There’s always something going on in the West Island . . . something fun to do. Local exhibits, events and festivals are listed here with activities that will interest everyone. Email us at: editor@westislandhomeandlife.com if you’re planning a public event that will interest our readers.
BAIE D’URFÉ
> Observe the night sky
* The Baie-D’Urfé Junior Council invites you to a star-watching event at Alan Hill in collaboration with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). The lights at Alan Hill will be turned off and, given the right weather conditions, there will be an amazing view of the night sky. Take your own telescope or binoculars or just come to observe with your eyes. The Perseids meteor showers are expected around this time. The RASC will be there to provide information material, and you can chat with RASC members and see some professional telescopes.
When: August 6 at 9 p.m.
Where: Allan’s Hill Park (far east end of the town, flanking Lakeshore Road).
Good to know: Rain date will be August 9th at 9 p.m.
> Summer concerts are back.
* Free outdoor concerts will be held rain or shine. Arrive early to reserve your spot.
When and What: Thursday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m. – Steel Rail / Sunday, August 14 at 2 p.m. – Caleb Collective / Sunday, August 21 at 2 p.m. – Derek Falls Band / Sunday, August 28 at 2 p.m. – The Grunions.
Where: Fritz Park Music Pavilion, 20477 Lakeshore Rd., Baie d’Urfé.
Good to know: Take your own chair.
BEACONSFIELD
> Happy hour by the water: Rockabilly night
* Introducing a new festive format for summer concerts. In addition to music, there will be entertainers, dancing, food trucks and a mobile bar. Starting at 5 p.m.: entertainment and food (Poutine Factory). Starting at 5:30 p.m.:JiveStudio dance school demonstration and initiation to rockabilly jive. Starting at 7 p.m.:show — The Mighty Nighters.
When: August 4 — 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park, 288 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield.
Good to know: Free. Take your own lawn chair.
> Community camping
* Go camping in Centennial Park. Starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, there’ll be activities to keep the whole family entertained until 10 a.m. Sunday morning, including a craft station, giant games, a sweet late-evening snack, a bonfire, a PJ dance party, morning workout, and stargazing. Breakfast is included.
When: Saturday, August 13 (6 p.m.) to Sunday, August 14 (10 a.m.).
Where: Centennial Park, 288 Beaconsfield Blvd.
Good to know: Participants must provide their own tents and dinner. No cooking appliances will be allowed on site. Register online at www.beaconsfield.ca. Cost: $50 per family (one registration per family bubble). Due to limited places, this activity is reserved for Beaconsfield residents only.
> Discover Egyptian mythology
* Children aged 5 to 12 are invited to learn about Egyptian mythology through animated tales, quizzes, and charades, then create their own personalized scroll. With Danielle Loiseau. This is a free activity at the library.
When: Thursday, August 11; 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Beaconsfield Library, 303 Beaconsfield Blvd.
Good to know: Registration required via Eventbrite.
DOLLARD DES ORMEAUX
> A rockabilly Friday
* Cultural Fridays—free shows in the library garden—presents Rocket 56, a four-piece Montreal band that performs rockabilly and surf and jump blues music to take their audiences back to the rock’n’roll years of the 1950s. Get rocking and rolling with Rocket 56.
When: Friday, August 5, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Where: Dollard-des-Ormeaux Library garden, 12001 de Salaberry Blvd, Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
Good to know: It’s free.
> International day
* International day brings more than 10 cultural communities to Centennial Park to celebrate diversity and allow you to discover their cultures. Come meet the cultural communities that shape our daily lives, discover their countries of origin and learn interesting facts about them. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste traditional food from each of these countries and there’ll be activity booths for children. On stage: 10 shows representing Greece, Poland, Egypt, China, India, Barbados, Israel, Italy, Palestine and Lebanon.
