Grand Prix parties: rounding up the impending madness

Almost every year since 1978, Formula One has taken over Montreal for a long, fun-fueled weekend to kick off the summer. And after a deeply felt absence last year, the pricey cars, bodacious babes and reckless partying are all back! If you like to party but bottle service and sequined club wear isn’t your thing, worry not. Promoters across the city have worked their magic and have come up with a long line-up of events suited to every partygoer’s taste. Without further ado and in no particular order, here are my top picks:

DL Jones will be hosting not one, two or three but four parties at Velvet Speakeasy from June 10 to June 13, located at 420 Rue St-Gabriel. Acts include Blond:Ish, Julian Prince, Christian Pronovost and Kyle Kalma on the 10th, Classixx, Cosmo Baker, A-Rock & Shaydakiss, Hatchmatik and Jonah’s Ear on the 11th, LA Riots, Cosmic Kids, Zubi and the Night Trackin’ DJs on the 12th and Alain Vinet, Stéphane Cocke, Miguel Graça, Kyle Kalma and DuVall for the closing party on the 13th. If none of the above get you dancing furiously within minutes, I don’t know what will.

Dress to KILL Magazine will be a presenting a fashion-focused party to launch their summer issue on June 10th at the not so fashionable La Mouche, located at 1284, St-Denis. Guests will have the chance to meet recognized local designers such as Marie St-Pierre, Denis Gagnon, Philippe Dubuc and Renata Morales. If you like clothes and cocktails, check it out.

Also happening on Thursday the 10th is the Sid Lee Garage Party. The location of the party will be kept secret until hours before the party, so guests will have to check the renowned ad agency’s Facebook page for details at facebook.com/MeetSidLee.

On June 11th, La Porte Rouge bar will be celebrating its second anniversary by throwing a giant street party that is set to last all weekend. Located at 1834, Mont Royal East, the bar’s terrace will have seven DJs on rotation throughout the festivities.

On Sunday afternoon, the Night Trackin’ DJs (Phil Aubin, Seb Diamond and Brendon DuVall) will be hosting a Formula Fun Barbecue on Tokyo’s rooftop terrace, 3709, St-Laurent. There will be an open bar between 2 and 3 p.m, a gourmet grill from MeatMarket and music by Hatchmatik, Rilly Guilty, Truspin, Jay Watts III, Jonny Jungle, special guests and of course, the Night Trackin’ boys.

If you prefer sunny island dancing to that of a rooftop, secretsundaze will be happening that same day at Picnik Électronik. DJs set to perform include Vincent Lemieux, Ostrich, Giles Smith and James Priestley. Just remember: the rules for bringing alcohol to the event have changed this year, so check the website for details.

Later that night, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté will be throwing one of his infamous A-list parties at Auberge St-Gabriel, located at 426, St-Gabriel. Albeit difficult to snag an invite for, I’m suggesting this one because if you do get inside, it might be one of the more memorable nights of your weekend. If you’ve been to any Cirque du Soleil performances, you can only imagine what a party thrown by their creator would be like.

Happy Grand Prix weekend everyone, hopefully your Monday mornings aren’t too painful.