Shout out to warm, sunny autumn days! It feels luxurious to be skipping socks and heading out in a tank top in October. Frankly, if winter was like this, I could more easily tolerate the late sunrises and early sunsets. Still, the energy remains autumnal. The late afternoon sun pours like honey over rainbow trees, and when the wind blows, the chill reminds us of what's to come.

People have been whispering about the energy. They're restless, they're tired, and I think I know why. We’re meant to get in our last business of the year now, methinks. The last of our gathering and stockpiling, the last bonfire nights and barefoot days. We're charged up with the need to wring out the last days of this season, while our winter selves start to think thoughts of sweaters and soups, blankets and naps. So in the name of preparation, I’ve compiled some tricks you should tuck into your winter survival kit.

Start now. There's new talk about the “October Theory”, a simple plan to kickstart your next chapter. October is for assessing where you are, November for setting goals, and December for turning your plans into habits. By the time January rolls around, you’ll be well into your resolutions, and when spring is here, you'll be a new and improved you. This is also how planting bulbs works, so this sounds realistic. However, in the event that you'd prefer to kick things down the road and just get through the next few months without losing your will to live, I have more plans.

Reading List. I firmly believe we should all read more. Not more articles or real crime stories; besides the fact that we all have enough trauma and drama on our collective plate, fiction and non-fiction tickle different parts of our brains. Fiction can help us understand people better, and help us process information in a landscape where reality is self-contained. Plus, it helps spur our own creativity, spurring our brains to create new pathways. Now is the perfect time to make a Reading List. Ask your friends what books they love. Find your favorite author’s favorite book. Hit your local indie bookstore and see what catches your attention. I recently read All The Sad Young Men, a short story collection by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I call him Fitz. Andrew maintains this is unacceptable and his real friends call him Scotty. Regardless, I recommend the book, and extol the virtues of short stories, perfect little bites to have with a cup of tea under a soft blanket. I finally read The Wind in The Willows too, and it was replete with warmth and whimsy. Speaking of warmth…

Soup, Tea, and Hot Chocolate. Get your cozy comforts in order for all the days you won't want to put on pants and track them down.

Make a List. Write a real tangible list of movies you want to watch, games you want to finish, new recipes to try. I know some great cooks (shout out Shaina, the vegetarian who will cook meat for others, and throw out an “ugly” cake and start over). I'm a mediocre cook (no one will die of poisoning or starvation here), but I genuinely know some adults who can barely boil water. ‘Tis the season to roast and stew, so don't be scared. New and engaging things get our brains jazzed up and give us things to look forward to in the perpetual grey. Learn a language. Start knitting. Do something cool.

Stay in touch. It's so easy to lock ourselves away when the weather changes. Without the terasses, events, and impromptu park days, the social scene can get pretty grey too. Reach out. Remember that phones make calls and that the sound of your friend’s voice will make you smile. Plan gatherings. Host a slumber party. Remember that the best way to get through the cold, will be the warmth we create together.

HALLOWEEN HISTORY

Descend into an enchanting cellar for an immersive experience of Irish folklore, music and history with the gals of Montreal’s trad trio Gráinne, bringing you into the ancient origins of Halloween to thrill you with tales of ghosts, devils, heroes and pirate queens!

A short, immersive, interactive storytelling experience inviting the audience into the Irish roots of Halloween night, or Oíche Shamhna ( /EE-ha HOW-na/ ). The cellar vibes of Le Basement will be leaned into for a spooky evening of the story behind the first jack-o-lantern, a forbidden romance, and the pirate queen who outwitted Elizabeth I.

WHAT: Thinning the Veil: a Halloween Experience

WHERE: Le Basement, 3724 Notre-Dame W., Montreal, H4C 1P7

WHEN: Thursday, October 24, @ 7 PM

METRO: Place St. Henri (Orange)

TICKETS: Eventbrite

staging freedom

Rimah Jabr, a Muslim Palestinian, and Natasha Greenblatt, a Jewish Canadian, come together as co-writers in Two Birds One Stone, a heartfelt and charged conversation. This thought-provoking and compelling narrative explores the essence of friendship, delves into the complexities of privilege, and reflects on the search for home and freedom.

WHAT: Two Birds One Stone

WHERE: Rangshala Studio, 251 Avenue des Pins, Montreal, Quebec, Room 165

WHEN: Friday, October 25, @ 8PM

METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange) / Place des Arts (Green)

TICKETS: Teesri Duniya Theatre

IF THE APOCALYPSE COMES, BEEP ME

Whether you're a devoted Buffy fan or simply seeking a thrilling night out, join us for an electrifying evening of music, nostalgia, and supernatural vibes. Step into the iconic Bronze nightclub as Theatre Sainte Catherine transforms for one night only.

Prepare to be transported to the heart of Sunnydale as the Vampire Players take the stage, rocking out to all your favorite tunes!

Rock your best vampy 90s attire for a chance to win some awesome prizes, and get ready to dance the night away in this unforgettable homage to Buffy's iconic nightlife hotspot.

WHAT: Slayer Fest ‘24

WHERE: Théâtre Sainte-Catherine, 264, Ste. Catherine E., Montreal, H2X 1L4

WHEN: Saturday, October 26, Shows @ 730 PM & 10 PM

METRO: Berri-UQAM

TICKETS: ThePointOfSale

MONDAY FUNDAY

Get ready for big laughs and #1 comedy Night in Montreal! Get the authentic Montreal stand-up comedy experience! Enjoy a showcase of the best comedians in the city, hot up-and-comers, national and international touring comics and more surprises! at Hurley's Irish Pub Every Mondays and its hosted by Vance Michel. Stay for the late show open mic!

WHAT: The World's Smallest Comedy Night

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Every Monday @ 8 PM, Open Mic @ 1030 PM

METRO: Lucien-L’Allier (Orange), Guy-Concordia (Green)

DETAILS: Facebook

halloween poetry

McSway Poetry Collective is back with a Halloween edition of their Open Mic. Read or listen. Spooky or not.

WHAT: McSway Poetry Collective Halloween Open Mic

WHERE: Yellow Door, 3625 Aylmer St, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2C3

WHEN: Wednesday, October 30 @ 6:30PM

METRO: Place des Arts (Green)

Join the family!

Forget The Box is growing, and we’re looking for new contributors to join our family! (Re)launched in Spring 2023, Forget The Box is Montreal’s leading arts magazine, focused on ground level, underground, and marginalized local art.

We’re looking for writers who want to build their portfolios while covering some of Montreal’s best (and most hidden) art scenes! And we’re also looking for other creative talents like designers and photographers who want to share their skills and unique perspectives to the cause!

Visit Forget The Box to check out Montreal’s most in-depth arts magazine, and reach NOW to start spotlighting our local arts community, and to join our family! DM us directly, or email forgetthebox@forgetthebox.ca

McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!

McSweeney’s List (23 October 2024)