Festivals
Osheaga 2022 Inside the Platinum Experience – Day 3 Recap & Photos
On Day 3 of Osheaga 2022, I decided to go all in and purchase a Platinum ticket. Spoiler alert: it was worth every dollar. From bottomless mimosas to watching Dua Lipa from the front pit, here’s what it was like living the Osheaga high life
The Platinum Life
Let’s start with what made this experience next-level. Early entry meant we breezed through security around 11am, and even caught a surprise: Dua Lipa doing soundcheck. Talk about a strong start.
Until about 2pm, the Garage/Platinum lounge served bottomless mimosas and handed out cute little brunch boxes. The food wasn’t Michelin-starred, but it hit the spot. I absolutely leaned into the mimosas and then hydrated like a champ afterward because that Montreal heat does not play.
Throughout the day, you could help yourself to ice cream, churros, espresso drinks, and snacks at the lounge until around 7 p.m. Add in upgraded toilets with actual plumbing and air conditioning, makeup touch-ups, RMT chair massages, lockers, and shaded lounges with comfy seating, and suddenly Osheaga felt more like a boutique resort with bangers playing in the background.
One of the most unexpected highlights of the weekend was getting to go backstage at the Scene de la Riviere. We tagged along with one of the festival directors for a quick behind-the-scenes tour, and it was fascinating to see the controlled chaos that makes an event of this scale run smoothly. From gear setups to staff buzzing around on golf carts, it was great to get a peek behind the curtain. We even snuck in a few selfies on stage (empty at the time, of course). It was definitely a bucket-list moment.
The real game-changer were the Platinum golf cart shuttle that whisked us between stages. No more crowd weaving and shuffling feet in the dirt. And when it was time to watch our faves, we had access to the front-of-stage viewing area. That meant showing up 30 minutes before a headliner and still scoring prime real estate. Not having to camp out in the sun was the highlight of our day.
The Artists
On to the music, here’s who we saw that day!
SAM FENDER
Armed with his Telecaster and North Shields swagger, Sam Fender brought British indie rock energy to the Scene de la Riviere. His vocals were powerful and raw, especially during his last song “Seventeen Going Under,” which had the crowd singing along . Fender’s set was passionate and punchy.
CHELSEA CUTLER
Chelsea’s set was the audio equivalent of your favourite coming-of-age film. She managed to keep things intimate even on a big stage. “Your Shirt” hit particularly hard and was amazing to watch live.
GRACIE ABRAMS
Gracie’s afternoon set was a perfect balance of delicate and devastating. Her lyrics drew everyone in, and you could see people swaying with their eyes closed as she played “21” and “Feels Like.” She may be soft-spoken, but her ability to command a crowd was undeniable. It felt like discovering someone mid-bloom. Keep an eye on her!
ROYAL BLOOD
Royal Blood turned the Scene de la Rivière stage into a chaos zone. For a two-piece, their sound felt huge and gritty. They engaged the crowd all the time and didn’t hesitate to make fun of us in the front-viewing pit for pretending to be VIPs. The last two tracks “Out of the Black” and “Figure It Out” almost had mini mosh pits forming in the afternoon sun. Watching them up close from the front pit was incredible.
GLASS ANIMALS
Easily one of the most fun sets of the weekend. Glass Animals brought a neon-tinted, psychedelic energy (and pineapples) that had everyone dancing. As expected, “Heat Waves” was a hit and had everyone singing in unison. Frontman Dave Bayley did not stop moving one instant and brought us along for the ride.
DUA LIPA
The queen herself. Dua closed out the festival with a flawless, high-glam set complete with synchronized dancers, laser lights, confetti, fireworks and glittery outfits. From “Levitating” to “Don’t Start Now,” she showed how she evolved into a full-blown performer. Being just 20 feet from the stage, dancing with other Platinum attendees-turned-friends was the best way to end Osheaga 2022.
This was my first Platinum-tier festival experience, and as a millennial surrounded by other like-minded folks (mostly also avoiding porta-potties and lineups), I can confidently say that it was worth it. Every perk, from the mimosas to the front-pit access, enhanced the weekend without distracting from the music.
