McSweeney’s List (29 October 2025)
“Is everyone excited for Spooky Season? Me too. Mostly I’m glad we decided on a name for the start of seasonal depression.”
Dawn McSweeney
Are you ok, Dear Reader? I ask because I got hit by the blues like a truck, and had to climb back to ground level. While I was doing that, I was hearing almost spontaneously from people that they were struggling: sad, isolating, and fighting to keep the good choices going. Allow me to admit that I found that comforting: that my brain hadn't flown south alone, that I was flocked together with some really beautiful humans I love deeply. As I often say, the boat is shitty, but the company is great, and sometimes, that's the best we’ve got.
So what's up? Well, Fall. It's aptly named for the paths of leaves, and our mental crash reminds us that we're also part of nature. The early sunsets are already impacting our lifestyles; we’re yawning and checking our watches, remarking holy shit, it's only 730?! 9 PM is the new midnight, and I'm waking up for work before the sun has clocked in. Sure, it happens every year, but so does NYE, and we treasure each as a fresh experience, don't we? The energy is inescapable. It's not you, Dear, it's the season.
Still, it feels like it hit harder this year, or more suddenly at least. It took me a moment to realize that this time last year, I was chock full of alcohol and anti-depressants, and had been chock full of one or both of those for many Falls past. Neither protected me from seasonal depression, but the alcohol provided a distraction, and the meds created a fuzzy barrier between me and my feelings. In fact, I'm going into the cold dark season in an objectively better position this year with a wonderful relationship, and a calendar full of celebrations and fun happenings. As a result, it seems pretty unfair that the blues hit me at all, but it’s also a keen reminder that all the stuff in the world can't change that we're part of the grand scheme, subject to the ebbs and flows of the seasons, and all the energy floating around.
The energy is calling us to isolate, hibernate, wait it out, and honestly, those are the last things we need to do. Yes, comfort food and blankets are beckoning (and you should make time for that: we really are meant to slow down this time of year). However, forcing ourselves to do the things we know will make us feel better is also part of the season’s message. For instance, when my dear friend, FTB Creative Director (and personal editor) Andrew's birthday celebration fell on a Thursday, I sighed. Wary of weeknight outings due to my own decompression parameters (I get home up and revving when I should be slowing to sleep), the early nights make the proposition seem even more wild. On a weeknight? In the dark?! Bailing would be an asshole manoeuvre, and I knew I'd have fun, so I went. And yes, I did have fun, and yes, I did get to bed late, but I woke up feeling recharged. At work a friend told me that I was glowing. “Whatever you did, keep doing it,” she said.
While I advocate for (and struggle with) living in the present, ‘tis the season to create things to look forward to. Plan outings, social things, say yes to more than you feel comfortable with. There will be days that feel like forever, and knowing there's something over the horizon is key to keeping your marbles in check. Remember that mood affects perspective, and consider the fact that you might not be seeing clearly. Err on the bright side even when it feels like the world's against you.
Struggling with appetite? If eating is a hassle, stop shit talking yourself about how you think you should be eating, and just do what works for you. Blues got you munching? Remember that you have all winter ahead of you, and try not to taste the rainbow all at once.
You know what's worse than a funk? Shitting on yourself for being in a funk. The energy can't leave if it can't flow. It has to move, do its thing, and move on through. Think of it like clouds; holding your breath will only trap them inside longer. Endeavor not to take it out on yourself or others.
It's vital to avoid isolation. You might feel like your friends are having a grand ol’time and you don't want to rain on their parade. I assure you, your brain is lying; you're not dampening their day, my Dear. The people who love you do so regardless of your mood. Even though it might feel like a challenge to go “do social”, know with faith that you will, in fact, feel better doing the thing than not doing the damn thing. Remember that phones work for actual phone calls. Texting can make you feel more alone: I'm good, u? popping up on your screen does not have the same impact as the sound of your friend’s voice. And texts rarely allow for the open, nuanced conversations we need so gravely. Tell them how you feel. Listen to how they feel. The connection is what counts; the reminder that you aren't alone in life, or in your mood phase, that we’re all in this weird wonderful life together, and that means the dark times too. The more you try to avoid saying you're blue, the more alienated you’ll feel. I know this to be true. Touching base recently, my bestie and I realized we were both isolating, and talking about it together dispelled the loneliness, and softened the sadness.
