Montreal

What: Startupfest When: June 13-16 From $390; startupfestival.com

Why: Network with other pre- and post-pivot entrepreneurs, schmooze with potential investors, and get advice from speakers including Yelena Rachitsky, creative producer and head of education at Oculus Story Studio, the film and game division of Oculus VR.

Where to escape: Mile-ex is the city’s newest cool neighborhood. Spiff up between sessions with a haircut at Emporium Barbershop ( cuts start at $12; emporiumbarber .com), where you’ll be surrounded by vintage swivel chairs and Montreal-made products such as Groom Industries’ pine-scented beard oil. Dine with locals at Mile-ex ( mileex.ca), where innovative seafood—try the squid roll merguez with citrus confit on a brioche bun ($10)—is served underneath paintings by artist Patrick Charbonneau.