Festivals
Montréal Jazz Fest Reveals 2026 Lineup with Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire, St. Vincent, and More
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal has unveiled its full 2026 lineup, marking the 46th edition of the long-running event. Taking place from June 25 to July 4, the festival will feature more than 350 concerts, with over two-thirds of them free to the public.
This year’s program brings together major names and emerging artists across jazz and related genres. Headliners include Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire, St. Vincent, Max Richter, Diana Krall, WILLOW, Smino, and Patrick Watson.
“The programming for the 46th FIJM is a testament to the great jazz family tree, which has flourished for more than 100 years,” said Maurin Auxéméry, the festival’s director of programming. “Across its many branches, we celebrate the genre’s pivotal moments and living legacy, while introducing the artists shaping its future. Montréal remains a vital hub for jazz, and this is an event you won’t want to miss.”
Alongside the headliners, the lineup highlights a wide range of artists and collaborations. Notable performances include Saguenay’s avant-rock duo Angine de Poitrine, Béla Fleck’s trio with Edmar Castañeda and Antonio Sánchez, Taj Mahal with the Phantom Blues Band, and the psych-funk group Cymande. Other artists on the bill include Billy Bragg, Christian McBride with Julian Lage, Father John Misty, The Barr Brothers, Larkin Poe, Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino, The Alchemist, and KOKOROKO.
The festival will also include special tributes marking the 100th birthdays of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Tony Bennett. Additional programming includes a 20th anniversary celebration of J Dilla’s Donuts, featuring a tribute led by DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Further highlights across the lineup include the Charles Lloyd Quartet, Tortoise, DOMi & JD Beck, Goat, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Marcus Miller, Ibrahim Maalouf, Alfa Mist, Sullivan Fortner, Mei Semones, Marcus Gilmore, Chief Adjuah, Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, Annahstasia, Immanuel Wilkins, Kalia Vandever, McKinley Dixon, Kassa Overall, Isaiah Collier, Kid Koala, Tanya Tagaq, Nubiyan Twist, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder, Craig Taborn, The Bad Plus, and Annie & The Caldwells, among many others.
With its mix of established legends, contemporary innovators, and rising voices, the 2026 edition continues the festival’s reputation as one of the most important events in the global jazz calendar.
More information on the festival’s website.
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!
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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