Festivals
Complete Lineup Unveiled for Montréal Jazz Festival
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (FIJM), presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Rio Tinto, is proud to unveil the program for its 45th edition! For 10 wonderful days, from June 26 to July 5, 2025, downtown Montréal will vibe to the sounds of jazz with over 350 concerts, two-thirds of which are free of charge! Capped by a visit from the legendary Nas and sensation Ayra Starr, not to mention the activities around the Oscar Peterson Centennial, the 2025 program is a reflection of what the Festival has accomplished for 45 years: spotlighting and supporting the next generation of jazz stars, while never forgetting its roots.
Ticket sales for paid concerts will begin on Thursday, April 17, at 10 a.m. FIJM newsletter subscribers will have access to preferential advance selling the day before, on Wednesday, April 16, at 10 a.m.
“The FIJM team has once again brilliantly risen to the challenge of curating a lineup as bold as it is accessible. After 45 years, this event, a crossroads between the local and international scenes, still knows how to reinvent itself, keep up with the times and redefine what jazz is, here and now. It is a remedy to the challenges of our era, an opportunity to come together and celebrate the unifying power of music, beyond genres and borders.”
– Maurin Auxéméry, Director of Programming, FIJM
Put on by music lovers for music lovers, the program for this 45th edition takes spectators on a musical journey through diverse genres, building unexpected bridges between them and creating a meeting point for all music influenced by the jazz tradition. Devoted fans will be delighted to welcome back legendary American jazz singer Dianne Reeves at the Théâtre Maisonneuve (Place des Arts) as part of the LES GRANDS CONCERTS RIO TINTO in collaboration with Rythme 105.7, and to discover the captivating Mexican-Chilean artist Mon Laferte at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts (ÉVÉNEMENTS SPÉCIAUX TD), a blues-pop icon and multiple Grammy winner.
The lines between the local and international scenes are blurring. Homegrown artists of all calibres are joining talents from around the world: two Montréalers, Elisapie (TD Stage), a world-renowned Inuk singer-songwriter, and Salin (ENTRÉE LIBRE TD at the Studio TD), an amazing drummer who explores the enchanting sounds of Northern Thailand, will rub shoulders with BALTHVS (TD Stage), a Colombian psychedelic funk band that eclectically melds disco, house, surf rock and cumbia music. It’s also a short step from the eclectic rhythms of British DJ Bonobo, whose concert is featured in the LES RYTHMES MOLSON series at MTELUS, to the historic jazz outfit The Sun Ra Arkestra (Rogers Stage), pioneers of Afrofuturist music. Jazz is alive and well this year, with performances by virtuoso saxophonists accompanied by an ensemble that will please purists of the genre; they include Camille Thurman & The Darrell Green Quintet (Pub Molson), or Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few, not to be missed at the Studio TD.
FIJM is also a festival that grows with its artists; from Samara Joy, the genius singer whose career had a meteoric rise after gracing our stages, and who will be featured in the LE FESTIVAL À LA MAISON SYMPHONIQUE ROGERS series this year at the Maison symphonique (Place des Arts), or award-winning young vocalist Tyreek McDole (Le Studio TD), who will also be opening for Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts (ÉVÉNEMENTS SPÉCIAUX TD).
With its strong lineup of outdoor events, the Festival’s 45th edition will also treat crowds to high-quality concerts free of charge. These include Esperanza Spalding (TD Stage), a talented singer-songwriter as well as the very first jazz musician to win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. And let’s not forget Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (TD Stage), led by a hugely popular trombonist and trumpeter who got his start in jazz earlier than most, at age four, making his first appearance performing with the great Bo Diddley. This year’s Festival is also already shaping up to be the year of guitars, with highly anticipated performances by Yasmin Williams (Rogers Stage), the genre-blurring Tiny Desk sensation, and Tommy Emmanuel, Australian fingerpicking specialist, who will perform at the Théâtre Maisonneuve (Place des Arts) in LES GRANDS CONCERTS RIO TINTO in collaboration with Rythme 105.7.
Music lovers’ curiosity and trust are always rewarded at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. Our team invites you to check out Clown Core at MTELUS (LES RYTHMES MOLSON), a duo of anonymous masked artists offering a mind-blowing amalgam of grindcore, jazz and electronica. Another can’t-miss is Nate Smith teaming up with Lalah Hathaway, James Francies and Derrick Hodge at Théâtre Jean-Duceppe (Place des Arts), in a JAZZ BEAT concert put on in collaboration with CBC MUSIC. Created specially for the Festival, this performance will bring together the rich musical worlds of these varied artists: country singer, jazz musician and vocalist, renowned keyboardist, and famous bandleader and bassist.
