquired LNDMRK to ensure the festival continues, with no layoffs planned.

      A Local's Guide to the Plateau
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      A Local's Guide to the Plateau

      A complete guide to the neighbourhood that launched a thousand opinions (and earned every one of them).

      Project Hail Mary Makes the Case That Cooperation Beats Survival
      Arts & Culture
      Gianni Fiasche

      Project Hail Mary Makes the Case That Cooperation Beats Survival

      Hope isn’t a quality most blockbusters lean on anymore. Project Hail Mary builds an entire mission around it, and against all odds, it works.

      More Arts & Culture

      Inside the Macabre World of Arizona O’Neill’s Opioids & Organs
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      Inside the Macabre World of Arizona O’Neill’s Opioids & Organs

      The author's debut graphic memoir explores organ donation, addiction, family memory, and the artistic instincts behind its softly haunting visual language.

      What To Do This Weekend (05.21–05.24)
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      What To Do This Weekend (05.21–05.24)

      From Grand Prix parties and playoff hockey to poetry and block parties: May 21 to 24, 2026.

      Here's Why Some Strippers Are Refusing to Strike During Grand Prix Weekend
      Arts & Culture
      Salomé Maari @ URBANIA

      Here's Why Some Strippers Are Refusing to Strike During Grand Prix Weekend

      A sex worker initiative planned for the F1 weekend isn't sitting well with everyone.

      The SAT Turns 30 With a Full-Building Celebration of Music and Digital Culture
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      The SAT Turns 30 With a Full-Building Celebration of Music and Digital Culture

      The Futurs Antérieurs celebration brings 30+ artists across three floors for two nights marking three decades of immersive art, electronic music, and technological experimentation.

      A Local's Guide to Little Italy
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      A Local's Guide to Little Italy

      The neighbourhood that turned a century of immigration into one of Montreal's most rewarding places to eat, drink, and spend an afternoon.

      Balls Up Wastes a Great Comedy Setup on Mark Wahlberg
      Arts & Culture
      Gianni Fiasche

      Balls Up Wastes a Great Comedy Setup on Mark Wahlberg

      Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser’s World Cup farce revives the spirit of mid-budget studio comedies, but Peter Farrelly’s latest mistakes noise, repetition, and celebrity presence for actual chemistry.

      Our Predictions, Picks, and a Few Honest Upsets at the 98th Oscars
      Arts & Culture
      Gianni Fiasche

      Our Predictions, Picks, and a Few Honest Upsets at the 98th Oscars

      From Best Picture to Supporting Actress, here's who we think will win, who should win, and the wildcards worth watching.

      Lewis Capaldi Packed the Bell Centre on a Playoff Tuesday
      Arts & Culture
      The Main

      Lewis Capaldi Packed the Bell Centre on a Playoff Tuesday

      A sold-out crowd, a Habs dedication, and a Scottish singer-songwriter happy to be back.

      Meet the Old Roots and New Blood of Mile End’s Greektown
      Arts & Culture
      Toula Drimonis

      Meet the Old Roots and New Blood of Mile End’s Greektown

      Years of tavernas, bouzouki nights, and freddo coffee joints have left traces that remain to this day.

      After a Close Call, MURAL Fest Finds a Future
      Arts & Culture
      AnnaClare Sung

      After a Close Call, MURAL Fest Finds a Future

      After bankruptcy put the agency behind it at risk, Multicolore has acquired LNDMRK to ensure the festival continues, with no layoffs planned.

      A Local's Guide to the Plateau
      Arts & Culture
      J.P. Karwacki

      A Local's Guide to the Plateau

      A complete guide to the neighbourhood that launched a thousand opinions (and earned every one of them).

      Project Hail Mary Makes the Case That Cooperation Beats Survival
      Arts & Culture
      Gianni Fiasche

      Project Hail Mary Makes the Case That Cooperation Beats Survival

      Hope isn’t a quality most blockbusters lean on anymore. Project Hail Mary builds an entire mission around it, and against all odds, it works.

      Related Classics

      From our archive.

      Arts & Culture

      The Third Spaces of Montreal’s Music Scene That Keep the City Loud

      While iconic venues have disappeared over time, new ones are paving the way and giving what’s indie a pulse again.

      ByGladys Bonyad

      February 19, 2025 · 6 min read

      The third spaces of Montreal’s music scene that keep the city loud
      Photograph: Philippe Manh Nguyen / @philippemanh

      The Main is reader-supported. Subscriptions are what keep us independent. Five dollars a month — the restaurants, the guides, the weekly bulletin, and what to do each weekend. Support us today.

