Montreal on the Cheap

Montreal Weekend, May 17 – 19, 2013

Martin — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:17 +0000

A bit quiet this weekend. Might be a good opportunity to explore one of the city’s large parks.

The following weekend activities are (mostly) free and family-friendly. Have fun!

Friday, May 17

Festival Acces Asie
Join artists from Singapore, Indonesia, Iran, India, China, Japan and Canada to illuminate the month of May, the Asian Heritage Month of Canada. Some free events.
Various venues

Fete de Montreal
Expect music in the form of live performances and DJ sets, street food and a giant outdoor picnic (hope the weather cooperates), and some evening multimedia performances. FREE.
Quartier des Spectacles, 185 Sainte-Catherine St W

Saturday, May 18

Sunday, May 19

Ongoing…

Chess Club, Fridays, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Besides story time held twice a week, the Atwater MCL offers a chess club on Fridays for players of all levels, a hands-on science club on Wednesdays, arts & crafts on Tuesdays as well as math tutoring on Mondays!! FREE.
Montreal Children’s Library – Atwater Branch, 1200 Atwater Ave.

Arts & Crafts, Fridays, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Jean Rivard MCL offers arts & crafts for kids on Fridays, as well as science club on Tuesdays, chess club on Wednesdays and a games hour on Thursday!! FREE.
Montreal Children’s Library – Jean Rivard Branch, 4121 42nd St.

Explore the Art of Peru, Weekends, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
In conjunction with the Peru exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the family weekend workshops will be themed on creating art in the Peruvian style. FREE.
Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke Street W.

Learn Peruvian Jewellery Decorating, Weekends, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The MMFA invites you to their day-long drop-in workshop to “take all the time you need to create embossed metal jewellery inspired by Peruvian culture”. FREE.
Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke Street W.

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Fete de Montreal

Martin — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:21:33 +0000

Did you know it’s Montreal’s 371st birthday?

In celebration, on May 17 from Noon ’till midnight the city is hosting free music and entertainment downtown at the Place des Spectacles, just outside of Place des Arts (Place des Arts metro).

Expect music in the form of live performances and DJ sets, street food and a giant outdoor picnic (hope the weather cooperates), and some evening multimedia performances. While there, take some time to enjoy the current interactive art installation, 21 Swings.

More details at show times at http://www.quartierdesspectacles.com/en/fete-de-montreal/

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Shopping from the Heart hits again

Martin — Fri, 10 May 2013 02:34:37 +0000

Another year, and another impressive Shopping from the Heart event.

When I first attended a few years back, I was truly awestruck both by the dynamic Julia who organized the event and sponsors and vendors and promotion seemingly effortlessly, as well as by the vendors themselves – all local women entrepreneurs whose spirit and drive shone from behind every table.

Master of ceremonies and impressive organizer, Julia.

Shopping from the Heart is an event with the dual goal of supporting women entrepreneurs in business, as well as raising funds for 3 Montreal children’s charities, the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, The Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation Maternity Ward, and the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, NICU

The floor of SFTH13

Having grown from its first year in a church hall with about a dozen vendors, SFTH 2013 was held at the Holiday Inn Pointe Claire and boasts about 30 vendors plus some big-name sponsors. And yet, the informality and welcoming atmosphere as well as the drive and passion of the independent vendors is just as apparent. It’s not just a shopping or charity event, but also a bit of networking, a bit of inspiration, and a lot of making new friends.

Not only did this year’s event include the raffle and door prizes that put the icing on previous years, but also a silent auction, a massage chair for a FREE chill-out, a fun photo booth, and live performance from singer Meg Rose Smith.

Meg Rose Smith performs at SFTH13

If you were not able to make it out this year, keep an eye out for details of next year’s event, (following Julia’s blog would be a good way to do that). If you’re not near by but would still like to support SFTH charities, there is a donation form on http://shoppingfromtheheart.blogspot.ca/

Me (in the hat), along with @pamperedpatty, @montreal_mom, @CanadianMomEh, @AskMamaMOE, @Amberzcorner and @OurFamilyWorld (sorry about the above crummy photo… I’ll replace with a better from Valerie if she sends one my way).

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Montreal Weekend, May 10 – 12, 2013

Martin — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:30:31 +0000

Happy Mother’s Day weekend to all. If the forecast holds, Sunday should be a good one to get out.

The following weekend activities are (mostly) free and family-friendly. Have fun!

