September arrives with a thunderous roar as Montreal hosts a truly legendary week of live entertainment. Heavy metal titans Iron Maiden lead a historic triple bill at Parc Jean-Drapeau, while Canadian rock icons Rush return to the Bell Centre for a celebration of their unparalleled legacy. The beloved musical The Lion King continues its run at Place des Arts, and a rising country star makes his Montreal debut. Before the shows, experience the authentic flavours of Spain at a Villeray institution that has been perfecting the art of the tapa for over a decade.
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🍱 Restaurant of the Week: Tapeo
📍 Address: 511 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1H5
“Tapeo” is simply the act of eating tapas. And that is exactly what Tapeo does—better than almost anyone else in Montreal. Located in the Villeray neighbourhood, this unpretentious establishment has, for over a decade, created a name for itself as one of the best tapas bars in the city. Owners Sébastien Muniz and Victor Afonso are two friends, two partners, and two passionate individuals who like the good things in life, including meeting new people. Together, they came up with the idea of opening a restaurant where, for a brief moment in the lives of their clients, they become their host and take them on a culinary journey where all their senses are awakened.
Atmosphere & Décor
The space, designed by Surface 3, is contemporary, welcoming, lively, and festive. Back in 2008, the restaurant adapted to its growing number of customers by undergoing an expansion, vastly improving the decor. The high quality and consistency of the food, combined with this inviting atmosphere, has made Tapeo a Montreal landmark. The service is both passionate and professional, contributing to the enjoyable time spent here during every visit.
🍽️ What to Order: A Fabulous Selection of Spanish Tapas
The menu is fabulous, featuring delicious and refined Spanish tapas. While the selection can change, the main ingredients remain the same and the products used are always of the highest quality. Tapeo also offers a tapa-of-the-day, a daily special, and a tapa-of-the-month, with proceeds going to the Tapeo Fund for Villeray Urban Design.
Tapas Frías (Cold Tapas):
- Salads
- Small bites
- Tartars and carpaccios
- A selection of charcuterie and cheeses
Tapas Calientes (Hot Tapas):
- Patatas Bravas: The classic crispy potatoes with a spicy sauce—a must-order.
- Cod Croquettes: Creamy, flavourful, and perfectly fried.
- Calamars: Tender and lightly fried.
- Chorizo: Sautéed to perfection.
- Paella: The iconic Spanish rice dish, available in seafood or mixed versions.
Main Courses: Fish and meats prepared with a fine Spanish touch.
Desserts:
- Chocolate Churros: A decadent, shareable treat.
- Catalan Cream: A silky custard dessert, the Spanish answer to crème brûlée.
🍷 Drinks to Match
The wine selection is quite original with obvious Spanish influences that pair perfectly with the tapas. This is the responsibility of co-owner Sébastien, who has curated a list that complements the menu beautifully.
Why You Should Go
Because Tapeo is a must-dine experience in Montreal. The combination of exceptional Spanish cuisine, a warm and festive atmosphere, and passionate service makes every visit a memorable one. Whether you’re sharing a selection of tapas with friends or indulging in a full meal, you’ll understand why this Villeray institution has endured for so long.
🎤 Performances of the Week
Presented by MontrealNightlife.com
🎭 The Lion King at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals of all time. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 30 global productions have been seen by over 127 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, this stunning production features Elton John and Tim Rice’s iconic songs from the animated film—including “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”—along with three new songs and additional musical material by South African composer Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, creating a theatrical experience like no other.
📍 Venue: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
🗓️ Dates: Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, September 6, 2026 (Multiple performances)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🤘 Iron Maiden at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Presented by Heavy MTL, legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden brings their “Run For Your Lives World Tour” to Parc Jean-Drapeau for a massive outdoor show. This is a historic triple bill featuring three of the biggest names in metal history: Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Anthrax. One of the most influential bands in rock history, Iron Maiden is known for their iconic mascot Eddie, Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals, and classic anthems like “The Number of the Beast,” “Run to the Hills,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” and “Fear of the Dark.” This is a once-in-a-lifetime show for metal fans.
📍 Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, September 3, 2026 — 6:15 PM (Doors: 5:00 PM)
🎟️ Ticket Options:
- General Admission: Access to the festival site.
- Pit: Limited capacity zone with direct proximity to the stage and fast-lane entry.
- Terrace: Private platform with optimal view, luxury washrooms, and fast-lane entry.
- Table (4 people): Private table on the Terrace with barstools.
- Booth (6 people): Private booth on the Terrace with couch and table.
- Suite (16 people): A dedicated luxury suite on the Terrace.
📱 Good to Know: The event will take place rain or shine. The metro is the best way to get to the event, with the Jean-Drapeau station on the yellow line. Bring a reusable water bottle (empty at the entrance) to refill at free water stations. No readmissions will be permitted.
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎸 Rush at Bell Centre
Canadian rock legends Rush return to the Bell Centre for a monumental celebration of their legacy. Selling over 45 million albums worldwide, garnering seven GRAMMY Award nominations, and earning induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the pioneering trio’s incalculable influence has spanned generations. Featuring the once-in-a-lifetime interplay of Geddy Lee (bass, keys, vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitar, vocals), and the late Neil Peart (drums, lyrics), Rush redefined rock without boundaries, striking a balance between elite instrumentation, anthemic vocals, and timeless storytelling. Honoring Peart and the legacy the band forged together, Lee and Lifeson celebrate Rush on tour in 2026. It is a moment for new listeners to finally experience this music live in all of its glory and another chance for the group’s faithful fanbase to rally again.
📍 Venue: Bell Centre
🗓️ Dates: Friday, September 4 & Saturday, September 5, 2026
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
😂 Michel Barrette at Centre culturel Desjardins à Joliette
Québécois comedy legend Michel Barrette brings his brand-new show “Drôle depuis 1957” to Joliette. In this hilarious and tender look at his generation, Barrette celebrates “the revenge of the baby boomers”—those yesterday’s young people who have become today’s wise elders, but are still as irreverent as ever. Through tasty anecdotes, touching memories, and biting observations, he tells the story of his era with contagious energy. Between laughs and reflections, Michel proves that you can grow old without ever ceasing to be funny. This show is a true love letter to the past and a well-aimed wink at the present.
📍 Venue: Centre culturel Desjardins à Joliette, 20 St-Charles-Borromée sud, Joliette, QC J6E 4T1
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, September 5, 2026 (Doors: 7:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎵 Jackson Dean at Le Studio TD
Platinum-selling country singer-songwriter Jackson Dean brings his gravel-toned vocals and wayward spirit to Le Studio TD. Since astonishing Nashville with his acoustic-forward debut Greenbroke, the dusky-voiced songwriter from Maryland has always gone his own way rather than chasing trends. His propulsive No. 1 debut single “Don’t Come Lookin'” struck Platinum, and his sophomore album On The Back of My Dreams delivered the No. 1 hit “Heavens To Betsy.” His current single “Make A Liar” is climbing the Country Radio charts, and his third studio album, Magnolia Sage, was released on April 24. With a sound that moves from sweeping to soothing, rocking to ruminative, Jackson Dean is a singular new voice in country music.
📍 Venue: Le Studio TD, 305 rue Sainte-Catherine West
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, September 6, 2026
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
📚 Sources