      “Montreal is home to collectives and party series representing a wide array of communities, cultures, and identities. They are showing the world that there are still new sounds to be heard, and that people will always find a way to come together around music and dance—that if there are no third spaces, we'll make them,” says Oliver Philbin-Briscoe, co-founder of FANTOM (Fédération pour les Arts Nocturnes comprenant les Travailleur·euses et Organisateur·ices de Montréal).

      Montreal is home to an abundance of year-round festivals including the International Jazz Festival, Osheaga, Piknik Electronik, and MUTEK.

      But while these have become a defining part of our cultural scene, they are the product of the homegrown and independent talent, spaces, and opportunities that gives our city that element which distinguishes us from other major cities and has enabled artists and the scene to thrive.

      Free account required

      For readers who care about Montreal

      Create a free account to read this story and access 3 articles per month, plus our weekly Bulletin.

      Independent. Local. Reader-supported.

      or

      Already a member? Sign in

      The Main

      Comments

      Welcome to The Main's comments section!

      Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Please be respectful and constructive.

      No comments yet. Be the first!

      Follow on Google

      Related Classics

      From our archive.

      Arts & Culture

      The Third Spaces of Montreal’s Music Scene That Keep the City Loud

      While iconic venues have disappeared over time, new ones are paving the way and giving what’s indie a pulse again.

      ByGladys Bonyad

      February 19, 2025 · 6 min read

      The third spaces of Montreal’s music scene that keep the city loud
      Photograph: Philippe Manh Nguyen / @philippemanh

      The Main is reader-supported. Subscriptions are what keep us independent. Five dollars a month — the restaurants, the guides, the weekly bulletin, and what to do each weekend. Support us today.

      “Montreal is home to collectives and party series representing a wide array of communities, cultures, and identities. They are showing the world that there are still new sounds to be heard, and that people will always find a way to come together around music and dance—that if there are no third spaces, we'll make them,” says Oliver Philbin-Briscoe, co-founder of FANTOM (Fédération pour les Arts Nocturnes comprenant les Travailleur·euses et Organisateur·ices de Montréal).

      Montreal is home to an abundance of year-round festivals including the International Jazz Festival, Osheaga, Piknik Electronik, and MUTEK.

      But while these have become a defining part of our cultural scene, they are the product of the homegrown and independent talent, spaces, and opportunities that gives our city that element which distinguishes us from other major cities and has enabled artists and the scene to thrive.

      Free account required

      For readers who care about Montreal

      Create a free account to read this story and access 3 articles per month, plus our weekly Bulletin.

      Independent. Local. Reader-supported.

      or

      Already a member? Sign in

      The Main

      Comments

      Welcome to The Main's comments section!

      Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Please be respectful and constructive.

      No comments yet. Be the first!

      Follow on Google

      Latest from The Main

      Food & DrinkThe Life and Death (and Afterlife) of Lucie LafleurArts & CultureInside the Macabre World of Arizona O’Neill’s Opioids & OrgansArts & CultureWhat To Do This Weekend (05.21–05.24)Arts & CultureHere's Why Some Strippers Are Refusing to Strike During Grand Prix WeekendArts & CultureThe SAT Turns 30 With a Full-Building Celebration of Music and Digital Culture
      Portuguese chicken and poutine reached new heights at this Montreal churrascaria

      Previous

      Portuguese Chicken and Poutine Reached New Heights at This Montreal Churrascaria

      Next

      Leila Serves up a No-hype Approach to the Mediterranean in the Mile End

      Leila serves up a no-hype approach to the Mediterranean in the Mile End

      Latest from The Main

      Food & DrinkThe Life and Death (and Afterlife) of Lucie LafleurArts & CultureInside the Macabre World of Arizona O’Neill’s Opioids & OrgansArts & CultureWhat To Do This Weekend (05.21–05.24)Arts & CultureHere's Why Some Strippers Are Refusing to Strike During Grand Prix WeekendArts & CultureThe SAT Turns 30 With a Full-Building Celebration of Music and Digital Culture
      Portuguese chicken and poutine reached new heights at this Montreal churrascaria

      Previous

      Portuguese Chicken and Poutine Reached New Heights at This Montreal Churrascaria

      Next

      Leila Serves up a No-hype Approach to the Mediterranean in the Mile End

      Leila serves up a no-hype approach to the Mediterranean in the Mile End