Friday, May 10

Saturday, May 11

Animatch Walk-a-thon, 9:00 AM
Come walk to raise funds (and awareness) for Animatch. Besides the walk, there will be food, face-painting, a costume contest, lots of demonstrations and activities for dogs as well as pet pampering and vendor booths. FREE to visit.
DDO Civic Centre, 12001 de Salaberry blvd., DDO

Saturday at the Centaur, 10:30 AM
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - The children in the audience take on roles and become a forest, the dwarfs, and even participate as part of the stage crew in putting together the sets. Every youthful member of the audience actually becomes part of the play. $8 adults, $6 kids.
Centaur Theatre, 453 St. François-Xavier, Old Montreal

Peter McGill Culture – Jennifer Gasoi, 10:30 AM
Talented singer/songwriter Jennifer Gasoi continues to make a name for herself in the world of children’s music. Jennifer has a unique gift for writing and performing upbeat, intelligent, jazz-based children’s songs that adults love too. FREE.
Shatford Hall, 1439 Ste-Catherine W.

Baie d’Urfe Mom’s Day Concert, 2:00 PM
Mother’s Day concert featuring the Island City Chorus. Free admission, but tickets required, contact Ada Colomb, 514-457-9020. Light refreshments and door prizes.
The Red Barn, 20609 Lakeshore, Baie d’Urfe

Sunday, May 12

The Wind in the Willows, 3:00 PM
The Wind in the Willows is the kind of story that inspires young people to read, to write, to value friendship and to love nature. For children 4 years and older. FREE, but passes required.
Stewart Hall Cultural Centre, 176 Bord-du-Lac – Lakeshore Rd, Pointe-Claire

Ongoing…

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Eco-days Around the Island

Martin — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:48:26 +0000

May seems to be the month that various municipalities and boroughs around the island try to get their residents in the gardening and flower-planting mood.

From free boxes of flowers and compost to workshops and presentations, check out what’s being offered in your area!

Dollard-des-Ormeaux – Saturday, May 11, 10 AM to 3 PM at William Cosgrove Centennial Park

The City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux will be holding a flower sale and an information day for lovers of gardening and horticulture: a festival of flowers! In addition, we will be offering: compost (bring your containers), children’s workshops, guest speakers, surprises and much more. First come, first served. Proof of residence required.

http://www.ville.ddo.qc.ca/en/calendar/event_view.asp?EID=569&ID=4&cTYPE=1&month=5&year=2013&cate=

Westmount – Saturday, May 11, from 9 AM at Westmount Public Works Yard

Compost made from leaves collected last autumn will be made available to Westmount residents from 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 11th at the Public Works yard, Bethune Street, while supplies last. Residents should bring a container (either a plastic bag or a bin), a shovel and proof of residence.

http://www.westmount.org/calendar_view.cfm?Event_ID=39

Kirkland – Saturday, May 11, 9 AM to 2 PM at Municipal Garage

The first 500 residents will receive a flat of annuals or perennials! Free compost, free wood chips, information kiosks and more.

http://www.ville.kirkland.qc.ca/en/client/page2.asp?page=579&clef=82&Clef2=12

Beaconsfield- Saturday, May 11, from 10 AM at Centennial Hall

Different perennials from our members’gardens will be for sale. Discover new plants for your garden, or find a special gift for Mother’s Day! Come early, plants go quickly!

http://www.beaconsfield.ca/en/council-meetings/details/774-plant-sale.html

Dorval – Saturday, May 18, 9 AM to 1 PM at the Dorval Arena

http://www.ville.dorval.qc.ca/loisirs/en/calendar/event_view.asp?EID=879&ID=1&cTYPE=1&month=5&year=2013&cate=

Montreal / Ville Marie – Sunday, May 19, 9 AM to 5 PM

Up for grabs are 33,000 impatients, petunias and marigolds! First come, first served. Bring your proof of residence to walk away with up to 24 plants per address, free!

Distribution through eco-quartiers St. Jacques, Sainte-Marie and Peter-McGill

http://www.montrealonthecheap.com/event/ville-marie-flower-distribution/

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Peter McGill Culture Series – Jennifer Gasoi

Martin — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:45:28 +0000

Every so often, a couple times a month (roughly), the city of Montreal sponsors a free, open door, first-come first-served evening cultural event.

This Saturday, May 11 -

Talented singer/songwriter Jennifer Gasoi continues to make a name for herself in the world of children’s music. Jennifer has a unique gift for writing and performing upbeat, intelligent, jazz-based children’s songs that adults love too. The lyrics are clever, the melodies catchy, and the rhythms undeniably danceable.

Her album Throw a penny in the wishing well was nominated for a 2013 Juno for best children’s album as well as Children’s Artist of the Year at the 2013 SiriusXM Indie Awards.

