Those who live in Montreal believe that Montreal’s Grand Prix is the unofficial kick off of the summer. Hopefully, the weather will be on our side from June 6th to June 9th as more than 300 000 race fans will flock the streets of Montreal and attend the city’s main event of the year. Regardless of how Mother Nature will behave, we’ve rounded up the best parties and places to be during Montreal’s iconic weekend rain or shine. C’est un rendez-vous!
What is Montreal’s Grand Prix?
Since 1961 the Canadian Grand Prix attracts millions during and post-race, making Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve a standalone landmark. Two other infamous landmarks that are synonym with Montreal’s Grand Prix not only reside in the heart of the city but are less than a mile from one another. Crescent and Peel streets will not only be closed off to traffic but will temporarily be home to several luxury cars for the fans to admire.
To share a few words about the madness that will take place on Peel Street, this year’s Formula Peel is back for a sixth year with a sensational lineup. Live music with DJ sets will take care of entertainment and if you wish to quench your thirst, head to Peel Paddock, Peel Street’s pop-up bar that will make you feel like a VIP. Also right across the venue, Montreal based TV host Geneviève Borne will host the Pop-up Fashion show presented by Shiseido in collaboration with the Casino de Montréal and Harry Rosen. If you’re a Ferrari fan, we’d suggest you heading over to Little Italy to enjoy a culinary experience out of the ordinary with more than 40 kiosks and terraces will be at your disposal to taste Italian delicacies. Fashion, cars, pop-up terraces and food… You won’t be bored of options if you’re tight on budget.
What are the best parties at Montreal’s Grand Prix?
To kick off the Formula 1 festivities, you’re invited on Wednesday, June 5th to Dress to Kill’s Party: The Night at the Mansion. The latter is the newest member to partake in the festivities, and for the past 3 years, the independent publication outlet has proven itself in being one of the best parties in town during F1 weekend. This year’s edition will take place in the wonderful and historic Victorian mansion named Bar George that will underline Dress to Kill’s Creativity in the Nouveau Renaissance theme. The night will honour today’s artists from a variety of worlds, categories, and mediums who are revitalizing and restructuring the perspectives of the future through their artistic expression. The event will be sponsored by Aston Martin Montreal and Johnie Walker, the latter being the official F1 sponsor since 2014. Doors are open to the grand public starting at 10 pm.
If you wish to buddy up with the coolest celebrities in town, you need to attend some of the most exclusive parties in the city. The good news is that they’re open to the public if your wallet can suffer the damage. From Four Season’s Opening Party to Le Richmond Red Carpet Party and the iconic Ritz Carlton Grand Prix soirée, choices aren’t what’s missing in town this weekend
Get bottle service at Montreal’s biggest nightclubs
Of course, when one thinks of Grand Prix weekend, the never-ending list of places to celebrate follows. For the occasion, Old Montreal needs to figure on your to-do. With La Voûte who just celebrated its’ 2nd anniversary, the latter will ensure to throw some of the biggest parties in town for the Grand Prix festivities. Indeed the nightclub will host thematic nights from Thursday to Sunday that go from the Transformers to Barbie dolls. It’s safe to say Halloween has come early this year. If you wish to be transported in The Great Gatsby universe, head a few streets down to Bord’Elle, Montreal’s most exclusive Supper Club.
Experience PY1 Nights in the Old Port
This season marks Guy Laliberté’s latest project in collaboration with Lune Rouge Entertainment by offering participants an incredible and unique sensorial experience. Located only a few feet away from the giant Ferris wheel in the old port, you’ll find a giant pyramid that hosts immersive nights featuring local artists and electronic music accompanied by lasers and 360 projections. Usually, these seven immersive worlds only take place on Fridays and Saturdays yet since it’s Grand Prix weekend, you’ll be treated like royalty as the festivities will take place from Thursday to Sunday. All participants are invited to play the game and dressed up for the occasion.
Where should you watch Montreal’s Grand Prix?
The Tequila Experience at The Bassin Terrace on the circuit
If tequila is go-to drink, why not buy a day pass at $75 to spend the day watching the race cars fly by from one of 3 terraces overlooking Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Not only the ambiance will be festive, but you’ll be able to indulge in delicious Mexican dishes prepared by Toqué! chef Alejandro Martinez. If you’re thinking of spending the whole weekend on the circuit, you can have full access to the terrace for the small sum of C$199. Salud!
