McSweeney’s List (3 July 2024)
Summer, my Dear Montrealers, is here.
Sure, on some level you know that, but on another level, people still seem to be waiting. With an impressive heatwave under our belts early, plus rainy days and cool lightning, it's been a rollercoaster thus far, and maybe that's had us distracted. Whatever the cause, I keep hearing people talk about things they intend to do this summer like it's still months away.
For those who moved, welcome home! I get why your summer’s been on hold, but now’s the time to break into the season like a dude on a team running through one of those paper screens. There's no better season to explore your new hood, smile at strangers, and get the lay of the land. Don't wait to stall on that terrace you’re near now, or the park on your corner, or the tiny local festival up the street. It’ll help you get settled, and frankly, it's the summery thing to do. And plus, you deserve some R&R: moving in Montreal is hard enough (congrats on the feat), but moving on July 1 is one of the crazier things we do as Quebecers, so celebrate your face off for that mission being accomplished.
The summer Equinox is already in our rear view mirror (and I'm consciously avoiding all thoughts of shortening days). This past Monday, July 1, marked the halfway point of 2024. (It's usually the second, but it's leap year, so the math changed. (These are things I consider to be fun facts, but I'm aware that not everyone is as entertained by them as myself.) That means we're closer to Christmas 2024 than Christmas 2023, and I have a hunch you have a 2024 To Do List that's lagging behind. Now’s the time for that too. Just about every goal you have will be easier to face and check off when the sun is shining and Mother Nature isn't throwing ice at us. In fact, remember all the freezing days under snow and clothes more functional than fashionable where we sat and planned how we would bask in this sun? We talked picnics and party nights, Tam-Tam dancing and street fair shopping. We planned outfits, and moonlit kisses, grass between our toes, and probably sunburns.
By the time you read this, the Jazz Fest will almost be over. How did that happen?! In my teens it felt like one of the last festivals of the season, and yet here we are, a million more festivals on the way, and time racing by. Bust out your calendars and grab up those tickets, because nothing says MTL Summer like festival days (and nights). If you're saving money and storing PTO days, allow me to suggest that summer is the best time to spend both. Yes, there will be gloomy days where you just don't want to go to work, but these are the beautiful days when it's so easy to find something more satisfying to do with your time.
Whether it's your hot girl summer or white boy summer, it's now. Whether you're a slutty single or celebrating celibacy, ‘tis the season to strut your stuff in the sun.
GET CENTERED
Take your practice outside and get yer yoga on! Paulina teaches a 35 minute Vinyasa (Flow), followed by a 10 minute Heart Opening Meditation. It's at Jeanne Mance park, offering a beautiful opportunity to practice in the sun and meet other yogis. The class is accessible to all levels, and beginners are welcome. This is a donation based class, so don't forget to tuck some paper money into that secret yoga pants pocket.
HIT THE FLIPPERS
You've already been to that bar, and you've done dinner dates enough times to last a lifetime. Got some kids? Fuck, it's expensive to entertain a family, and you know how hard it is to find something all ages can actually enjoy. Don't spend another Friday doing basic shit.
Roll up your sleeves, slap on that Groovy Cologne, and grab those Bell Bottom Jeans! The Montreal Pinball Arcade is bringing back the Swing and Sizzle of the 70’s & 80’s with Crazy Flipper Fingers and Joysticks!
Dive into an Electrifying Galaxy of Flashing Lights & Mesmerizing Retro-Futuristic Sounds every Friday Night, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, where the Echoes of Montreal’s Rich Arcade History Reverberate through every Corner!
Nestled in the Heart of the City in NDG, we’re a mere Boogie away from Sherbrooke & Decarie. Let us Transport you to a Glittering Past; a Montreal Pinball Wonderland, showcasing a Rocking Collection of 55+ games.
Join The Scene:
For the Hip Price of only $15.00, all you Cool Cats aged 12 and over can Jam the Night away.
And Hey, we’re all about that Family Vibe! Kiddos Under 12 Groove for just $5.00 when they’re with a Paying Grown-Up.
Picture This; A Dynamite Family of 4 having a Blast from the Past; All Night Long – For Only $40.00!
Got more Lil’ Groovers Under 12? They’re in on the Action for just $10 Each. Round Up the Whole Gang and let the Good Times Roll!
So, what are You waiting for? Climb Up into Your Platform Shoes and Truck On Down to the Arcade, and Relive the Golden Era at Montreal’s Ultimate Pinball & Classic Arcade Hotspot!
WHAT: All-You-Can-Play Fridays at The Montreal Pinball Arcade
WHERE: Montreal Pinball Arcade, 901 Girouard Ave., Montreal, H4A 3B9
WHEN: Every Friday @ 5 PM - 10 PM
METRO: Vendôme (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
FOR HORRIBLE PEOPLE
This show combines Cards Against Humanity's wild energy with improv comedy, creating scenes from audiences answers.
Improv Against Humanity is a Naive Adventure and Montreal Improv co-production mixing the the salacious and vivacious energy of Cards against humanity with improv comedy. The audience will play Cards Against Humanity and the improvisers will use their answers to create scenes for your comedy pleasure. It’s a show that you do not want to miss!
Warning: this show may contain strong language, sexual content and mature themes. Viewer discretion is advised.
WHAT: Improv Against Humanity: A Comedy Show for Horrible People
WHERE: Montreal Improv, 3716 Rue Notre-Dame St. W., Montreal, H4C 1P7
WHEN: Friday, July 5 @ 8 PM
METRO: St. Henri (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
OUTDOOR THEATRE
Act Out Loud! is a new, bi-weekly play reading event held in parks throughout Montreal this summer, created by Robyn Erin Ellison.
Robyn says:
A week before each event we will be announcing the play on our instagram @actoutloudmtl, and a Google form will be available for performers to apply to read! Casting is completely random, and is on a first come first served basis (so I recommend signing up quickly)! Check out the sign-up form HERE!
We also welcome anyone to join us as audience members if you’re not feeling up to reading.
For our second event, we will be reading Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. We will be meeting up in Westmount Park on July 6th at 11AM. The sign up link is posted in the comments!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
Don’t forget to follow us @actoutloudmtl for updates and more!!
Hope to see you there!
WHAT: The Importance of Being Earnest - Act Out Loud!
WHERE: Westmount Park, 327 Av. Melville #329, Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2J7
WHEN: Saturday, July 6 @ 11AM
METRO: St. Henri (Orange)
multi - ple reasons to attend this multi - mic
While Bar Bifteck may suffer the same plight as many, many, MANY venue and performances spaces in Montreal, with the second floor being up a long flight of stairs, we at Forget The Box truly value accessibility. We are proud to announce the newest upgrade to our biweekly multi-mic, On The Boulevard: live closed captioning for the hearing impaired!
You want laughs? We got those. You want music to make your toes tap? We’ve got that, too! Plus spoken word, improv and sketch comedy, and more!
Join us this Sunday, July 7th for our latest edition of On The Boulevard, and help support Forget The Box as we grow!
WHAT: On The Boulevard - Multi-Mic
WHERE: Bar Bifteck, 3702 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2V4
WHEN: Sunday, July 7 @ 8PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