I would absolutely go Platinum again, but next time, I’m going all-in for the full three days!
Click here our recap of Day 2 here.
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins to Headline Darker Waves 2026
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins will headline Darker Waves Festival on November 14, 2026 in Huntington Beach, CA. Returning to Huntington Beach City Beach at Huntington Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the ocean-side festival will feature legendary performances from over 35 artists across three stages including Simple Minds, Bad Religion, Adam Ant, The Psychedelic Furs, Soft Cell, The Damned, Manic Street Preachers, Gary Numan, Silversun Pickups, Buzzcocks, EMF, Circle Jerks, Spacehog, Marky Ramone and more. Fans can sign up now for the festival SMS list at DarkerWavesFest.com to receive a passcode to the presale beginning Thursday, April 2 at 10am PT with access to the lowest-priced GA tickets from 10am to 11am PT. GA, GA+, VIP, and Ultimate VIP Tickets will be available, with layaway payment plans starting at $19.99 down. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public following the presale.
GA+ tickets include access to the exclusive GA+ Lounge with shaded seating and air-conditioned restrooms, plus a dedicated entry lane at the festival main entrance, and more. VIP tickets include unlimited entry into the VIP Lounge with preferred viewing area by the main stage, charging stations, air-conditioned restrooms, dedicated entry lane at the festival main entrance and more. Ultimate VIP tickets feature all amenities of VIP, plus access to elevated and unobstructed views of both main stages with shaded open lounge seating, dedicated VIP concierge team, a complimentary locker to store personal items, three complimentary drinks including choice of craft cocktails, beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages, a complimentary meal redeemable for exclusive food options in the VIP Lounge and more.
Official Darker Waves vacation packages from Jampack pair GA, GA+, or VIP tickets with beachfront stays at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa or The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, and more. Bundles include a dedicated entrance, re-entry access, and commemorative merch.
For tickets and the full list of amenities available in each ticket package, please visit DarkerWavesFest.com.
Festivals
The Outlaw Music Festival Announces Its Highly Anticipated 2026 Tour Schedule
Willie Nelson, Mark Rothbaum, Keith Wortman, Blackbird Presents, and Live Nation proudly announce the return of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour as it enters its second decade on the road. Following last year’s milestone 10th anniversary, which Rolling Stone hailed as “undoubtedly the most exciting and eclectic multi-artist festival of the 2025 summer amphitheater season by a wide margin,” the festival ushers in a new era, continuing its tradition of unforgettable music and community that has made it a true cultural phenomenon.
Headlining this special limited run is once again the legendary Willie Nelson. With fewer appearances on the road this year, each night carries added significance, a rare chance to experience a living legend alongside a powerhouse lineup of iconic voices and next-generation trailblazers.
The tour, which kicks off on July 3 in Irving, Texas, features Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola.
The tour also includes Willie’s annual Fourth of July Picnic, which will feature special guests Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell. Please see the market lineups below for the artists performing in each city.
“Being on the road and playing for the fans is what I love to do. We don’t get to do as many shows as we used to, so every night out there means a little more. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and making it a special time.” — Willie Nelson
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 27, at 10 AM local time through http://OutlawMusicFestival.com and http://ticketmaster.com. VIP packages will be available, offering great seats and exclusive festival merchandise. Citi is the official card of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour. Citi card members will have early access to presale tickets, available today through Thursday, March 26, until 10 PM local time via the Citi Entertainment program. For detailed presale information, visit www.citientertainment.com.
The first Outlaw Music Festival debuted in 2016 in Scranton, PA. The sold-out show was so popular that Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson have made it one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Luke Combs, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour, sharing unforgettable music memories and unique vendor villages with local food, drinks, and shopping at Live Nation amphitheaters nationwide.
2026 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR DATES & LINEUPS:
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Billy Strings
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Rodney Crowell
Lily Meola
Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
For complete tour details, please visit: http://outlawmusicfestival.com