Summer is in full swing. There are festivals of all kinds and public art happening all around town. Mural fest and Folk Fest sur le Canal just passed by, Montreal Jazz Festival is on its way into town, and open-air festivals across the city are flourishing. This is what we’ve waited all winter for!

As a regular within Montreal’s Gay Village, it’s safe to say that the Village is a hot spot for open air happenings all summer long. Outdoor movie night at Parc de l’Espoir, the countless patios open on Saint-Catherine under the rainbow balls, and one of my personal favorites, Village au Pied-du-Courant.

Le Village au Pied-du-Courant is everything you want in an open air boardwalk event. Food trucks, areas to lounge about, fantastic music, a family friendly atmosphere…it’s all of the things we love about Montreal bundled up on the shores of the St-Lawrence, tucked beside the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

What exactly is Le Village au Pied-du-Courant? Pied-du-Courant is an urban beach-like collective experimentation site… a truly unique space for unifying cultural, social, educational, and festive events. It’s a relaxed, authentic reflection of Montreal’s diversity and spirit. I spent some of my last moments of Montreal summer 2018 here, and I’m so glad I did.

With each edition of Village au Pied-du-Courant comes something new. On Saturday, July 6th, a new concept is coming to Pied-du-Courant; one that will bring together all that we love about Montreal life into one afternoon and evening.

Sens:e 2019 is an immersive experience focused on health and well-being through the 5 senses (taste, smell, hearing, touch, sight). In a climate dominated by six months of winter, this is the perfect evening to get in touch with your senses and engage with a multitude of artistic activities. From 3PM to Midnight, Sens:e will offer its attendants an experience centered around how we can imagine a better future for ourselves and the environment; all while considering the five senses and four elements (water, earth, fire, and air).

Each of the five senses are represented by different immersive experiences, featuring a number of local artists and vendors. Hearing will be exploring many types of sound, and is guided by our very own Adam Husa & MightyKat, as well as saxophonist John Juster and noise meditation led by Strangerfamiliar.

DRUIDE will be bringing the sense of smell with a presentation of essential oils.

There’s never been a shortage of taste at Village au Pied-du-Courant, and this sense will be directed by Mi Corazon Taco Truck (featuring a special menu with insect guacamole), a truck by Ô deux soeurs, artisanal vegan meals presented by GUSTA, and non-alcoholic cocktails presented by Artélixir. Taste is really taking health-conscious to a whole new level…

If you’re bringing kids (or just feeling your face paint fantasy), there will be children’s face painting, as well as a VR installation, and of course, fireworks (courtesy of the Italian fireworks team);all part of the SIGHT experience. As part of Sens:e’s touch experience, there will be some DIY recycling activities, children’s activities, massages, an urban garden to enjoy, and lastly, demonstrations from the groundbreaking SUBPAC technology.

One of the best parts about the Sens:e edition of Village au Pied-du-Courant? The entry is free. On top of this, the site has an accessible entrance and accessible grounds throughout, dogs are permitted (with leashes), ATM’s are on site, and the location is just down the road from Papineau metro.

Summer is the time to reconnect with our senses, our health, and ourselves. Take this opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of immersive art in one of the best locations in the city with some of the best people in town.

You can find out more info about the Sens:e edition of Le Village au Pied-du-Courant on the facebook event page HERE.

Savor the summer! I’ll see you there!

Hunter