It's important to also remember that depression and seasonal depression are two separate things. I've often said that I'm just regular depressed, and the season ramps it up, but it's a separate beast (who gets along really well with my regular pet beast). You can be a perfectly not depressed person and still be subject to seasonal affective disorder. On a lighter note, I hope whoever came up with the SAD acronym got a raise of something, because more things should be so aptly named. Consult a doctor if this is your first rodeo or if your woes are getting bigger than you. 811 is great for professional resources. If you know you'll manage and just hate how it feels, Google’s got you for tips and tricks for your specific symptoms.
Most importantly, know that this too shall pass. As a depressed person, as soon as I catch a few days in a row feeling down, I start to panic. This is it; I'm in a depression, and only God knows for how long. The brain’s a tricky place. Let each day be itself. Know that you might go to bed blue, and wake up a nice shade of pink tomorrow instead. If you don't, you might later, or the next day. Don't shackle yourself to your mood, that bitch is fickle af. But you, Dear Reader, are the sky, as you always are. And all this (gestures vaguely) is just the weather passing through. You've got this. But together, we've got this even better.
TONIGHT!
It's the 50th Cinema du Parc Screening Anniversary Special! And they have something spooky and extra special in store for you: a Halloween screening of Tommy Wiseau's masterpiece, The Room!
As is tradition, there will be a The Room themed costume contest at the end of the show! Dress up and you can win some hefty prizes! Judged and voted on by the audience of course! So bust out your most creative costumes and dazzle ‘em!
Early bird special is on now, so get your tickets for $20 instead of $25!
WHAT: An Anniversary Special Screening of The Room
WHERE: Cinéma du Parc, 3575 Park Ave., Montreal, H2X 3P9
WHEN: Tonight, October 29 @ 930 PM
METRO: Place-des-Arts (Green)
TICKETS: Billetterie Cinema du Parc
IT'S A GALA, YOU GHOULS
Dare to enter our Annual Halloween Gala, where spirits stir and music awakens the dead.
Four live bands summon the night
Tarot readings reveal what lurks beyond
A costume contest for the bold and bewitched
Trick or Treat: Art Edition
Themed elixirs crafted for the cursed
And beware: the ghost of Mary Gallagher still haunts these halls, waiting for those who dare to cross her path.
RSVP—before the spirits do.
WHAT: Spooky Halloween at the Museum 2025
WHEN: Friday, October 31 @ 7 PM
WHERE: Montreal Art Center and Museum, 1844 William St., Montreal, H3J 1R5
METRO: Georges-Vanier (Orange)
RSVP: MontrealArtCenter
NEW GALLERY, WHO DIS?
Montreal, we’ve arrived.
Join us as The Gallery MTL makes its long-awaited debut bringing signature Toronto energy to a new city with a Halloween twist. Step into a night where music meets art, and the vibe is nothing short of electric. Be part of the first chapter: a curated Halloween experience blending sound, art, and community.
Headlining this launch: Carlo Lio and Carabetta, delivering deep, hypnotic beats that define underground sound.
With local support from After Six and Room Service, expect a seamless blend of international flavor and homegrown talent.
The theme is Dark. Curated. Immersive.
Costumes encouraged.
WHAT: The Gallery MTL presents: Sauvage
WHERE: NWHR, 1055 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2Z 1J6
WHEN: Saturday, November 1 @ 10 PM
METRO: Place-d’Armes (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
IT'S A WILD ONE!
