Will Montreal get me drunk for Easter?

March 6, 2006 11:25 AM

Two questions about Montreal: 1) Can I drink booze at CEPSUM at The University of Montreal during a rock show? and 2) Does the city shut down for Easter?

I'm going to see Death Cab for Cutie and Franz Ferdinand Saturday April 15. The day after good Friday, the day before Easter Sunday. I plan on arriving in the city Friday afternoon and staying until Sunday afternoon.

1. Does CEPSUM serve booze? If not, is it advisable to bring your own? I'm OK with going the discreet nips/flask route if there's no chance that I'll be frisked on the way in. Anyone have experience with this venue?

2. Will stores, restaurants, and bars be open on good Friday? Will they be open on Easter Sunday? I assume that bars/clubs will always be open, but I'd also like to enjoy some fine dining, clothes shopping, and just enjoy the city at it's usual weekend pace. Does the Metro run weird hours? Will I be able to get late-night poutine?

What do you think?

posted by TurkishGolds to Travel & Transportation around Montréal, QC (10 answers total)

I can't imagine the CEPSUM wouldn't serve booze at a show. Literally, can't imagine that happening.

And don't worry about Easter Weekend too much. Good Friday will see some business closures, but not bars and restaurants.

Have fun!
posted by mikel at 12:21 PM on March 6, 2006

I would expect beer at CEPSUM. Not sure about a full bar as at the Spectrum or the Metropolis.

Shopping, as mikel said, more or less goes on as usual. Small specialty shops and the like, you might want to call first.
posted by zadcat at 12:40 PM on March 6, 2006

1. Yes.

2. Yes.
posted by docgonzo at 12:45 PM on March 6, 2006

1. Beer, not booze. hint: flasks are your friends

2. Pretty much everything will be open during Easter, some stores might be closed on Easter Monday and I know some stores that take the Tuesday off instead, but on the weekend everything will be open.
posted by furtive at 12:48 PM on March 6, 2006

P.S. No smoking at any indoor concert venus in Montreal, so smoke the doobage before going through the door, or don't lose your ticket when you take a break outside.
posted by furtive at 12:49 PM on March 6, 2006

P.P.S. Incredible poutine always available at La Banquise 24/7.
posted by furtive at 12:52 PM on March 6, 2006

PS: When asking for directions, Mr Massachussets, please do not wait until your are directly beside somebody, turn your head, and then scream at them in the loudest voice you can. People from Mass. do this to me about once a week. Why? WHY?
posted by jon_kill at 1:01 PM on March 6, 2006

Response by poster: I'm good about asking for directions. Thanks for the info. AFAIK, there's not much that's better than drunken poutine.
posted by TurkishGolds at 1:21 PM on March 6, 2006

"P.S. No smoking at any indoor concert venus in Montreal"

That's all. I just wanted to put the whole thing in quotes. You know... scare quotes.
posted by jon_kill at 1:40 PM on March 6, 2006

I second the La Banquise advice: Best poutine I ever had in Canada. Fantastic (and usefull after a massive hangover or late night gigs).
posted by Sijeka at 2:06 PM on March 6, 2006