9 great Halloween outings in the Quartier des Spectacles

At the Cinémathèque, they’re celebrating Halloween with an October 30 screening of Brian De Palma’s classic movie Carrie, which came out 50 years ago. The film, based on Stephen King’s novel, stars Sissy Spacek as a bullied teen who develops supernatural powers and takes revenge on her tormentors. The movie has been celebrated by audiences and critics since its release in 1976, and it’s just as fresh as ever. 

On October 30 at the Grande Bibliothèque, catch Zach Cregger’s horror-drama Heure de disparition (Weapons). In this fantastical, darkly comedic film starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner, tensions boil over in a small town when 17 young classmates mysteriously disappear.  

A masterpiece of German expressionist cinema, Nosferatu (1922) rises from the casket at the Maison symphonique in Place des Arts on October 29. The screening of Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau’s legendary film is accompanied by live improvised music by organist Jason Roberts, playing the concert hall’s majestic Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique. After 104 years, this silent classic is as blood-curdling as ever. 

Starting October 19, Café Tranquille, inside the Esplanade Tranquille pavilion, serves up a seasonal menu including cupcakes, pumpkin blondies, hot chocolate and other treats. 

Even infants can get in on the Halloween fun! On October 25 at the Gesù, Bach avant Dodo invites families and their little ones to don their costumes for a classical music concert featuring timeless pieces by the immortal “cantor of Leipzig,” J.S. Bach. The 45-minute performance has no intermission and is free for children less than 6 months old. 

Here’s a morbidly fun twist on Halloween: the MEM presents a uniquely Montreal murder mystery game. After the discovery of a corpse in an enormous pothole nicknamed “The Abyss,” citizens mobilize and scour the MEM in search of clues and witnesses. Mystery at the Bottom of a Pothole is aimed at everyone ages 12 and up who enjoys detective games. And there’s a prize for participants who solve the mystery in less than 45 minutes!  

Young children are well served at the Grande Bibliothèque, thanks to a special story time on October 31, where they’ll be immersed in a wondrous, stimulating and entertaining world. 

On October 25 the SAT hosts a special Halloween edition of Roller Dance. Don your most flamboyant costume for this event transforming Espace SAT into a classic roller-disco, with music from DJ and multidisciplinary artist Fly Lady Di, spinning an eclectic set of hip-hop, R&B, house and dancehall tunes while Fé provides visual effects. Marilyn Basbous, founder of the Skate with Marly company, provides tips and encouragement.  

The SPASM Festival turns 25 this year, and that means it’s time for special events packed with thrills and chills on October 30 and 31 at Club Soda. October 30 is the fest’s Grande soirée d’horreur, a cult classic that’s drawn enthusiastic crowds since the festival’s inception to watch the world’s best short horror films. Halloween night is time for the Party d’Halloween Old School, complete with non-stop bangers from the 1970s through the 2010s – each hour features the music of a different decade. Please note: costumes are mandatory!