When: Sunday, August 21; noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park, 2983 Lake Rd., Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
DORVAL
> Baobab — Théâtre Motus
* The city’s free performances program presents Baobab for the whole family. The story: A long time ago, the baobab fell in love with the Earth and, together, they had children. Jealous, the Sun, put a curse on them, hitting them with a great drought. One day, a little boy named Amondo—the “gatherer”—whose parents are the whole village, emerges from this 1,000-year-old baobab tree. He is the only one who can bring back the water . . . but on the condition that he succeeds at the great griot’s four tasks. Will the child’s courage be able to break the curse and change the world? Presented in French, in collaboration with the TD Summer Reading Club.
When: Thursday, August 11 at 7 p.m.
Where: Pine Beach Park (junction Pine Beach Blvd. and Ch. du Bord du lac/Lakeshore Rd.)
Good to know: Take your own chair. In the event of poor weather or extreme heat, the show will be presented indoors at the Serge Nolet Auditorium (1301 Dawson Ave.).
> Grand reopening of the Dorval Arena.
* After a major renovation, the Dorval Arena will reopen its doors to the public with a weekend of fun activities, including special recreational skating for children aged 4 to 8, a free skating “Party mix”, and more.
A Montreal Canadiens Alumni game is scheduled for Saturday, August 27 at 2 p.m. to raise funds for local charitable organizations. Tickets: $15 general admission; free for children under age 12 (at the door if seats available).
When: August 27 and 28
Where: Dorval Arena, 1450 Dawson Ave.
Good to know: Tickets for the Canadiens Alumni game can be bought at Surrey Aquatic and Community Centre (1945 Parkfield Ave.), Sarto-Desnoyers Community Centre (1335 ch. du Bord-du-lac/Lakeshore Rd.), and City Hall (60 Martin Ave.).
> Dorval Celebrates 2022
* Dorval Celebrates is back and promises to energize the city on Saturday, August 13 with entertainment, games, face-painting, tattoos, a corn roast, and more. And starting at 4 p.m. at Pine Beach Park, don’t miss the grand closing event: a performance by blues-jazz sensation Dawn Tyler Watson.
* 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Circus workshop with Cirkaz
* 11 a.m. – Corn roast
* 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Face-painting with Kromatik
Where: The Library grounds, 1401 ch. Bord du lac/Lakeshore Rd., Dorval.
When: Saturday, August 13; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HUDSON
> Patterson Webster’s Autobiography of a Garden
* Greenwood’s StoryFest 2022 welcomes author and gardener extraordinaire Patterson Webster to discuss Autobiography of a Garden, which depicts the creation of her world-class Glen Villa Art Garden and its kinship with nature and human nature. Imagine a landscape filled not only with flowers of every kind, but a personally created space on recovered and rediscovered family land, and you begin to appreciate the flavour of this new book and the widely renowned garden that inspired it. Patterson Webster will discuss as well as present slides from Autobiography of a Garden, at the recently established Hudson Community Hub.
When: Sunday, August 14 at 2 p.m.
Where: Hudson Community Hub, 262 Main Rd.
Good to know: Tickets, $20 each, can be purchased online at www.greenwoodstoryfest.com, at Que de Bonnes Choses (484-D Main Rd., Hudson) or at Greenwood (254 Main Rd.). Space is limited. In case of rain, refreshments will be served at the Hub with an open invitation to visit Greenwood on another day.
> Illume Festival
* The Illume Festival features yoga, meditation, live music, food-tastings, and classes on how to amplify one’s wellbeing with healthful eating habits, improved sleep and more.
When: Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7.
Where: Several locations throughout the town.
Good to know: For information— www.illumefestival.ca.
KIRKLAND
> Outdoor Concert — Durham County Poets
* Enjoy an outdoor concert by the Durham County Poets, a Canadian blues band from Ormstown, Quebec. Each member writes and arranges and brings something unique to the table. You’ll hear a variety of genres and a broad range of styles: blues, soul, folk, R&B, country or gospel. It all weaves seamlessly together to create an authentic contemporary Canadian sound.
When: Thursday, August 4 at 7 p.m.
Where: Meades Park, Hymus Blvd., corner of Caravelle.
