From a distance, the Open Air Pub (OAP) might look both dull and overwhelming: Endless lines snaking up the Y, hordes of students yearning for cans of cold-ish beer, and fencing that adds to the never-ending construction on lower campus. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of students moshing—rain or shine—to student bands and DJs. What makes such a chaotic scene the “best place on earth?” As a seasoned OAP veteran, here’s what I’ve learned—and my top tips for navigating this quintessential McGill event.
Lines upon lines
Mirroring the busiest days of Montreal’s Osheaga and Piknik Electronik, lines on a sunny day at OAP can be overwhelming, often filing all the way up to the Arts Building. You might find yourself wistfully admiring OAP from a distance for multiple hours before you get to join in on the fun yourself. However, time in the line passes much quicker with a group of friends. Small talk eventually blossoms into a catch-up on adventures and mishaps from the summer. If you’re looking for a surefire way to pass the time, you might consider a cheeky game of “I Spy”: Someone’s ex-situationship talking to a new guy, your fratty frosh leader who’s had a bit too much to drink, or even your early morning tutorial crush. If the sights and smells of the OAP grills make you hungry in line, you can always satisfy your hunger by picking up a classic smokie from the hot dog man. Gather all your friends’ orders and have them save your spot in line!
Dress to impress
There is no doubt that Montreal is the most fashionable city in Canada, and this is further evidenced by the head-turning outfits at OAP. Outfits at OAP span a wide spectrum from perfectly on trend to unapologetically unique. It is common to see vintage lingerie reworked into flowy sundresses, tacky yet stylish Hawaiian button-ups, hand-painted denim jackets, McGill bucket hats, flowy satin skirts, and old band tees featuring artists from your parents’ generation. Anything goes at OAP. However, do keep in mind that the dance floor can get muddy. Although the best place on earth allows for the best looks on earth, your best bet for shoes might be a pair of old sneakers that you don’t mind dirtying, or—for the definitive OAP look—a pair of good ol’ cowboy boots.
At the bar
What is your go-to drink at OAP? Is it the cost-alcohol-efficient Pabst Blue Ribbon? Are you a fiend for cider? Or do you go for the age-old classic—a tall can of Guinness? Whatever your drink of choice is, if you sense a horde of froshies about to flood the drink lines, make sure you double fist your drinks—that is, grab two drinks in one visit to the bar. While your Sapporo might warm up before you get to it, it is certainly more time-efficient to have a drink or two on hand, rather than waiting in the crowded lines again. Want to try something new? Try this McGill student classic: Order a Sleeman and a Smirnoff Pink Lemonade, pour half of each into your reusable mug, and you have yourself a summery Radler.
