Summer is here and Montreal is alive again! From indie pop to EDM, you’re bound to find a festival that you’ll enjoy. To avoid searching through the internet for hours, here’s a list of the top 10 music festivals that you won’t want to miss.
1. Montreal International Jazz Festival – June 29-July 9, 2016
Still going on strong for more than 35 years, the Montreal Jazz Festival has reached an international level. The name says it all, it is mostly jazz artists that perform in Place des Arts, but they always add a few others artists like, for example, r&b singer/rapper Lauryn Hill who will be taking over the main stage this year.
2. Les Week-ends du Monde – July 9-10 and 16-17, 2016
For two consecutive weekends, discover different cultures from around the world (Peru, Venezuela etc.) by indulging in a culinary experience and musical journey. There will be live local DJs so get ready to move.
3. AIM – July 15-17th, 2016
This festival sets itself apart! Spend 3 days on an interactive site where live Dj’s will be playing for 36hrs straight. You attend this festival to get away and experience art and innovation through movement to the sound of electronic music. They have everything covered from food trucks, volleyball field to workshops to keep you well occupied and entertained
4. Osheaga music & arts festival – July 29-31, 2016
Osheaga, quite frankly, needs no introduction! It is the first festival in Montreal to bring so many great names and renowned artists from different music genres. What is great about it besides the fact that everyone attends (Kendall Jenner was there last year), is the diversity of talents you can enjoy. This year, Disclosure, Cypress Hill, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Lana del Rey fans will be pleased. You will definitely find an artist you love!
5. ÎleSoniq – August 5-6, 2016
Île Soniq festival was created a few years ago to cater to the EDM fans. This festival is fairly new and it is growing in popularity. Their lineup of international artists gets more and more interesting every year. This year, Cosmic Gate will make you move, just like Gareth Emery, Zedd or Skrillex! This is really something you don’t want to miss!
6 – Piknic Electronik – May 22nd to October 2nd, 2016
Every Sunday, lots of house music lovers gather outside at Parc Jean-Drapeau and dance to the sound of different live DJs. No time to get bored, the festive and friendly atmosphere will delight you. It’s a perfect day to spend with friends, under the sun, listening to good music. If ever you were thinking of traveling this summer, you can find Piknic Electronik in different cities around the world.
7 – Montreal International Reggae Festival – August 26-27-28, 2016
This is THE place/event where reggae lovers unite! International acts like Elephant Man and Mavado will be on stage, in the old port of Montréal, to make you move! Check out their schedule to see who is in the lineup this year.
8 – Nuit D’Afrique – July 12-24, 2016
For more than 30 years, Montrealers and tourists dance to the sound of African music. From the North to the West part of Africa, there is so much unique talent to discover. A lot of outdoor events are planned plus a few indoor ones. Who’s in?
9 – MEG Montreal Electronic Groove – July 21-31, 2016
Clearly, Montreal is becoming an EDM/Indie music city. Another cool festival for emerging talents is happening in the city. This one does not have a big artist lineup, but we all know that there are some serious artists that have yet to be discovered. We looove everything underground.
10 – Heavy Montreal – August 6-7, 2016
With all of the electronic, hip hop, pop and others genres being promoted, Heavy Montreal comes right on time to switch things up. From emerging talents to artists that are known, enjoy the sound of the electric guitars filling the air. Rock on, #evoMTL!