TripOut Gay Travel:
Montreal

Daniel Baylis is Tourism Montréal’s resident gay expert on what’s hot and sassy across queer Montréal 24/7. He’s also an avid video blogger and Twitter maestro who’s witty, cute and very fun to follow.

This week, he’s served up his Top 5 picks for what’s fun in Gay Montréal this December. Check it out!

Café Cléopâtre will be decking its halls with a troop of body and sex positive performers that would make jolly ol’ Saint Nick himself turn a whole new shade of red. The night will feature a variety of naughty performances that will flip tradition on its head. Take a seat on Santa’s dirty lap for a snapshot, sneak a few kisses under the mistletoe and be sure not to miss a merry evening of classic burlesque, comic reinterpretation and just plain debauchery. Tits the season… to be naughty! December 11 & 12. 10pm. 1230 Blvd Saint Laurent. $10.

For three December days, one of Montréal’s hottest art spaces (Society for Arts and Technology) will host a bazaar featuring local up-and-coming artisans and designers called ‘SOUK.’ You’ll find one-of-a-kind threads, funky accessories and decorative objects, basically something for all tastes and budgets. DJs will provide a sultry retail atmosphere. This is NOT your mother’s Christmas craft fair. December 11-13. Free Admission. 1195 Blvd Saint Laurent.

If the true spirit of the holiday season is that of ‘giving,’ then Robin des Bois (Robin Hood) is a perfect place to let that seasonal spirit soar. Considered an ‘epicurean community centre,’ the classy Plateau bistro engages volunteers to serve tables and do basic kitchen work. Profits are then donated to local women’s shelters and youth groups. The concept is simple – you get a great meal and you support community-driven initiatives. Brilliant! And if you need some cheap therapy, for $5 you can throw your plate against the wall in their ‘release room.’ 4653 Blvd Saint Laurent.

Many nations have a queen, and every gay village has several, but in Montréal’s gay village, there are no queens that can even compare with the iconoclastic Mado. Known for her wickedly sharp tongue and over-the-top costuming, Mado will make fun of you, and then throw you a wink. She is the city’s queen of the night… a “must-see” on anyone’s Montréal itinerary. For guaranteed fun, check out “War of the Bitches” on December 17 – featuring Kylie, Madonna, GaGa, Céline, Britney and more! For a taste of the action, watch my own ridiculously awesome Drag Queen Makeover at Cabaret Mado. 1115 Saint Catherine Street East.

As a world renown nightlife destination, Montréal will certainly be buzzing as we head into a new decade. In the gay village, internationally acclaimed DJ Hector Fonseca will be spinning house music at Parking Nightclub. One of the trendiest clubs in the heart of Old Montréal, Tribe, will host DJ Eddie Lewis (Montréal’s best R&B and Hip Hop DJ). If you prefer a slower pace, there is always the New Year’s Eve Slowdance Party to waltz your way into 2010. Finally, to keep the party going on the evening of January 1, check out Resolution featuring German trance DJ Paul Van Dyk.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

xoxo
Daniel

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