Olivia Rodrigo and The Black Keys already have the headlines, but the rest of the October calendar is quietly stacked. From a Cuban supergroup and a ska punk reunion in Laval to a week of Sting in the Quartier des spectacles, here are eight shows worth buying a ticket for before Halloween.

🎺 Buena Vista Social Orchestra (MTELUS)

A big, warm Cuban band for a Friday night. Expect brass, congas, and a room full of people who forgot they came to stand still. It works as a date, a group night, or a solo escape.

📍 Where: MTELUS, 59 Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Montreal (Saint-Laurent metro)
🗓️ When: Friday, October 16

🎷 Streetlight Manifesto (Place Bell, Laval)

Horn heavy ska punk, sing along choruses, and a crowd that will absolutely start a circle pit. If you grew up on this stuff, this is your night out in Laval.

📍 Where: Place Bell, 1950 Rue Claude-Gagné, Laval (about 30 minutes from downtown)
🗓️ When: Saturday, October 17

🎸 Bruce Cockburn (Gesù)

A Canadian songwriting legend in an intimate, church turned theatre room. Sharp acoustic guitar and lyrics that land. A good Sunday night pick if you want something calm.

📍 Where: Le Gesù, 1200 Rue de Bleury, Montreal (Place-des-Arts metro)
🗓️ When: Sunday, October 18

🌿 Allison Russell (Théâtre Beanfield)

One of the best live voices working right now, with a show built around joy, resilience, and big gospel tinged harmonies. Bring someone you like.

📍 Where: Théâtre Beanfield, 2490 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal (Place-Saint-Henri metro)
🗓️ When: Friday, October 23

🎤 Aya Nakamura (Bell Centre)

The French pop star plays two nights in Montreal. Expect a huge production, a dance first crowd, and songs you already know from every playlist.

📍 Where: Bell Centre, 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal (Bonaventure metro)
🗓️ When: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25

🎶 Sting: 3.0 Tour (Théâtre St-Denis)

Five nights at the St-Denis, which means you have options. Sting in a theatre sized room is a rare treat, with hits from The Police and his solo catalogue. Tickets are pricey, but the setting is hard to beat.

📍 Where: Théâtre St-Denis, 1594 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal (Berri-UQAM metro)
🗓️ When: October 26, 27, 29 and 30

🤠 The Dead South (Brossard)

Bluegrass meets metal energy from the band that made banjo covers cool. A handy South Shore option if you want to skip downtown parking.

📍 Where: Le Club DIX30, Brossard (South Shore, about 20 minutes from downtown)
🗓️ When: Thursday, October 29

✨ KATSEYE: The Wildworld Tour (Bell Centre)

The global pop group lands on Halloween eve with a big, glittery show. Fans will dress up; if you are bringing a teen, this one is a safe bet.

📍 Where: Bell Centre, 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal (Bonaventure metro)
🗓️ When: Friday, October 30

Lineups and venues can change, so double check ticket pages before you head out.