Halloween in Montreal: The Best Upcoming Parties

From Spooky Raves to Zombie Greenhouses, We’ve Got You Covered

Fringe ArtsOcean DeRouchie — Published October 25, 2016

Hal·low·een, noun: the night of Oct. 31, the eve of All Saints’ Day, commonly celebrated by children who dress in costume and solicit candy or other treats door-to-door.

October has always been my favourite time of year; pumpkin spice lattes are abundant, the leaves are crisp and colourful, leaving you satis ed as they crunch beneath your stylish-but-a ordable boots. Yes, October re ects the peak of autumn’s beauty—a few warm days here and there, but with that welcomed breeze we longed for in the summer days.

But my favourite part of October? Halloween. As kids, we dressed up for the candy. As adults, well, let’s be honest—it’s for the parties.

This city presents itself with some of the most booze-laden events, complete with a fully costumed masse of festive Montrealers and some of the coolest DJ’s—both local and international.

Meanwhile, at least three people you know are going to throw house parties. Amidst all of these decisions—like figuring out your costume, because you know, like everything else about your university career: you’re gonna leave it till the last minute—let me take some of the pressure off. Here’s your unofficial guide to Montreal’s most engaging and not-to-be-forgotten shindigs.

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Société des Arts Technologiques Halloween Party: Zombie Edition

Deets: Oct. 29 // SAT // 1201 St. Laurent Blvd. // 10 p.m. // $25

With a Day of the Dead theme, the Société des arts technologiques will host their famous Halloween party yet again. “ e cool thing about SAT is that we have two rooms—you won’t feel jam packed,” explained Xavier Habouzit, an organizer for the event, adding that the downstairs room will have an eclectic vibe complimented with house, hip-hop and electronic music.

Even cooler however, is the SAT’s “immersive modular theatre,” otherwise known as the Satosphere, or “the Dome.”

The Dome’s visual DJ, Ex Nihilo, has created a unique ocular experience for the night, which will surround partygoers with trippy optical illusions.

8day, a Montreal-based DJ collective, will take-over the turntables with their handful of resident DJ’s, including Kora, Groj, Chiino, Van Did, Kris Tin, Rafa Pineda, and Sean Caruso.

Get ready for heavy bass, a variety of solid artists and a sick track list.

La Bacchanale’s Rave in Hangar 16: Trip feat. Nina Kraviz + Bjarki

Deets: Oct. 29 // Hangar 16 // 360 Commune St.E.//9p.m.//$40

Have you ever gone to the Old Port and wondered about those rusty warehouses? Have you ever thought what it would be like to throw a party in one? Now, you can turn those rave-dreams into reality—La Bacchanale is throwing a dance party in Hangar 16.

La Bacchanale throws some amazing events in Montreal. Last month, the electro-house collective put on Ancient Future, a three-day music festival in the heart of the Old Port. They used Hangar 16 as one of their stages.

On Saturday, the Hangar will come alive once again, hosting Трип—pronounced “trip”—and Nina Kraviz. According to Martin Loutrel, one of La Bacchanale’s founding members, Kravis—a highly sought-out Russian DJ—has been looking forward to playing in Montreal. This Halloween, she’ll be playing a special set in the Hangar as part of her 2016 international tour while she’s here visiting for the Red Bull Music Academy.

She’s done work with Richie Hawtin—one of Canada’s most renowned DJs—and Boiler Room.

Kraviz’s mix of house/techno will definitely compliment the Hangar’s vibes in a way that pays tribute to Montreal’s forgotten underground rave culture.

Zombie Apocalypse in the Greenhouse

Deets: October 28 // Concordia Greenhouse // 1455 de Maisonneuve W., Hall Building, 13th oor // 7 to 10:30 p.m. // $5

If you’re looking for something low-key with energetic vibes, the Concordia Greenhouse is throwing a lil’ shindig on Friday. If you’re planning on celebrating the weekend sober-style, you can feel good knowing that this event is dry. Your entry fee includes bottomless tea and snacks.

“Our annual halloween party fundraiser o ers an atmospheric acoustic music night,” said Sheena Swirlz, an organizer for the event.

“Our guests can enjoy next-level lighting and deco, great views of the city and stars, all while enjoying our plant-filled oasis.”

With music from local musicians, including the lulling, delicate electronic sounds of North, the soft voice of Bashu, Leh of the Dusty Faces’ dreamy folk solo project and the powerful, grounding sounds of Fruiting Bodies, the evening should be chock-full of soulful, meaningful energy.

Adventure Club

Deets: Oct. 29 to 30 // New City Gas // 950 Ottawa St. // 10 p.m. // $35

Montreal DJ outfit Christian Srigley and Leighton James make their way back home to put on a back-to-back DJ set at New City Gas. They’re “known for” meshing dubstep’s chainsaw synths with delicate vocals and surprisingly upbeat melodies, according to Vanessa Lovett, their publicist.

A bit less rave-y and a lot more club-y, their upcoming shows should be tons of fun nonetheless. Their energy is always big, but should be especially bouncing when they play for their home city.

Moonshine & All Good’s Halloween Special

Deets: Secret Location // 11 p.m. until the brink of dawn // text 514-677-9518 // $15

I probably shouldn’t even be sharing this with you, but because I’m so invested in your partying interests—I will. All Good is one of Montreal’s more-or-less well kept secrets. The cumulative efforts of a couple local DJ’s and some DIY planning combine for some sweet monthly parties.
The location—unknown. You have to text a number.
The vibe—rad. Think underground meets funky-house-electro.
The time—it goes till 7 p.m. in the morning.
Featured musicians include Funkieven, Uproot Andy, Kris Guilty and more.

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As always, there are always your friends’ parties for you to crash. If you aren’t down for the overwhelming bass and hordes of costumed people, I won’t hold it against you if you choose to take the path less-traveled. It just depends on what you’re looking for.

If nothing else let me send you out with one piece of advice: be careful this weekend. Costumes and cocktails are great, but what is more important is getting you home in one piece. Stick with a solid group of people you trust. Have a meeting place, in case someone—inevitably—loses their phone or gets lost in the crowd. If anything, write your designated party mom’s phone number somewhere on your bod, just in case.

But have fun. Don’t be afraid to let go and be something else for a night or two.