Doors open at 10:30 AM, show starts at 11 AM at Shatford Hall, 1439 Ste-Catherine W., (metro Guy-Concordia)

More info at ville.montreal.qc.ca/villemarie

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Saturdays at the Centaur

Martin — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:28:11 +0000

On select Saturday mornings throughout the season at the Centaur Theatre, young children and their families enjoy affordable and engaging live performances by some of Montreal’s best talent for kids.

On Saturday, May 11, 2013, you are invited to enjoy Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by C3 Blind Mice Productions.

“The children in the audience take on roles and become a forest, the dwarfs, and even participate as part of the stage crew in putting together the sets. Every youthful member of the audience actually becomes part of the play.”

Ticket Prices: Adults: $8.00 Children: $6.00

Shows are geared to audiences aged 4 & up.

The Centaur is at 453 St. François-Xavier near Old Montreal.

More info at http://www.centaurtheatre.com/children.php

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Montreal Weekend, May 3 – 5, 2013

Martin — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:00:04 +0000

We can finally wish everyone a happy Spring without a trace of irony.

The following weekend activities are (mostly) free and family-friendly. Have fun!

Friday, May 3

Laval Bibliovente, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
More than 50,000 books, magazines, CD, DVD and other documents in good condition will be sold at $3/kilo! Bring your own bags.
Cartier Arena (Cartier metro), 100, montée Major, Laval-des-Rapides

Saturday, May 4

McCord Free 1st Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The first Saturday of every month, the McCord Museum opens its doors, free of charge, to all who would like to visit and explore.
McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke Street W

Saturday at the Centaur, 10:30 AM
Red vs the Wolf, “Red vs the Wolf re-tells the story of Little Red Riding Hood, but from the Wolf’s point of view. Hopefully, the audience will see his side of the story, realize there are two sides to everything.” $8 adults, $6 kids.
Centaur Theatre, 453 St. François-Xavier, Old Montreal

Design Montreal Open House, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Check out putting together a customized route to design a visit that includes kids activities or guided tours or exhibitions anywhere across the island in disciplines such as landscape design, architecture, urban design and more. FREE.
Various venues

Laval Bibliovente, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
More than 50,000 books, magazines, CD, DVD and other documents in good condition will be sold at $3/kilo! Bring your own bags.
Cartier Arena (Cartier metro), 100, montée Major, Laval-des-Rapides

Peter McGill Culture – Ay Flamenco!, 7:30 PM
This modern and poetic flamenco show, inspired by Andalusia, combines singing, guitar and dance. FREE.
Shatford Hall, 1439 Ste-Catherine W.

Sunday, May 5

Mount Royal Clean-up, 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Join friends, families and neighbours for the annual Mount Royal Spring Cleaning. In the afternoon, enjoy a light lunch, check out the educational kiosks, and take part in the family animations. FREE.
Chalet du Mont-Royal, Mount Royal Park

CSL Library WOW Program, 2:00 PM
Take a fantastical voyage into the heart of magic with Panadream’s marionette show about an ordinary boy who discovers an enchanting secret world. $5
CSL Library, 5851 Cavendish Blvd.

Ongoing…

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Shopping from the Heart, 2013

Martin — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:12:55 +0000

A good friend of ours has done an incredible, extraordinary job over the past few years of growing this event from a few vendors and sponsors in a church hall to what it is today… a charity event and shopping night at the Pointe Claire Holiday Inn featuring music, a photo booth, dozens of vendors and some big corporate sponsors!

Shopping from the Heart takes place each year with a dual goal of supporting women entrepreneurs in business, as well as raising funds for Montreal children’s charities. With raffle prizes, a silent auction, door prizes and an fun, informal atmosphere, visitors can get their Mother’s day shopping done and enjoy meeting (and supporting) some enterprising women.

This year, SFTH takes place at the Holiday Inn Pointe Claire, (6700 Trans Canada) on Thursday, May 9 from 7 to 10 PM.

There is a $10 donation fee which starts you off with 5 raffle tickets. More tickets can be purchased separately.

More information at http://shoppingfromtheheart.blogspot.ca/

*Major hat tip to Julia*

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Peter McGill Culture Series – Ay Flamenco!

Martin — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:36:47 +0000

Every so often, a couple times a month (roughly), the city of Montreal sponsors a free, open door, first-come first-served evening cultural event.

This Saturday, May 4 -

This modern and poetic flamenco show, inspired by Andalusia, combines singing, guitar and dance. Ay Flamenco was founded by Marie-Andrée Cloutier and Natasha Massicotte. They are accompanied on stage by vocalist José-Luis Pérez, guitarist Philippe Jean and percussionist André Martin.

Doors open at 7:30 PM, show starts at 8 PM at Shatford Hall, 1439 Ste-Catherine W., (metro Guy-Concordia)

More info at ville.montreal.qc.ca/villemarie

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