Good to know: Free. Take your own lawn chair. In case of rain, the concert will be presented at the Sports Complex (16950 Hymus Blvd., Kirkland).
> Musical event for children
* Voici Maria Cannelloni features a dozen songs, presented by Maria Cannelloni, in a joyful interactive singing tour where music and comedy are front and centre. Come dance some rock, some boogie, the waltz, the tango, and even sing opera. A ravioli band, wacky drums and melodies of various styles create a festive atmosphere that will delight young and old.
When: Sunday, August 21 from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
Where: Heritage Park, Lantier Rd., Kirkland.
Good to know: This show is in French for children aged 3 and older.
PIERRFONDS-ROXBORO
> Coco Country Band concert
* Far from the clichés of the lonely cowboy and tearful country music, the Coco Country Band is generous and energetic, and its joy is contagious. They come to you with their enthusiasm and invite you to discover and appreciate country music. Led by singer Valérie Boulianne-Lefrançois, the Coco Country Band travels across Quebec. As a bonus, Valérie will get you dancing.
When: Wednesday, August 10—7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Parc de la Rive Boisée, 307 Rive-Boisée St., Pierrefonds-Roxboro.
Good to know: Free. No ticket necessary.
> Summer market
* Discover the À-Ma-Baie Solidarity Market and the Château-Pierrefonds Public Market, where you can stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a variety of local products.
Where: Château-Pierrefonds market, in the western sector of the borough, at the corner of Pierrefonds Blvd. and Château-Pierrefonds Ave.
When: Sundays—10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until September 18.
Where: À-Ma-Baie Solidarity Market, in the eastern sector of the borough. Outside the chalet in the À-Ma-Baie Park, 9625 Gouin Blvd. W.
When: Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. until October 13.
Good to know: Take your own reusable shopping bag.
PINCOURT
> Firefighters’ Day
* Firefighters’ Day has been celebrated every second Saturday in August since 1980. This year, the day’s highlights include the traditional parade of emergency and fire trucks, an evening concert, and fireworks.
When: Saturday, August 13, starting at 11:45 a.m. with the parade.
Where: Faubourg de l’Ile, Cardinal Léger Ave., Pincourt.
> Musical Thursdays — Toltek
* Toltek, a group of four passionate musicians inspired by the pure pleasure of music, offers a performance of original folk and francophone compositions for the whole family. Originally formed by two childhood friends, the group’s members have been evolving in their talents in various musical projects for several years.
When: August 4 at 7 p.m.
Where: Place Bellevue, Bellevue St., Pincourt.
Good to know: No reservation required. Maximum capacity on site to be respected.
You may have to wait for people to leave the site to be admitted.
POINTE-CLAIRE
> Neighbourhood Market
* The Neighbourhood Market in Pointe-Claire is a non-profit produce market whose goal is to make fruits and vegetables from West Island farms affordable and accessible to all.
The market accepts cash, debit, credit and the Carte Proximité. All prices are suggested, meaning shoppers who may need to pay a bit less, can, and those who can pay more can round up their bill. Shoppers who pay more than the suggested price create a balance so their neighbours can pay less. The market is operational every second Wednesday from July 6 to October 12.
When: August 3, 17, and 31 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The parking lot of the Bob Birnie Arena, 58 Maywood Ave., Pointe-Claire.
> Survey of residents about the Parks and Green Spaces Master Plan
* Have you visited a park in Pointe-Claire in the past year? Of which activities did you partake? Are you satisfied with the sports equipment and facilities? What other sports or recreational facilities would you like to see in your city? With a view to improving the parks and green spaces on offer, the city of Pointe-Claire asks residents to participate in an online survey to gather opinions about parks and recreational facilities. Between July 11 and August 4, go to the consultation platform Pointe-Claire, it’s who we are! to complete the survey. The answers will help enrich the external firm’s analysis concerning the state of current facilities and, in turn, help the city better meet the needs of the community.
