Festivals
The Artists We’re Most Excited to See at Osheaga Music Festival 2025

Osheaga always throws one of the best parties of the summer, and 2025’s lineup is stacked from top to bottom. It’s got legends, rising stars, genre-benders, and artists in the middle of major moments. Whether you’re heading to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the headliners or just to discover your next favourite artist, there’s something for everyone this year. Here’s who we’re keeping an eye on and why you’ll want to catch their sets.

The Killers
Hard to think of a better way to kick things off than with The Killers. They’ve been festival royalty for nearly two decades, but they’re not just coasting on Hot Fuss nostalgia.
Their live shows are a full-body experience. Brandon Flowers still struts across the stage like he owns the world, and honestly, he kind of does when he’s performing “Mr. Brightside.” Expect a mix of classics, new material, and a crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. Perfect way to set the tone for the weekend.

Doechii
Following her Best Rap Album win at the GRAMMY this year, Doechii is a star in motion. Since breaking out with “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” she’s kept her momentum with bold, genre-defying tracks and a style that refuses to be boxed in. Her latest album Alligator Bites Never Heal proved she’s not afraid to experiment, and her live shows are packed with charisma and controlled chaos.
With her energy, sharp flows, and a whole lot of unpredictability, her Osheaga set will be a must-see. She’s fun, fierce, and on the cusp of something big. Catch her now before she levels up again.

Glass Animals
After Dreamland and the surprise global success of “Heat Waves,” Glass Animals could’ve coasted. Instead, they’ve released I Love You So F***ing Much, leaning darker and weirder in the best way.
They’ve always delivered slick visuals and crowd-friendly grooves. This time, they’re bringing a more mature vibe, but still keep it danceable. Expect sweaty singalongs and a lot of jumping. A great act to catch as the sun sets on day one.

Dominic Fike
Dominic Fike is having a weird, wonderful career. He’s part indie rocker, part pop star, and part TV crush. His second album, Sunburn, came out swinging with confessional lyrics and beachy guitar lines. He had to cancel his Osheago performance last year due to health reasons, so we’re stoked to see him back on the lineup this summer.
He’s unpredictable on stage, in a good way. Some songs hit like backyard jams, others like full-blown arena anthems. If you like your sets a little messy but full of heart, don’t miss him.

Tyler, The Creator
A festival pro at this point, Tyler, The Creator is bringing his one-of-a-kind creative vision back to the festival. His set will likely focus on his latest release Chromakopia with a mix of his previous albums like Call Me If You Get Lost or Igor.
He’s one of the most inventive artists of his generation, mixing rap, jazz, soul, and surreal visuals. Even if you’ve seen him before, he never repeats himself. This is the one to plan your Saturday night around.

Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams has gone from bedroom-pop buzz to stadium opener for Taylor Swift in just a few years. Fresh off her own headlining tour, Gracie Abrams has built a massive following with her deeply personal songwriting. Her soft, melancholic indie-pop sound (think “Where Do We Go Now?” and “I Know It Won’t Work”) is perfect for a sunset Osheaga moment.
She’s known for emotionally raw performances, and her voice is even more affecting live. Showcasing her new album The Secret of Us, this could be a huge breakout set for her. If you love Phoebe Bridgers or Lana Del Rey, don’t sleep on this one.

TV on the Radio
One of the most respected indie bands of the 2000s, TV on the Radio doesn’t play out often anymore, which makes this set a big deal. Their last album dropped nearly a decade ago, and they’ve been quiet ever since. But they’ve recently reunited for a handful of dates and Osheaga scored one.
If you’ve never seen them, now’s your chance. Their sound blends art rock, soul, and fuzzed-out electronics, and their live shows are always passionate and unpredictable. A rare gem on the lineup.

Tommy Richman
Tommy Richman’s breakout single “Million Dollar Baby” exploded this spring, and now he’s on every tastemaker’s radar. With his slick falsetto and retro-infused production, he lands somewhere between Prince, Steve Lacy, and something totally his own.
He’s got the swagger and the sound to own a late afternoon slot. Expect a cool crowd and a lot of people trying to Shazam every song. If you’re into rising stars before they hit big, circle this one.

Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo is closing out the festival, and it’s the perfect ender. GUTS proved she’s more than a teen idol, she’s a rock star. Her tour has been selling out arenas and earning serious praise for blending punky angst with pop smarts.
Her set will be cathartic, theatrical, and loud. She’s got the stage presence, the vocals, and the catalog to bring Osheaga to a full-on scream-along climax. It’s going to be a moment.

Cage The Elephant
Cage The Elephant are back after a long break and a health scare for frontman Matt Shultz. Their new album Neon Pill came out last summer, and it’s raw, catchy, and a little unhinged.
They’re one of those bands that give 110% on stage. Shultz flings himself around like a man possessed. It’s sweaty, wild, and always memorable. Don’t be surprised if this ends up being the set people talk about all weekend.

