Friday, Nov. 4

* La Grande Dégustation
* Biennale edition of Nocturne at the MAC
* Zoe Whittall book launch
* The Riff stand-up and Stand Up/Strip Down comedy/burlesque show
* Atomic: Living in Dread and Promise screening/War Child benefit
* Cool Fest day one dance party/show

glenlivert-gd-2016

Award-winning scotch whisky the Glenlivet

La Grande Dégustation is literally a booze fest, a place where connoisseurs and discerning drunks can sample over 1,200 fine wines and hard liquors from 160 producers and purchase their choice of 800 private imports. Place Bonaventure (800 de la Gauchetière W.), 3–9 p.m. Friday, 1–9 p.m. Saturday, $12/$15 entry, $1/coupon

The MAC celebrates the recently launched Montreal Biennale exhibitions with a festive Nocturne tonight featuring access to the exhibits, special food and cocktail menus, performances, workshops, a Virtual Reality salon, guided tours and tunes from Ouri, Bonbon Kojak, Odile Myrtile and a DJ set by Pierre Kwenders. 185 Ste-Catherine W., 5 p.m.–2 a.m., $15/free for MACarte holders

Concordia alum and Quebec-born author and poet Zoe Whittall stops at Drawn & Quarterly tonight to launch her Giller Prize-shortlisted new novel The Best Kind of People (the winner will be announced Nov. 7) with special guests Jonathan Garfinkel and Jessica Bebenek, hosted by Guillaume Morissette. 211 Bernard W., 7 p.m., free

Head to Théâtre Sainte Catherine for a comedy double-header, starting with the November edition of stand-up show The Riff, featuring Alain Mercieca, DJ Mausner, Chris Sandiford and more (7:30 pm., $7), followed by the comedy/burlesque mash-up Stand Up/Strip Down starring host DeAnne Smith plus Tranna Wintour, Emma Wilkie, Elle Diabloe, Lulu Belles Mirettes and more. (10 p.m., $15, both shows at 264 Ste-Catherine E.)

Le Bureau de Post and CISM screens Atomic: Living in Dread and Promise, a documentary by Mark Cousins pairing archival footage of the nuclear age (war, accidents and anti-nuke protests as well as positive uses of the technology) and a newly composed live score by Mogwai. The film will be preceded by a set of live music by Charles White. Proceeds will be donated to War Child Canada. La Vitrola (4602 St-Laurent), 9 p.m., suggested donation $5

Fluorescent Friends present Cool Fest, a two-day “festival of music and fun” at secret Mile End and Mile Ex locations. The good times get started tonight with a dance party featuring live music by Pascale Project, Petra Glynt, Zuzu Knew and more, as well as tarot readings, face painting, decor and more TBD. 10 p.m.–3 a.m., PWYC

For more concert recommendations, see this week’s edition of Hammer of the Mods.

See our Event Listings for more concert, nightlife, theatre, comedy and community event options. See our Art Listings here.