4 Montreal food & drink festivals to hit this month if you’re always planning your next meal

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Did you think Montreal food festivals were just a summer thing? Think again! Four epicurean events are set to kick off before the end of the month so you can sip, slurp and sample the city’s finest eats (and drinks) well into the fall.

Before you get too hangry, let’s dig right into the delicious culinary extravaganzas that are taking over Montreal in October 2024.

Bon Appétit!

Pizza Fest MTL

Price: Varies (depending on the cost of the pizza)

When: October 1 to 31

Where: You can find a full list of participating restaurants here.

Why You Need To Go: Billed as “the biggest pizza celebration in town,” Pizza Fest is already in full swing. Pizza lovers can indulge in an array of mouthwatering pies from local restaurants and vote for their favourites until the end of the month. The event also features a ‘Biggest Eater Contest’ on October 1, and the ‘Pizza Fest Challenge,’ a competition to crown Canada’s best pizzaiolo, happening on October 15 and 16.

Pizza Fest MTL Website

Ramen Ramen Fes

Price: Varies (depending on the cost of the ramen)

When: October 14 to 27

Where: You can find a full list of participating restaurants here.

Why You Need To Go: Ramen Ramen returns for its third edition mid-month. Hosted by ASIASIE, the festival invites ramen enthusiasts to slurp and savour the iconic Japanese dish over two weeks at 30+ participating restaurants.

In addition to the “Coup de Coeur” award, selected by a jury, the public gets to vote on which restaurant’s “featured” noodle and broth combo they liked best, ultimately leading to the crowning of Montreal’s best ramen bowl of 2024.

On October 14, as part of the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, there will also be a special screening of the cult ramen film Tampopo, with ramen served on-site.

Ramen Ramen Fes Website

Invasion Cocktail

Price: Ranging from free to $70 per event; You can download a free passport for special prices on exclusive cocktails.

When: October 24 to November 9

Where: Various venues and establishments, including:

  • Entrepôts Dominion – 3970, rue Saint-Ambroise
  • Tap Tap Cocktail – 1584, av. Laurier E.
  • Bar George – 1440, rue Drummond

Why You Need To Go: This 11th edition of Invasion Cocktail, part conference and part tasting event, allows festival-goers to explore the city’s vibrant cocktail scene across 16 participating bars. From panels to cocktail-making workshops, you can learn all about the craft of mixology and then cap off your educational expansion with some well-deserved beverages.

While participating bars are serving up unique cocktails with the festival’s “star spirits,” you also don’t want to miss the Bartender Challenge, which will pit local drink masters against each other in a friendly competition that draws inspiration from Italian art in all its forms. There’s also an entire evening dedicated to Aperitivos at Bar George.

Invasion Cocktail Website

MTLàTABLE

Price: Three- or four-course set evening menus priced at $35, $50, $65 or $80 and brunch for $25

When: October 31 to November 17

Where: You can find a full list of participating restaurants here.

Why You Need To Go: This festival starts on the last day of the month — but eager foodies can still squeeze in a meal before the end of October, and then continue munching their way through November with the 12th edition of MTLàTABLE.

This year’s 18-day-long “ode to gastronomy” will see 150+ Montreal restaurants offer special multi-course menu deals ranging from $25 to $80. Each establishing will be using at least one local ingredient from Quebec.

“MTLàTABLE is a tasty opportunity for food lovers to explore many Montréal restaurants or revisit favourites. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic anniversary, craving a beloved dish, planning a family outing, or gathering with friends, this year’s edition of MTLàTABLE has something for everyone to savour,” the Tourisme Montréal website says.

MTLàTABLE Website

These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.