Oscar Peterson centennial celebrations
In addition to celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, the FIJM will be paying tribute to Oscar Peterson, legendary Montréal pianist, who would have turned 100 in 2025. Several celebratory events are organized, starting with the Oscar Peterson Centennial Gala: Canadiana Suite, presented by TD Assurance in LE FESTIVAL À LA MAISON SYMPHONIQUE ROGERS at the Maison symphonique (Place des Arts). The Centennial Quartet, which will be featured in the first part of the Gala, will go on to tour Quebec and New Brunswick after the Festival.
The Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet will also be performing free of charge at Pub Molson during the Montreal Thanks OP concert, presented by TD Assurance, to delight as many people as possible!
Festival-goers can explore Through Oscar’s Lens, a free exhibition celebrating Oscar Peterson presented in collaboration with ICI Musique. It highlights rare photos taken by the pianist himself over more than sixty years, and many familiar faces (Ella Fitzgerald, Lester Young, Norman Granz, Ray Brown). The exhibition will also offers a glimpse into his life, his career and jazz history through exclusive audio content curated by ICI Musique. These archival excerpts and exclusive interviews will also be broadcast on June 22 at 7 p.m. on ICI Musique, during a program that will then be available for replay on Radio‑Canada OHdio. The exhibition will be on display throughout the Festival on the fence around the Musée d’art contemporain (MAC).
Those interested in learning more about Oscar Peterson’s life and legacy can also watch the film OSCAR PETERSON: BLACK + WHITE by Barry Avrich, at Cinéma du Parc.
Everyone can also take a piece of the celebrations home by purchasing “Oscar Peterson Live at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal,” a vinyl album produced by Spectra Musique, available for sale for the first time and exclusively at the Festival and during the tour. A collaboration between Céline Peterson (Oscar’s daughter), Kelly Peterson (Oscar’s wife) and the FIJM, the album features a selection of pieces recorded at the Festival in 1989 and 2004.
Other must-sees
From Place des Festivals to Cinéma du Parc, a cinematic program will let you diversify your musical experience as we pay tribute to another jazz icon. The work of the late Quincy Jones will also be celebrated with screenings of In Cold Blood, The Wiz and The Color Purple.
Festival regulars will also have the pleasure of rediscovering familiar activities and gathering places. Visit or revisit pop-up bar PHONO, featuring DJ sets created in collaboration with Music Is My Sanctuary. The Académie series is also back this year, featuring interviews, performances and educational discussions with Festival artists. Stay tuned for details!
To prolong the excitement, the event program team is holding back a few surprises. These major additions will be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
“This 45th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal invites us to immerse ourselves in the music and embrace the vibe. Once again, it promises to amaze us by showcasing new talent and helping us rediscover jazz legends. At TD, we are proud to celebrate 15 years of collaboration as the festival presenter and to renew our commitment for another four years. Supporting this festival means offering everyone an extraordinary musical experience—accessible and full of unforgettable moments.”
– Abe Adham, Chair, Quebec Market, TD Bank Group
“Rio Tinto proudly supports the 45th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, an iconic musical event that draws people and cultures together. Featuring world-renowned artists and emerging talents with varied musical influences from all over the world, this exciting summer celebration makes our city vibrate to the enchanting rhythm of jazz and contributes to its international reputation. Since 2006, we have offered free activities for families and promoted diversity, enriching Montreal’s cultural scene and creating stronger communities.”
– Marie-Christine Dupont, General Counsel, Aluminium, Rio Tinto
Find the complete program and concert schedule HERE.
Festivals
Osheaga 2026 Reveals Daily Schedule
The annual ritual every Osheaga fan both loves and dreads has arrived. The festival has officially unveiled its daily schedule for the 2026 edition, giving attendees their first look at who will be playing when across Parc Jean-Drapeau from July 31 to August 2.
As always, the release of set times brings excitement, anticipation, and plenty of scheduling headaches. With major headliners, breakout stars, indie favourites, and hometown talent spread across six stages, fans will once again be forced to make some difficult decisions throughout the weekend.
Here’s a closer look at some of the biggest moments and potential conflicts from each day.
Friday, July 31
Friday eases festival-goers into the weekend before building toward a stacked evening lineup led by Twenty One Pilots, The XX, and The Neighbourhood on the Bell River Stage.
The day begins with performances from Super Plage, Wunderhorse, Wet Leg, and Moses Belanger before momentum picks up in the afternoon. One of the first notable clashes arrives when Kehlani takes the Mountain Stage while Amber Mark performs on the Forest Stage and Billie Marten appears on the Valley Stage.
The evening presents some particularly difficult choices. Fans of alternative rock will have to decide between The XX and rising Japanese sensation YOASOBI, whose set overlaps with portions of the night.
Another major conflict comes later when Brutalismus 3000 and JID perform simultaneously. Those looking for a high-energy electronic experience may head toward the Coca-Cola Stage, while hip-hop fans will likely be making a run toward the Valley Stage.
