There are many annual events in Montreal that you don’t want to miss out on: Piknic Electronik is one of them. Let’s demystify this iconic event so that you’re fully prepared for your night at Parc Jean-Drapeau. From metro lines to dress codes, The Tribune has put together a guide for everything you need to know to have a well-prepared, stress-free experience. 

Tickets

First order of business: Tickets. General admission tickets start at $24 CAD, and many McGill students choose to purchase them in the fall, while classes are in session. Don’t stress about buying tickets super early: In an interview with The Tribune, Natasha Pfeffer, U2 Arts, said that she bought her tickets last-minute and still managed to attend in the Fall semester.

“I booked my ticket about a week before I went, and I went September 14, so late summer, early fall season, and this is my first time going.” 

However, if you’re set on a specific night, the Piknic Electronik website drops tickets well in advance. 

Piknic Electronik runs every Sunday for six months, from May 18 to Oct. 12, so there are plenty of opportunities to attend. Going at the beginning of the fall semester, before the stress of school hits, is a great way to enjoy the weather with your friends. 

Transportation

If you’ve heard about Piknic, you might know that it takes place on an island, and it’s not exactly walkable from campus. Most students take the metro, where a one-way ticket costs $3.75 CAD, or use their OPUS card. This fee is often more affordable than services like Uber, even if you’re travelling in a group. At the end of the day, taking the subway is much more convenient—but it’s also fun. When taking the metro, be ready for noise, energy, and speed to secure a coveted seat. 

“My best transportation tip is to take the metro with friends. Don’t go alone because the hectic aspect can get really scary,” Pfeffer suggested.

It’s also important to note that you will need to switch lines at the Jean-Drapeau (Yellow Line) metro stop, so make sure you have your route nailed down beforehand. But don’t stress—if you and your friends had a little too much fun at the pregame, you can always just follow the crowd.

Packing

When it comes to packing, Piknic has restrictions on bag sizes, so pack light and prioritize the essentials. Besides, you don’t want to carry a bag that weighs you down and limits your dance moves. Luckily, the venue allows you to bring non-alcoholic sealed beverages, so it’s a good idea to pack a plastic water bottle—hydration is always key. 

“All I really needed was my phone and ID,” Pfeffer told The Tribune. 

You want to worry less about what to pack and more about what to wear. Outfits can vary depending on who’s DJing that night. At some events, you’ll see funky, eclectic accessory choices. At others, you might spy event-goers rocking sweatpants. But most of the time, you can count on spotting fun hats, face gems, and shimmery scarves.

Weather

Before you plan out your night, remember to check the weather. Oftentimes, especially deeper into fall, the weather is anything but sunny and pleasant. Don’t dress for a delightful spring day if the forecast calls for torrential rain. Don’t be afraid to pack ponchos or umbrellas—you’ll still look great. Prioritize comfort over everything; it’s hard to enjoy the music and vibes of Piknic Electronik when you’re freezing to the bone.

No matter what you choose to wear, what you pack, or how you get there, Piknic Electronik is an exciting event that you shouldn’t miss out on, and it’s sure to be full of excitement and amusement for you and your friends.