It feels like the city is slipping into costume when the best things to do in Montreal during October all roll around. The heat of summer block parties gives way to the glow of lanterns, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and nights where you can see your breath but still want to stay out late. Sure, the best new restaurants, new cafés, and new bars keep rolling in, but things shift when you look at events.
It’s a month where Oktoberfests meet art fairs, film festivals collide with food pilgrimages, and Halloween spreads from one night into a full-blown season. From gallery crawls and ska shows to haunted roller coasters and drag queens in full gory glamour, October proves this city knows how to make the fall feel anything but quiet.
Unlock Montreal’s stories. Join The Main community.
Read this story free.
Enter your email to unlock your first article and get The Bulletin — our weekly roundup of food, art, and local culture.
- 5 free articles per month
- Save your favourite places & guides
- Weekly newsletter The Bulletin
- Stay connected to Montreal culture
Become an Insider.
Join a community that supports independent Montreal stories and celebrates the people shaping its culture.
Subscribe- Unlimited access to all stories
- Exclusive features & local insights
- Special offers and event invites
- 10% off in our shop
- Support local storytelling
Already a member? Sign in
