Montreal's Igloofest 2011: Nine-night electronic music festival

No surprise that Montreal has yet another festival. And this one comes during the cold, dark days of winter.

Now in its fifth year, Igloofest on the Quays is a nine-night electronic music festival that runs for three weekends: Jan. 13-15, 20-22, 27-29. Local and international DJs offer up the best in electronic tunes, set against a backdrop of ice and steel enhanced with video and architectural sceneography. There's even a ski suit ("one piece") competition. More than 15,000 showed up for the first weekend.

Highlights (and lowlights) include the Sleeman Light Igloo Village, designed by Melissa Mongiat and Mouna Andraos. Throughout the venue, sculptures are lit up in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. Too cold? Dance!

Hours are 6:30 PM to midnight, for ages 18 and up. Purchase tickets online or at the festival ($12).

The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal are also home to The Quays Skating Rink. Open through March 6, 2011, the rink has views of historic Vieux Montreal and the Saint Lawrence River. At night, enjoy the special lighting, with music from 7-9 PM.