View of the Bell Stage as seen from the Hôtel Le Concorde Québec
All Photos © Steve Galli for Full Access Media Group
Story by Chloe Catajan for Full Access Media Group
***Direct links to our coverage from previous at the bottom of this story.***
Every summer since 1968, Festival d’été de Québec puts together a festival bill that spans music genres like no other. One stage will have pure pop legendry. Another, hip-hop. The next, nu-metal.
Across the big names alone is something for every type of fan. The festival’s 58th edition is no different and event organizers BLEUFEU have outdone themselves yet again. In the mood for pop classics? Kesha and Gwen Stefani headline back-to-back nights. For heavier staples, Limp Bizkit, Daughtry, Muse, and Goldfinger have it covered. Go country with Jelly Roll, get an EDM thrill from Martin Garrix, or take it easy with The Lumineers and Michael Bublé. And of course, take in some of Canada’s finest with Souldia and Patrick Watson.
The result is eleven days of live music in the heart of Québec City. Tickets go at affordable prices and are shareable, making the experience feel truly like one for music lovers.
Canada’s largest music festival returns to the Plains of Abraham July 9 to 19. Here’s a listening guide on who to check out based on your favorite headliners to help you get ready, whether you’re heading over or tuning in from home.
If you like Limp Bizkit…
Just one of those days for nu-metal madness? Keep that energy rollin’ with acts like Municipal Waste and Taxi Girls for some unadulterated, high-energy thrash.
If you like The Lumineers…
That dreamy, rustic vibe gets a groovy spin with bands like Balthvs, whose riffs feel like a desert daze amidst endless summer days.
If you like Luis Fonsi…
To be candid, the FEQ lineup has a plethora of Latin music gems worth a listen. There’s the sonic psychedelia of Sonido Gallo Negro and Chica Libre, Amantes Del Futuro’s and Cumbia Control’s experimental cumbia, and the dance-friendly beats of Frikton.
For the most similar vibes to Luis Fonsi’s vibrant, urban style of pop, check out Aria Vega, Crispin Way, and Cruzito.
If you like Michael Bublé…
If the smooth sounds of Michael Bublé’s music is your cup of tea, then meet Melody Gardot. Her smoky vocals set to a jazzy soundtrack will enrich your soul, while her poignant songwriting, often discussing social issues, will reach straight to your heart.
If you like Souldia…
Hardhitting beats and bars on bars are what come to mind when Souldia has the floor. For a similar vibe, you probably already have Cypress Hill on your list. But Rowjay might be your next fav, whose verses come at you fast, all while rolling off the tongue effortlessly.
If you like Patrick Watson…
Ambient, rich, and simply beautiful, Patrick Watson’s compositions feel like a sonic dreamland. You might recognize his song, “Je te laisserai des mots,” a viral sound used online in videos of hope to heartbreak. For something similarly personal and poignant, check out Le Ren, whose indie folk ballads are achingly affecting.
If you like Kesha…
Kesha’s brand of pop is pretty singular to her. It’s electric, syncopated, and plainly iconic. It’s no wonder she’s one of the most influential pop artists of her generation. If you want a taste of what the next gen of pop sounds like, give renforshort a listen. Bedroom pop meets Y2K-inspired pop-punk in her confessional anthems.
If you like Gwen Stefani…
Gwen Stefani’s vibrant, Harajuku-inspired world in 2004’s Love. Angel. Music. Baby. is unmatched, but Haute and Freddy have a standout flair all the same. Colorful pop music with jester outfits to match, the up-and-coming duo’s trajectory has been a fun one to watch.
If Stefani’s Americana era is more your beat, give Allison Daniels and Noeline Hoffmann a listen to experience a bit of Canada’s country scene.
If you like Muse…
If epic soundscapes are your thing, you shouldn’t miss the two bands leading up to Muse’s set, Last Train and Mother Mother. Both bands layer fiery riffs with searing vocals—the outcome, an incredibly fierce sound.
If you like Martin Garrix…
You’ll have plenty of good beats to keep the party going, with electronic acts comprising the second largest of genres across FEQ’s lineup. For massive drops and impressive track IDs, LP Giobbi will get you sorted. The jazz-trained pianist and DJ combines piano with house for an impeccably melodic groove.
If you like Jelly Roll…
Like Jelly Roll, Nate Smith gives twang a tough exterior with his brand of modern country. It’s rustic, a little rowdy, and a lot of rock-and-roll. His music without a doubt speaks for itself, but he also has many accolades to show the powerhouse that he is, from being Billboard’s Rookie of the Year to Amazon’s Breakthrough Country Artist in 2024.
For more information and available ticketing, visit the Festival d’été de Québec website.
2025
2024
2022
https://www.last.fm/features/post/12274762:feature:35f513a9-d579-4647-9501-f13f9dd677fa
2019
https://www.last.fm/features/post/48430472:feature:84498d69-cf47-471e-af00-7454dca1857b
2018
https://www.last.fm/features/post/54542101:feature:d3af0de8-2b5c-4595-875c-108d91052121
2017
https://www.last.fm/features/post/2259045:feature:d1926319-7385-4048-8982-c00643e9305b
2016
https://www.last.fm/features/post/2259045:feature:5842ca88-e8a3-4aba-9f98-6c17b71983f2
All Photos © Steve Galli for Full Access Media Group
Story by Chloe Catajan for Full Access Media Group