The festival’s opening night closes with Twenty One Pilots on the main stage, while Geese and Amelie Lens provide compelling alternatives elsewhere across the site.
Friday Highlights
- Twenty One Pilots
- The XX
- The Neighbourhood
- Kehlani
- YOASOBI
- JID
- Amelie Lens
- Wet Leg
- Wunderhorse
- Geese
Saturday, August 1
Saturday may feature the weekend’s most relentless run of performances from top to bottom.
The day starts with sets from Baby Nova, Wolf Parade, Stella Lefty, Laura Scavo, and Fanclubwallet before quickly transitioning into a packed afternoon. Fans of indie and alternative music will have several choices throughout the day, including Villager, Kingfishr, and AJ Tracey.
One of the day’s biggest talking points will be the overlap between Little Simz, followed by Franz Ferdinand’s set. Both artists are expected to draw large crowds and appeal to different corners of the Osheaga audience.
As night falls, things only get tougher. Punk fans will likely gravitate toward Viagra Boys and Turnstile, while electronic fans may be tempted by Odd Mob and Kettama. Meanwhile, indie pop fans will be trying to squeeze in as much of Sombr as possible before heading to the main stage.
The evening culminates with Canadian pop superstar Tate McRae closing the Bell River Stage, while electronic powerhouse Empire of the Sun headlines the Forest Stage.
Saturday Highlights
- Tate McRae
- Empire of the Sun
- Turnstile
- Franz Ferdinand
- Little Simz
- Viagra Boys
- Wolf Parade
- AJ Tracey
- Sombr
- Kettama
Sunday, August 2
The festival’s final day delivers arguably the strongest collection of pop talent across the entire weekend.
Things begin with Valley, Amble, Between Friends, and Tia Wood before the afternoon ramps up with performances from Mother Mother, Paris Paloma, Billie du Page, and Of Monsters and Men.
One of the biggest scheduling dilemmas of the weekend arrives during the evening stretch. Fans hoping to catch Zara Larsson, SG Lewis, and Gunna will need to carefully plan their route through the grounds, as several of the performances overlap.
The night’s final run is packed with major draws. Lorde headlines the Bell River Stage while Major Lazer closes the Forest Stage. At the same time, electronic fans can head to Space 92’s special Popof-presented Turbo Recordings set, while alternative music fans may find themselves torn between Not For Radio, Horsegiirl, and Subtronics.
Sunday offers a fitting finale to what looks like one of Osheaga’s most diverse lineups in recent memory.
Sunday Highlights
- Lorde
- Major Lazer
- Zara Larsson
- Gunna
- SG Lewis
- Mother Mother
- Of Monsters and Men
- Paris Paloma
- Valley
- Horsegiirl
Start Planning Now
With the daily schedule now available, fans can finally begin mapping out their weekends and preparing for the inevitable conflicts that come with a lineup this deep.
Whether you’re heading to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the headliners, discovering your next favourite artist, or trying to sprint between stages to catch a little bit of everything, Osheaga 2026 is shaping up to deliver another unforgettable weekend in Montreal.
Tickets and additional festival information are available through the official Osheaga website.
Festivals
Riot Fest 2026 Brings Tool, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, and Twenty One Pilots to Chicago
Chicago’s beloved punk and alternative festival, Riot Fest, is back with another stacked lineup for 2026. The three-day event returns to Douglass Park from September 18-20, bringing together more than 100 artists across punk, rock, indie, metal, and alternative music.
Leading this year’s lineup are Tool, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Twenty One Pilots, and Pierce the Veil. The festival continues its tradition of mixing legendary names with newer acts and cult favorites.
Other major artists on the bill include Patti Smith and her band, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Santigold, Pixies, Rise Against, Bad Religion, Taking Back Sunday, Social Distortion, The All-American Rejects, and Bright Eyes.
Fans of heavier and more chaotic sets will have plenty to look forward to with appearances from GWAR, Chat Pile, Melt-Banana, and Insane Clown Posse. Riot Fest is also bringing together punk history with performances from Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter and Public Image Ltd.
The festival’s deep lineup stretches far beyond the headliners, with artists such as Pennywise, Descendents, Iggy Pop, Mom Jeans, The Format, Twin Peaks, Algernon Cadwallader, This Is Lorelei, and Jejune set to perform throughout the weekend.
Last year’s edition marked Riot Fest’s 20th anniversary, featuring returning favorites such as Green Day, Blink-182, and Weezer. This year’s lineup keeps that same mix of nostalgia, chaos, and genre-spanning energy that has made Riot Fest one of North America’s most recognizable alternative festivals.
Three-day passes are on sale now, including general admission, VIP, and deluxe ticket packages. Payment plan options are available for fans looking to spread out the cost of the weekend.
More information at riotfest.org.