This Halloween, Montreal’s genre-defying performance collective, Earthbound, celebrates its 10th anniversary with EARTHBOUND X: A DECADE IN ORBIT — an interactive sci-fi wrestling event on Saturday, November 1 at Bâtiment 7.
This anniversary show takes audiences on a time-bending journey – the culmination of a decade of underground art. The evening is hosted by Venusian Sisters, Lilac and Ula, and features local wrestling legends Vanessa Kraven and Maredes who will face-off in a final cosmic battle. The night also includes original sound design by artist Charles Bicari, as well as DJ sets, food, a bar, merch, and a short film premiere.
WHAT: Earthbound X: A Decade in Orbit :: Lutte Sci-Fi Wrestling
WHERE: Bâtiment 7, 1900 Rue le Ber, Montreal, H3K 2A4
WHEN: Sunday, November 1 @ 530 PM
METRO: Charlevoix (Green)
TICKETS: Zeffy
TRIPLE THE POETS
Librarie Paragraphe Bookstore presents a 3-poet book launch, featuring Gillian Sze, Stephanie Bolster, and Ronna Bloom.
Join us as poets Gillian Sze (An Orange, A Syllable), Stephanie Bolster (Long Exposure), and Ronna Bloom (In a Riptide) read from, discuss, and sign their respective works, and discuss their latest books.
Admission is free.
Refreshments will be served.
WHAT: 3-Poet Book Launch
WHERE: 2200 McGill College Ave., Montreal, H3A 3P9
WHEN: Sunday, November 2 @ 2 PM
METRO: McGill (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
“ON ACCOUNT OF IT BEING GOOD” SENT ME
Discordia Review presents a triple zine launch at La Sotterenea. We’ll be releasing new titles by Phil Hall (winner of the Governor General’s Award for poetry, among other laurels), Jack Daniel Christie (continuing his paranoiac exploration of the psychic underbelly of American empire), and the latest issue of Fellow Travellers, a journal of actually-new literature. The show will feature performances from Hall, Christie, and a variety of special guests, plus music and visuals from Montreal experimental jazzer No Cosmos with Toronto noisenik xodkaar. Expect a literature show like no other, on account of it being good.
WHAT: Discordia Review Presents FELLOW TRAVELLERS No. 2 feat PHIL HALL
WHERE: Le Sotterenea, 4848 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2T 1R5
WHEN: Sunday, November 2 @ 8 PM
METRO: Laurier (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
World’s Smallest Comedy Night has so many cool things happening, so here are their events this week in order!
What Do You Know? Like, Seriously…
Tonight! Come to Hurley's for Trivia Night, and get bonus laughter! Enjoy delicious pub fare, and get ready to show off your trivia skills. Grab your team, and enjoy this night of comedy, friendly competition, and great company!
This edition is hosted by Vance Michel!
Featuring Peter Bowen, and James Mancini.
WHAT: Trivia Night at Hurley's
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Wednesday @ 8 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
RSVP: Eventbrite
Classic Coke
Beat the Monday Blues with WSC’s OG offering, The World's Smallest Comedy Night!
Enjoy a showcase of the best comedians in the city, hot up-and-comers, national and international touring comics, and surprises!
Hosted by Vance Michel, this edition features Josephine Sullivan, Dan Kestler-D’Amours, Radu Sona, Erik Intrevado, Joel Slavic, James Mancini, and Collin Ryan.
WHAT: The World's Smallest Comedy Night
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Monday, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Dirty Monday
The Monday Night Dirty Mic is the place to be! Hosted by Vance Michel, every show is an unpredictable and unique experience as a hilarious collection of comedians from newbs to pros take the stage. See the best before anyone else, and catch seasoned locals doing their freshest funnies!
Comics: show-up, sign-up
WHAT: Monday Night Dirty Mic
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Monday, Sign-up @ 10 PM, Show @ 1030 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
