Festivals
2025 JUNO Awards in Vancouver – Recap & Photos
The 2025 JUNO Awards lit up Rogers Arena in Vancouver with an electrifying mix of performances, heartfelt speeches, and a deep sense of national pride. Hosted by hometown hero Michael Bublé, the ceremony was packed with unforgettable moments and a powerful message of unity.
“We are the greatest nation on Earth, and we are not for sale,” Bublé declared, setting the tone for the night.
The show celebrated Canada’s diversity through music, kicking off with a moving rendition of Home by Maestro Fresh Wes, Elisapie, Roxanne Bruneau and Jonita Gandhi, featuring verses in Inuktitut and Hindi. The fusion of cultures continued throughout the night, highlighting the global influence of Canadian artists.
Standout performances included rapper bbno$ and Queen Priyanka’s high-energy It Boy featuring a dazzling drag runway, as well as Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Tia Wood’s explosive mash-up of Red Future and Dirt Road. Peach Pit and country star Josh Ross got the crowd moving, while Surrey’s own Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga, and Jazzy B delivered a pulsating take on Coolin’.
One of the night’s biggest breakout stars was Palestinian-Canadian singer Nemahsis, who won Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Alternative Album of the Year. Her intense, theatrical performance of Stick of Gum left a lasting impression, proving that her journey—from nearly losing her album to making it a reality—is just getting started.
Legendary singer Anne Murray, draped in a rhinestone-studded Team Canada jersey, reflected on the struggles of Canadian musicians finding success while staying true to their roots. “Canada is my safe haven,” she said, echoing a sentiment shared throughout the night.
The JUNOs wrapped up with a bang as Sum 41, this year’s Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees, took the stage for their final performance before disbanding. Their parting words? “Just be yourself and don’t stop believing.”
With a show that balanced nostalgia, fresh talent, and an unwavering love for homegrown music, the 2025 JUNO Awards proved that Canadian artists continue to make waves—by simply being themselves.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer – all photos taken from the crowd
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Kaytranada
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE closed out another memorable week on Sunday with the biggest match in world football and a fitting musical finale. Fans packed the site well before kickoff, creating a sea of jerseys, flags, and face paint as they gathered to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. Every big chance was met with gasps and cheers, and when Spain secured the victory, the celebrations spread across the festival grounds as supporters soaked in the final moments of a month-long tournament.
There was little time for the excitement to settle before the day’s entertainment shifted from football to live music. Montreal’s Kaytranada took over the Amphitheatre stage, giving fans one last reason to keep the energy going after the trophy presentation. Known for blending house, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music into a sound that feels uniquely his own, Kaytranada delivered exactly the kind of set the festival needed to close the weekend.
With Spain crowned world champions and Kaytranada providing the soundtrack to the celebration, the FIFA Fan Festival wrapped up another successful day at the PNE. It was a reminder that throughout the tournament, football and music proved to be the perfect combination, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate on and off the pitch.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
KAYTRANADA
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – The Dead South, Jesse Roper, Colin James
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE Grounds delivered another full day of football and live music on Saturday, July 18, as fans packed the site to watch the FIFA World Cup third-place match before spending the afternoon discovering Canadian talent across the festival stages.
The day opened with one last piece of World Cup drama before the tournament finale. England defeated France in the third-place match, giving English supporters plenty to celebrate before the music began. Groups wearing England shirts could be spotted throughout the grounds after the final whistle, adding to the lively atmosphere that has become a daily feature of the Fan Festival.
Once the football wrapped up, the focus shifted to the Amphitheatre and Park Stage. Vancouver’s own Jesse Roper was among the first artists we caught, bringing his signature blues-rock sound to an enthusiastic crowd. His guitar work and easy stage presence made for a strong start to the afternoon, with plenty of fans gathering in front of the stage despite a full day of entertainment still ahead.
Over on the Park Stage, Canadian blues-rock legend Colin James reminded everyone why he has remained one of the country’s most respected performers for decades. His set mixed polished musicianship with plenty of groove, drawing listeners of all ages who appreciated every guitar solo and familiar chorus.
The Dead South closed out the day. The Saskatchewan quartet’s blend of bluegrass, folk and country proved to be a perfect fit for the outdoor setting. Fans sang along, clapped in time and danced throughout the performance.
With the World Cup final less than 24 hours away, there was already a sense that the tournament was nearing its conclusion. Even so, July 18 showed that the FIFA Fan Festival remained much more than a place to watch football. It continued to bring together sport, live music and community in a way that has made it one of Vancouver’s standout events of the summer.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE DEAD SOUTH
JESSE ROPER
COLIN JAMES
FANS
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer