Montreal Holiday Planner Part 2: NYE in MTL

Budget-Friendly New Years Eve Parties in Montreal

Fringe ArtsLaura Pellicer — Published December 30, 2012

Trying to find a good New Year’s Eve party in Montreal is about as easy as plodding through 45 centimetres of snow and slush. Unfortunately frozen toes and sad plastic cups of faux bubbly are often the reality of the evening’s progression. How many times have you woken up on January first, $100 poorer and with the persistent beats of bad DJs still pounding in your head?

This year, in keeping with the spirit of New Years resolutions, steer clear of overrated and borderline extortionist parties and opt for more affordable and surprisingly awesome options. So here is a belated holiday present from us to you, the Link’s Ultimate Holiday Planner Part Two.

Best Party on a Student Budget
The Old Port of Montreal’s “Final Countdown.” Why? Because it’s free! Over 20,000 visitors join in on the festivities each year at the family friendly scene. With live bands playing Quebecois jams, a guaranteed dance party and fireworks at midnight, this is a good bet for a great New Years.

Locale: Jacques Cartier Quay
Price tag: Free
Metro: Orange Line – Station Champ-de-Mars
Website

Less pomp more Polka. If you’re tired of the excess of New Year in the city, then here’s a low-key alternative. Divan Orange, an intimate venue on the main, is hosting a night of Balkan brass bands. A glass of sparkling wine is included with the ticket, and drinks are affordable.

Locale: 4234 St-Laurent Blvd.
Price tag: $20 – $30
Metro: Orange Line – Station Mont-Royal
Website

Il Motore clearly had students in mind when they planned their “pay what you can” New Year’s party. The Little Italy-based venue is hosting a duo of DJs for the event and are promising surprise guests on the roster as well. Just one glimpse of their low budget promo event pic featuring hugging cats and a dancing banana leaves you with the confidence that this will be an awesome party.

Locale: 179 Jean Talon W.
Price tag: Pay what you can
Metro: Blue Line – Station de Castelnau
Website

Ring in the New Year under the 360 degree dome of light and sound that is the SATosphere. The Society for Arts and Technology have consecrated their innovative rooftop structure for the greater good on December 31st. With eight video projectors, 157 speakers, and a lineup of local and international DJs.

Locale: 1201 St-Laurent Blvd.
Price tag: Pre-sale $20
Metro: Green Line – Station Saint-Laurent
Website

The Blue Dog Motel is busting out a sweet deal for NYE. For only $15 per ticket, Blue Dog’s offering up an open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. with free sparkling wine when the ball drops. And they’ll be handing out tequila shots to dancers who aren’t afraid to bust a move.

Locale: 3958 St-Laurent Blvd.
Price tag: Pre-sale 15$ Door 20$
Metro: Orange Line – Mont-Royal
Website

It’s Club Unity’s 10th year as a fixture of Montreal’s gay nightlife scene. There’s no better time to check out the club known for its three floors of sound and very sexy and diverse clientele. The $15 price tag only includes entrance and coat check, but this is still a bargain for what is traditionally a pretty pricey night out.

Locale: 1171 Ste-Catherine East
Price tag: $15
Metro: Green Line – Station Beaudry
Website

General NYE advice:
1- Dress chic, but in something you can spend ages waiting for a cab in.
2- Pick your party and buy your ticket in advance to skip the lines and avoid being gouged at the door.
3 – And try not to break the bank–chances are you won’t remember most of the night anyway.

Happy New Year!