COVER: Midnight runners

What to see and do at the 9th edition of Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche returns this Saturday, Feb. 25, and to help you organize, here’s our rundown of not-to-be-missed art, installations and performances. All events listed are free.

The best bang for your non-existent buck is the party at the CCA (1920 Baile, 7 p.m.–2 a.m.). They’ve teamed up with Pop Montreal again this year to bring revelers performances by local bands Goose Hut (9 p.m.) and UN (12 a.m.), followed by tunes from DJ K-Lord and video projections courtesy of Mathieu Jacques. Illustrators from Urban Sketchers and En Masse lead the willing through Drink and Draw workshops, while “derma-artists” from the collective SkinJackin will make you feel tough with a fake tattoo. An outdoor bar keeps visitors warm with complimentary hot chocolate, while wine and McAuslan beer will be available inside (starting at 8 p.m.). With all of this going on, don’t forget to check out the latest exhibits, Alturas de Macchu Picchu and Imperfect Health.

The MMFA (1380 Sherbrooke W., 8 p.m.–1 a.m.) invites doodlers of all types to help transform the Hall of Bronzes into one giant comic book for their Collective Artwork (professional help will also be on hand). The MAC (185 Ste-Catherine W., 6 p.m.–3 a.m.) throws its doors open, giving everyone the chance to catch the latest exhibits Valérie Blass, Ghada Amer and Wangechi Mutu. If you get tired of the art, turn your attention towards the selection of Belgian beers, hot chocolate and other treats on hand.

It’s all about the music at Piano Nobile at Place des Arts (175 Ste-Catherine W., 11 p.m.–3:30 a.m.) where you can catch sets by Jérôme Minière, Random Recipe and Philémon Chante at Popinsomnia.

Can’t afford a trip to Tokyo? Head to the Grande Bibliothèque (475 de Maisonneuve E., 12–3 a.m.) for the Manga Ball, where cosplay enthusiasts will tell you more than you ever needed to know about Yaoi and Magical Girls while you dance the night away to J-Pop.

DEEPER UNDERGROUND

Art Souterrain runs the tunnels with 140 installations, exhibits and performances taking place throughout the underground city. Highlights include Seripop’s installation “J’m’en suis déjà sou­venu” (Zone 3, 9–11 p.m.), MASSIVart’s electronic forest “Rite Nocturne” (Zone 2, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.), En Masse’s live painting (Zone 13, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.) and of course Potholes (Zone 14, 9 p.m.–12 a.m.) the work of our cover stars Davide Luciano and Claudia Ficca.

DHC/ART (451 and 465 St-Jean, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.) and the PHI Centre (407 St-Pierre), a new cultural hub that will open in the spring, go even deeper with Lost Rivers: Little Saint-Pierre, a photog­raphy, music and video project about Montreal’s buried waterways. Shown alongside the current show Chronicles of a Disappearance, it features the work of local photographer Andrew Emond and a soundscape composition by Samuel Thulin. Complimentary cookies and coffee will be served to help boost your energy levels for the remainder of the night.

The Quartier des Spectacles is pretty much a done deal, so celebrate by taking a ride on the giant, 100-metre-long Milk Urban Slide (corner Jeanne-Mance and Ste-Catherine, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.). While you’re there, check out the photos at Images of Wallonia-Brussels, whose culture is featured at the fest.

PLATEAUERS & PENGUINS

Mile Enders who want to get in on the action without leaving the neighbourhood can head to Nouveau Palais (281 Bernard W., 7:30 p.m.–4 a.m.) for Cinema at the Palace, where they’ll be screen­ing films by Emmet Walsh, Sven Mazel, Vika Kirchenbauer and others. The night ends with music from DJs Mitz and Mike and a performance by Cadence Weapon.

Swiss fondue, a semi-choreographed ball and a video dance party are just three things taking place at ELF en blanc – Warm the heart at Espace La Fontaine (3933 du Parc La Fontaine, 8 p.m.–3 a.m.). Once you’re sufficiently warmed up, head to the pond for a night-time skate.

Two hair salons are offering free haircuts to the brave. Bla bla Coup (424 Duluth E., 10 p.m.–3 a.m.) gives you 10 minutes to practice your hair-cutting skills before they let you do it for real on your best friend or a total stranger. While Coupe Bizzarre (3770 St-Laurent, 11 p.m.–3 a.m.) event Cut Fight. Stylists compete for the title by giving audience members cuts inspired by 80s wrestlers.

Everyone loves penguins, and to honour this love, the Biodôme (4777 Pierre-de Coubertin, 5:30 p.m.–1 a.m.) is Rolling out the Red Carpet for the Penguins by letting some of them leave their habitat—for the first time ever—to come and hang out outside with you! Weather permitting, the penguins will make their appearance at 5:30 p.m. ■

FOR FULL SCHEDULE AND DETAILS SEE MONTREALENLUMIERE.COM

READ MORE: Local photographers bring their pothole photos to life with an installation at Nuit Blanche

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