Igniting Festival City

Your Guide to Nuit Blanche

Fringe ArtsElysha del Giusto-Enos — Published February 22, 2012

Montreal’s all-night art party attracted 900,000 visitors last year. For its 13th edition, it’s bigger than ever, stretching from the George William Campus all the way to the Olympic stadium, from Little Italy to the Old Port. The three routes (Plateau, Downtown, and Old Port) could easily get their own listing as a tour of the city.

This is the one night when the metro will be open around the clock and the Nuit Blanche shuttles are free. To help festival-goers, each shuttle has a Nuit Blanche employee that can tell them which stop to get out at for their next venue. But generally, it’s faster to walk between venues than take the shuttle unless there’s a considerable distance between them.
Here are a few suggestions for each circuit. Everything listed is free unless a price is mentioned.

Plateau – the most spread-out circuit, featuring art galleries and performances. It’s a good option for choosing one or two venues and bunkering in for the night.

Kaleidoscope tours is offering free 2-hour tours of the Plateau. They promise to show festival-goers some of the city’s hidden streets and alleyways. Reservations as required: 514-990-1872 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

One of the best chocolateries in Montreal, Suite 88 will be giving away free hot Belgian waffles and chocolate “shooters” on their ice terrace for a Night-time Treat. There’s also a chocolate tasting and DJ. 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

Atelier Graff is hosting Creation Lounge which will feature demonstrations by the resident artists. Visitors will have a chance to learn how to silkscreen and create their own print to take home. 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

Downtown Circuit / Quartier des Spectacles – the most populated circuit and most conducive for aimless wandering. Large-scale outdoor art installations (with food and drink vendors throughout) make it a good staring point for first-time festival goers.

Bran Van 3000 is playing the outdoor stage at Jeanne-Mance Rd. and Ste. Catherine St. A few years ago Bran Van was at the free stage for Jazz Fest and only people who showed up in the morning were close enough to see the band, so get there early. 8:00 p.m.

The Belgo, a former industrial building, is now full of art galleries and ateliers which are participating in Nuit Blanche. There will be film screenings, dance classes, musical performances, and an “interactive art happening” (Studio 303) 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

The Urban Slide is not just for kids – in the heart of the outdoor site a 100 metre-long slide is doused in multicoloured lights and smoke effects while people zip through the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Old Port – a favorite for people who want to sit in the SAQ Bistro all night, and families who can appreciate marshmallow roasting, ice skating, and a giant Ferris wheel. If there are signs of gridlock, public transit is better than the free shuttle, which could take up to two hours to get back downtown.

The Bonaventure Hilton is opening their heated rooftop pool to the public for Swim Under the Stars. Lockers and towels are included with the $12 entrance fee. Reservations required: 514-878-2332 ext 4754. 8:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.

Montreal City Hall is transforming back to the 1930s and hosting a Swing Dancing Night There will be a live jazz band and 20 professional dancers giving demonstrations on dance techniques. 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

Phantasticus is the French improvised comedy league that will be delivering its competitive improv matches and performances all night at the Union Française (corner of Berri and Ave. Viger). 7:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.