The Beaches
Toronto’s own The Beaches have been on a killer run. Their latest record Blame My Ex was full of punchy hooks and big feelings, they’ve been packing venues across Canada, and just won a JUNO Award for Group of the Year!
They’re funny, relatable, and play like a band that’s been touring for year, which they have. If you want crunchy guitars, catchy choruses, and real “let’s scream this together” energy, this is your stop.
There are a ton of other acts worth checking out, but these are the ones we’re building our schedule around. Bring sunscreen, drink water, and catch as many sets as you can. This year’s lineup is stacked. Don’t sleep on the early acts either!
For more info, head to Osheaga’s website.
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Kx5 and SG Lewis
The FIFA Fan Festival™ shifted into concert mode on July 17 as Vancouver welcomed one of the festival’s Signature Concert nights. After weeks of blending live music with FIFA World Cup action, Friday’s schedule focused entirely on the evening lineup, giving fans a chance to enjoy a full night of electronic music at the amphitheatre.
The gates opened at 5 p.m., with Shades of Day kicking things odd. Vancouver artist Grayson Repp followed at 6:30 p.m. Repp did exactly what an opening act should do, warming up the growing crowd and setting the tone for the night. As more fans poured into the festival grounds, the atmosphere steadily built toward the evening’s headline performance.
SG Lewis started at 7:30 p.m., bringing his signature mix of house, disco, and electronic pop. His smooth production and dance-friendly set kept the energy climbing, with the audience fully embracing the chance to dance in the new amphitheatre. By the end of his performance, the venue had transformed into a massive outdoor dance floor.
The night’s main attraction arrived at 9 p.m. as Kx5 took over the stage. The collaboration between Deadmau5 and Kaskade has become one of the biggest names in electronic music, and their performance lived up to the anticipation. Massive visuals, pyrotechnics, synchronized lighting, and booming production turned the FIFA Fan Festival into a festival within a festival. Fans packed the amphitheatre from the floor to the lawn, singing along when vocals appeared and raising their hands as the bass echoed across the PNE.
Unlike many of the FIFA Fan Festival days that balanced football broadcasts with music throughout the afternoon, July 17 belonged entirely to the concert experience. From Grayson Repp‘s early set to SG Lewis‘ polished performance and Kx5‘s high-powered finale, the Signature Concert delivered one of the biggest musical highlights of the Vancouver Fan Festival.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Kx5







SG LEWIS







GRAYSON REPP

All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
Phillips Backyard Music Festival – Day 3 Recap & Photos
The final day of Phillips Backyard Music Festival brought another full afternoon and evening of music, giving fans one last chance to enjoy one of British Columbia’s best summer festivals. After two successful days, the crowds returned in large numbers, and there was little sign that anyone was running out of energy.
Darrian Gerard opened the Main Stage, welcoming early arrivals with an upbeat performance that got the final day started on the right foot. Shortly afterward, Amulet began the Music BC Stage programming before Fake Shark took over the Main Stage. The Vancouver rock band got the audience moving quickly, as usual. Their fast-paced set injected fresh energy into the afternoon and produced one of the liveliest crowds of the day.
The Music BC Stage remained busy with performances from Infidelity, the highly anticipated Angine de Poitrine, Chopping Spree, and Runner. One of the strengths of Phillips Backyard has always been its commitment to showcasing artists from British Columbia alongside nationally recognized names, and Sunday’s schedule reflected that balance well. Fans who wandered between stages were rewarded with several impressive discoveries throughout the afternoon.
Wolf Parade returned to Victoria with a performance that reminded everyone why the band continues to hold such an important place in Canadian indie rock. Their songs translated well to the outdoor setting, and longtime fans sang along throughout the set. The band sounded tight, confident, and completely in control, making their performance one of the standout moments before the headliner.
Modest Mouse closed the festival with exactly the kind of performance many fans had been waiting all weekend to see. Their set mixed well-known favourites with deeper cuts, keeping longtime listeners happy while giving newer fans a chance to experience one of indie rock’s defining live acts. The band’s sound filled the festival grounds, and the audience stayed engaged until the final notes.
As the last songs ended, it was clear that Phillips Backyard had delivered another successful edition. The festival once again struck the right balance between established touring artists and homegrown talent, giving both equal opportunities to connect with the audience. Combined with excellent weather, smooth organization, quality food and drinks, and a relaxed setting that encouraged people to stay all day, the festival closed its 2026 edition on a high note.
Check out our favourite photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery! You can find our recap and photos of Day 1 here and Day 2 here.
MODEST MOUSE



WOLF PARADE



RUNNER


CHOPPING SPREE


ANGINE DE POITRINE




INFIDELITY


FAKE SHARK


AMULET


DARRIAN GERARD


FESTIVAL

All Photo Credit: Kelli Rothwell
