Ready for a vibrant summer? The District Central’s 2024 summer programme is sure to be a lively and enjoyable one for the neighbourhood’s workers and residents. Here’s what’s in store for you over the coming months, with sun, warmth and outdoor celebrations!

5 à 7 for neighbourhood workers : festive launch

To mark the official inauguration of Esplanade Louvain, the neighbourhood’s new must-see gathering place, the SDC District Central is inviting workers and residents to a festive 5 à 7! Wednesday May 22nd at 5pm at Esplanade Louvain

See the Facebook event

 

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Esplanade Louvain : District Central’s Ephemeral Space

Gathering, relaxing, entertainment, the great outdoors: the SDC District Central has succeeded in bringing these four uses together in a single space: Esplanade Louvain! A real focal point for all the district’s workers and residents, it’s a verdant oasis right in the centre of a business district. Free WIFI, picnic tables, shaded areas, power sockets and the possibility of renting out the site for corporate events. Open from May 16th to October 4th, daily, 8 am to 10 pm

What’s more, Esplanade Louvain comes alive, day and night!

 

Midis yoga

Put on your comfortable clothes and get ready for your sun salutation. Tiphaine Soriano, owner of Le Studio Fitness in District Central, offers yoga classes under the sun every Wednesday throughout the summer (voluntary contribution). Wednesdays from 12:15pm to 1pm at Esplanade Louvain

See the Facebook event

 

Aire Commune Events

Are you looking to let off some steam on Thursday evenings before the week draws to a close? Every year, thousands of Montrealers flock to Esplanade Louvain, and Aire Commune, creator of spaces and events, is once again offering a festive and varied summer programme. Aire Commune Thursdays are the perfect opportunity to celebrate, dance… and admire the golden hour!  Every Thursday, May 16th to October 3rd, 5pm to 10pm
See the schedule

 

Cinéma sous les étoiles : an evening of open-air cinema for neighbourhood residents

Our neighbourhood will be hosting its very own Cinéma sous les étoiles evening, a series of free, friendly community screenings that have been taking place in various locations around Montreal for the past 14 years. For the occasion, the SDC District Central will be presenting La théorie du boxeur in collaboration with Funambules Média.  In the film, Nathanaël Coste explores the Drôme valley to understand farmers’ adaptation strategies, while questioning the food resilience of our regions.  August 5th at 8.30pm at Esplanade Louvain ( August 6th in case of rain)   

See the trailer

 

La Prairie Louvain and its emblem: the sunflower!

La Prairie Louvain, the monumental field of sunflowers that brought colour, life and character to District Central in 2023, is back this summer! After the success of the first edition, with its 10,000 sunflowers, La Prairie Louvain is taking on the appearance of a wild meadow this year, with an interweaving of plants and flowers in vibrant colours! Its diversity is a true reflection of the territory. You’ll be able to admire a variety of dye and textile plants, the emblematic sunflower, and brightly coloured annuals and perennials. This year, you’ll also be able to admire a creative installation of a monumental arch, evoking the buildings that frame the site and the curtains that hang from their windows. Enjoy an immersive experience and celebrate biodiversity! Free access to the field every day from 8am to 8pm at Esplanade Louvain

 

La Prairie Louvain : here, a field viewed up-close

Explore La Prairie Louvain closely and discover its hidden treasures: plants, pollinators, habitats and much more.
Join the COOP Polliflora workshop and play Bio-Bingo! A unique chance to observe a variety of living creatures and their fascinating characteristics. Leave with a renewed passion for the world of pollinators, ready to spot them wherever there are flowers.

Wednesday August 6th from 12pm to 1pm 

 

La Prairie Louvain : here, creativity blooms

Come and paint La Prairie Louvain at our outdoor painting workshop, with enchanting musical ambiance.
Easels, canvases and paints await you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, let your imagination run wild. Perfect for team building or a family outing. Celebrate biodiversity while expressing your creativity!

Tuesday August 27th, from 3:30 to 7:00 pm.  Places are limites, registration required.  Link coming soon.

 

La Prairie Louvain : here, discovering seeds

Take advantage of the end of summer to learn about the harvesting and preservation of seeds in an urban environment.
With the Polliflora team, make your own seed bombs and take them home with you. An ideal activity to enhance your garden for next year with the colors of La Prairie Louvain.

Tuesday September 10th from 12pm to 1pm

 

La Prairie Louvain : here, the art of tinctorial plants

Discover the secrets of textile dyeing with dye plants from La Prairie Louvain.
Create your own dyed Furoshiki! Learn fascinating techniques such as shibori and tie dye, and leave with your own unique work. An educational and creative experience for all nature and textile lovers. In collaboration with Communautique! Wednesday September 18th from 4pm to 7pm

 

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Swing ton lunch : Wednesday lunchtimes that swing

Swing into your lunch hour at Place Iona-Monahan! A tradition since 2017, Swing ton lunch also brings together local businesses (La boite à bonbon, Eki mouvement, Archétype Studio, Pattes et Griffes, Bois Urbain…) to showcase their products and services. Come and see what they have to offer, while listening to the music of Un Air de Swing, Dominica Merola duo, Tevet Sela ou Sarah Kennedy & Martin Gioani echoing throughout District Central.  Every Wednesday June 12th to September 11th from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Place Iona-Monahan

 

Midi de la mobilité: swing your mobility

As part of Sustainable Mobility Month, the Swing ton lunch event will be hosting the Midi de la mobilité. Come and learn about the various sustainable mobility options available in District Central, which is always ready to take action to promote active transportation! In fact, sustainable mobility is one of the SDC’s top priorities. At this festive lunchtime event in September, the SDC will once again be joining forces with other local players to promote, among other things, greater use of bicycles in the area. Wednesday, September 11th from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Place Iona-Monahan

 

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Escale : cultural rendez-vous in District Central

For four years now, the SDC District Central has been offering free artistic performances to liven up different areas of its territory. In doing so, it creates gatherings that encourage exchanges and the creation of memories for the people who live and work here.

 

 

July 16th from 12 noon to 1 p.m.  

La Fanfare de L’île will be bringing to life music that has been played for over 100 years, with all its blends and complexities. Bring your lunch and come enjoy their performance, which will include influences from Swing, New Orleans, Ragtime and Blues, as well as music from the West Indies such as Calypso and Mambo. – 9755 Meilleur Street (Sauvé sector)

August 13th from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

For a fleeting moment, travel directly to West Africa with Saya Percussion and their flamboyant rhythm and acrobatics – 1005 rue du Marché Central (Marché Central sector)

September 6th from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join us for a Mexican-themed corporate neighbourhood party, featuring music by Mariachi Oro Blanco de Montréal – Brasserie Silo – Terrace at 109, rue Louvain (Chabanel sector)

 

Have a great summer!

The team at SDC District Central