This year, the centrepiece of that destination is OBN à Table, running August 7 to 9, a culinary experience developed with Chef John Mike, the Québécois chef and television personality whose entire philosophy revolves around abundance, live fire, and the art of feeding a crowd well. The concept is a series of gourmet stations designed for grazing and gathering, less like stadium fare and more akin to a good summer dinner party that happens to be steps away from elite tennis being played:

• Coral Dreams, an elegant Mediterranean seaside station: fresh oysters, premium caviar, and local raw and smoked fish.

• Turkish Brunch, an interactive spread of local and international charcuterie, fresh and aged cheeses, and condiments to pair with assorted breads and pastries.

• Seaside Asado, a charcoal BBQ station built around slow cooking: whole spit-roasted lamb, smoked chicken, and grilled cuts served with a selection of sauces and condiments.

• Izmir Garden, a fresh and colourful showcase of seasonal vegetables from local producers.

• Bosphorus Delights, Turkish-inspired petit fours and sweet bites to close.

Note that a ticket runs $174, includes all stations and beverages plus full access to the tournament grounds, and must be booked in advance. Availability is limited.

OBN à Table lands in the middle of CELSIUS TennisFest Weekend, the National Bank Open's stretch of festivities that coincides with the round of 16. This is the part of the calendar built for every kind of attendee, whether their relationship to tennis is devoted or only curious: live music, Paint & Sip sessions, friendship bracelet workshops, trivia on the Loto-Québec stage. Saturday, August 8 brings Retro Night presented by IRIS, a 90s throwback hosted by Aire commune from the Loto-Québec Stage, with era-appropriate bandanas handed to the first fans through the gates for the night session. Sunday morning flips the script with a Coffee Party presented by Van Houtte in collaboration with Croissound, where the party starts at 10 a.m. with pastry in hand. And Sunday night closes the weekend with Fan Appreciation Night presented by Canadian Tire, which promises on-site surprises and leaves the rest to the imagination.

The National Bank Open is raising the standard for what a tournament of this calibre can offer, and it's doing it in a distinctly Montreal fashion: through food, hospitality, and the understanding that a great summer weekend is measured by more than what happens inside the lines.

The players on court are the best in the game. Everything around them is now built to match. Come for the sport and stay for the food, or come for the food and find yourself watching the sport. Either way, it works.

OBN à Table runs August 7 to 9 at IGA Stadium. Tickets are $174 and must be purchased in advance. Book your spot | Explore CELSIUS TennisFest Weekend

This year, the centrepiece of that destination is OBN à Table, running August 7 to 9, a culinary experience developed with Chef John Mike, the Québécois chef and television personality whose entire philosophy revolves around abundance, live fire, and the art of feeding a crowd well. The concept is a series of gourmet stations designed for grazing and gathering, less like stadium fare and more akin to a good summer dinner party that happens to be steps away from elite tennis being played:

• Coral Dreams, an elegant Mediterranean seaside station: fresh oysters, premium caviar, and local raw and smoked fish.

• Turkish Brunch, an interactive spread of local and international charcuterie, fresh and aged cheeses, and condiments to pair with assorted breads and pastries.

• Seaside Asado, a charcoal BBQ station built around slow cooking: whole spit-roasted lamb, smoked chicken, and grilled cuts served with a selection of sauces and condiments.

• Izmir Garden, a fresh and colourful showcase of seasonal vegetables from local producers.

• Bosphorus Delights, Turkish-inspired petit fours and sweet bites to close.

Note that a ticket runs $174, includes all stations and beverages plus full access to the tournament grounds, and must be booked in advance. Availability is limited.

OBN à Table lands in the middle of CELSIUS TennisFest Weekend, the National Bank Open's stretch of festivities that coincides with the round of 16. This is the part of the calendar built for every kind of attendee, whether their relationship to tennis is devoted or only curious: live music, Paint & Sip sessions, friendship bracelet workshops, trivia on the Loto-Québec stage. Saturday, August 8 brings Retro Night presented by IRIS, a 90s throwback hosted by Aire commune from the Loto-Québec Stage, with era-appropriate bandanas handed to the first fans through the gates for the night session. Sunday morning flips the script with a Coffee Party presented by Van Houtte in collaboration with Croissound, where the party starts at 10 a.m. with pastry in hand. And Sunday night closes the weekend with Fan Appreciation Night presented by Canadian Tire, which promises on-site surprises and leaves the rest to the imagination.

The National Bank Open is raising the standard for what a tournament of this calibre can offer, and it's doing it in a distinctly Montreal fashion: through food, hospitality, and the understanding that a great summer weekend is measured by more than what happens inside the lines.

The players on court are the best in the game. Everything around them is now built to match. Come for the sport and stay for the food, or come for the food and find yourself watching the sport. Either way, it works.

OBN à Table runs August 7 to 9 at IGA Stadium. Tickets are $174 and must be purchased in advance. Book your spot | Explore CELSIUS TennisFest Weekend