This year, Halloween fell on a Thursday, which set the tone for a thrilling and festive weekend to follow. For McGill students—especially those recovering from midterms—Halloweekend served as a reward, with festivities ranging between frat events, parties, club outings, and other fun gatherings. With the large range of options to celebrate, and Montreal’s vivacious nightlife, students ended up with packed schedules for the holiday, making the most of their weekend. 

The Tribune compared and contrasted students from different years’ plans for the weekend. When we asked a group of first-years to give us the rundown, it seemed that they were leaving the weekend open to many different possibilities. For example, Nava Menon, U0 Music, shared her indecisiveness.

“There’s a couple things floating around—maybe we’re going to try to get into one of the frats because we know one of the people, but we don’t know if they’ll let us in because we don’t have tickets—so maybe we’ll stand in line for a club, or just end up at a bar,” she said.  

On a similar note, Emma Edwards, U0 Arts, who had Halloweekend plans with Menon, expressed how easy it would be to find something to do. 

“It’s such a clubbing area—there’s not much else to do,” Edwards stressed. “We always end up going to Café Campus anyway.”

Yet, Halloweekend also seemed to be a series of events difficult to coordinate, especially for those living in dorm residences, unable to throw their own party. However, while the first years may not have their own places to host a house party or something else for the holiday, Montreal doesn’t make it difficult to find other exciting activities. With Boul. Saint-Laurent expected to be packed with Halloween revellers, the celebration extends far beyond McGill’s campus.

While going to clubs or bars is a first-year rite of passage, for upper-year students, hosting or attending house parties is an integral aspect of Halloween festivities. Dylan Jacques, U3 Desautels, said he and his friends are “hosting a party on Friday and going to a friend’s party on Saturday.” 

As most students live in their own apartments, more casual and homely functions seem to have a bigger appeal. Dania Corbeil, U4 Arts, expressed that feeling in an interview with The Tribune. 

“House parties allow you not to worry about how much effort to put into costumes or what you are supposed to look like, since they create an environment where everyone feels comfortable,” she said.

Even though some upper-year McGillians still enjoy clubbing as it is a considerable part of Montreal’s vibrant nightlife, the consensus remains that house parties are the best way to celebrate this spooky season. Others, such as Charlotte Sovka, U1 Arts, decided that getting the best out of both worlds was also an option.

“[I plan on going] clubbing on Thursday since it’s the actual Halloween day and attending a house party on Friday and Saturday,” she noted. 

In addition to going out, students also enjoy partaking in the Halloween tradition of giving out candy to the trick-or-treaters of their neighbourhood. Corbeil mentioned how she bought candy but is “not sure that kids are going to stop by.” Although student neighbourhoods like Milton Parc or the Plateau may not be ideally suited for welcoming younger children—since they are mostly populated by university students—McGillians still take pleasure in being ready for the possibility.  

Each year, as housing situations, friend groups, and personal preferences change, Halloweekend plans look a little different for every student. From freshmen going to bars, clubs, or frats, to upper-year students organizing personal Halloween house parties, this year’s Halloween was characterized by diversity in options. Regardless of your Halloweekend itinerary, nothing compares to Montreal during the spooky season.