When: Until August 4
Where: Online—Pointe-Claire, it’s who we are!
> An evening of Latin jazz
* Enjoy an evening of Latin jazz when pianist Marianne Trudel revisits the musical repertoire of Antônio Carlos Jobim, co-founder of bossa nova, who revolutionized music in Brazil. The concert repertoire consists of a delightful mix of bossa nova hits, lesser-known gems and some original compositions by Marianne Trudel, inspired by Brazil. Marianne Trudel: piano; Étienne Lafrance: double bass; Sacha Daoud: drums, percussion.
When: Wednesday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Stewart Hall park, 176 Bord du lac/Lakeshore Rd., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: Free concert. Take your own chair, or rent one for $2 (proceeds go to Friends of Stewart Hall). In case of rain, this event will take place indoors at Stewart Hall.
SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE
> Community Garage Sale
* Residents are invited to hold a garage sale at their homes without a permit on August 20. The City is pleased to offer the loan and delivery of tables. Log on to the citizen portal, click on the Leisure/Activities tab and then on the activities tab. Select “community garage sale” to choose between one table ($0) or two tables ($5). Tables will be delivered the day before the event between 8 a.m. and noon and picked up the following Monday. Maximum of two tables per address.
When: Saturday, August 20
Good to know: Information—514-457-1605 / loisirs@sadb.qc.ca.
> Blood drive
* The City of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue invites you to a blood donor clinic. It is necessary to make an appointment before arriving. Reserve your spot online by creating your profile at: jedonne.hema-quebec.qc.ca/ or call 1-800-343-7264 (SANG). Before going to a blood drive, you can check your eligibility by contacting Donor Services at 1-800-847-2525 or by visiting the Héma-Québec website.
When: Friday, August 26—1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Harpell Centre, at 60 St-Pierre St., Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
> Garlic Festival
* Sainte-Anne’s long-awaited Garlic Festival is back with booths, activities and more. Find bulb garlic, braided garlic and various other processed products at a variety of kiosks, run by local producers, merchants and artisans.
When: August 27—9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 72 Sainte-Anne St., Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
SAINT-LAZARE
> Concert: Everett and Cool
* An acoustic concert filled with familiar harmonies of hits from the 1970s to today. An evening of music by The Eagles, Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Harmonium, Elton John and more, along with a few original numbers.
When: Thursday, August 11 at 7 p.m.
Where: 1530 Rue Poirier, Saint-Lazare.
Good to know: In case of rain, shows will be held at the Community Centre. Check the Town’s Facebook page after 2 p.m. on the day of the show for details.
> Concert: Hitlist
* Hitlist has built a wide-ranging repertoire that includes music from disco to dance to Top 40s, but has revamped the songs to give them a more edgy rock feel.
When: Friday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Parc Bédard, 1591 Bédard Ave., Saint-Lazare.
Good to know: In case of rain, shows will be held at the Community Centre. Check the Town’s Facebook page after 2 p.m. on the day of the show for details.
VAUDREUIL-DORION
> Let’s celebrate Félix
* The music of Félix Leclerc will be performed by Claud Michaud. His show, titled Un homme qui chante, l’univers de Félix Leclerc will be held in collaboration with Les Amis de Félix.
When: Saturday, August 6 at 1 p.m.
Where: Maison Valois-Parc, 331 Saint-Charles Ave., Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Good to know: Take your own chair. Postponed to August 7 in the event of rain.
Cancellation info line, in case of uncertain weather: 450-424-8502.
> Summer rhythms with Maxime Landry
* With his new show, Maxime Landry, accompanied by five musicians, invites us to his family party. You will hear country music classics: La danse de la limonade, Aiko Aiko, La loutre, Bienvenue, Au chant de l’alouette, La théière, Le lac à Beauce. It’s a festive show featuring music that was played in the Beauce.
When: Tuesday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Maison Valois-Parc, 331 Saint-Charles Ave., Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Good to know: Free. Cancellation info line, in case of uncertain weather: 450-424-8502.