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As winter settles in, Montreal’s vibrant cultural scene shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re savoring a glass of natural wine at this week’s featured restaurant, Polari, or braving the icy air at Igloofest 2025, the city has something for everyone. From high-energy concerts to serene symphonic tributes, Week 3 offers an array of experiences that reflect Montreal’s dynamic character.

Check out MontrealNightlife.com for all the details on this week’s highlights, and read on to find your next unforgettable outing.

Montreal’s Restaurant of the Week : Polari

Location: 375 Rue de Castelnau East, Montreal, QC

Menu:
Polari’s menu is crafted to complement its robust selection of natural wines, offering simple yet elevated dishes that let the ingredients shine. It’s ideal for sharing, making it a fantastic spot for gatherings.

  • Small Plates: Begin with their beet tartare, paired with whipped goat cheese and served with a side of toasted sourdough. Another hit is the crispy polenta bites, which are lightly fried and topped with a creamy gorgonzola sauce.
  • Charcuterie & Cheese: Polari’s boards are curated with local artisanal products, featuring items like aged Quebec cheddar, creamy Brie, and house-made preserves.
  • Vegetable Dishes: Seasonal options like the roasted heirloom carrots with honey glaze and dukkah spice or the grilled zucchini ribbons with fresh mint and yogurt dressing are simple yet flavorful.
  • Desserts: The olive oil cake, topped with a dollop of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey, is a house favorite.

With its curated selection of small plates and an ever-rotating wine list, Polari offers a laid-back yet refined dining experience.

History & Ambiance:
Situated behind a modest garage door in the vibrant Villeray neighborhood, Polari exudes charm and accessibility. Since its opening in mid-2024, it has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. The design is sleek and minimalistic, with a focus on letting the food and drink take center stage.

Cost Rating: $$ (Moderate)
With wine flights and small plates, an average visit costs about $40-$60 per person.


Igloofest 2025: Three Nights of Unforgettable Beats

Get ready, Montreal, as Igloofest 2025 brings the heat to the cold with three epic nights of music at the iconic Sapporo and Videotron Stages!

Thursday, January 23: Cutting-Edge Sounds

Kick off the weekend with a futuristic vibe as Bladee headlines the Sapporo Stage at 10:00 p.m., showcasing his signature cloud-rap sound. Before him, groove to the ethereal beats of DOSS at 8:15 p.m. and the boundary-pushing COUCOU CHLOE with her DJ set at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, January 24: Deadbeats Take Over

Zeds Dead delivers their explosive bass-driven beats at 10:30 p.m. on the Sapporo Stage, with support from Tape B at 9:30 p.m., Distinct Motive at 8:30 p.m., and Melek kicking things off at 7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Videotron Stage transforms into a Prohibition-themed party featuring Dopamyne at 11:00 p.m., Xaviera at 9:30 p.m., and the duo runa & asha at 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 25: Global Rhythms

Close out the festival with the legendary Skepta, who brings his Más Tiempo vibes to the Sapporo Stage at 11:00 p.m. A surprise artist follows at 9:30 p.m., with warm-up sets from Syreeta at 8:30 p.m. and Lia Plutonic at 7:30 p.m. Over at the Videotron Stage, immerse yourself in the Laylit experience, with performances by Cheba Iman at 11:30 p.m., Nadim Maghzal at 10:30 p.m., MNSA at 9:30 p.m., and Manalou at 8:00 p.m.

Don’t miss this epic winter celebration of music and culture! Buy your tickets now. 🎶

More Events to keep you Warm in Montreal

Friday January 24th 

Stephan Bodzin Live: An Unforgettable Igloofest Après-Ski Night

Prepare for an immersive electronic music experience as Stephan Bodzin takes over New City Gas on Friday, January 24th for an Igloofest Après-Ski event. Renowned for his live performances and hypnotic techno soundscapes, Bodzin will captivate the crowd with his legendary tracks like Singularity and Strand. Joining him are the electrifying Molyness and Mezz, delivering opening sets that will set the tone for an unforgettable night of pulsing beats and incredible visuals. Get your tickets here. 🎧

Saturday January 25th   

Sum 41’s Final Tour: Don’t Miss the Chaos

Catch pop-punk legends Sum 41 live at Place Bell on Saturday, January 25th, as part of their highly anticipated farewell tour, The Final Tour: I’m Not Dead Yet. Known for iconic hits like Fat Lip, In Too Deep, and Still Waiting, the band promises an electrifying night filled with nostalgia and high-energy anthems. This is your chance to see Sum 41 perform their greatest tracks one last time before they take their final bow. Get your tickets here. 🎸

Sunday January 26th 

Piaf Symphonique: A Tribute to the Iconic Édith Piaf

Experience the timeless music of Édith Piaf like never before with Piaf Symphonique at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, on Sunday, January 26th. This breathtaking symphonic tribute pairs Piaf’s legendary songs, including La Vie en rose and Non, je ne regrette rien, with lush orchestral arrangements, creating a powerful celebration of her enduring legacy. Featuring an extraordinary vocalist and a full orchestra, this evening promises to transport audiences into the heart of Parisian romance and nostalgia. Get your tickets here. 🎼