7.9.2025
Festival d’été de Québec Recap: July 3-8
Continuing a Tradition That Started in 1968, the One-Of-A-Kind Québec City Festival Presented an Unbeatable Array of Stars From All Eras and Genres
Notable Acts From the First Half of the 11-Day Festival Include Benson Boone, Avril Lavigne, Rod Stewart, Def Leppard, Wyclef Jean, Alessia Cara, Thundercat, Remi Wolf, Men I Trust, and Many More
Photo credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois
THE RECAP:
Every summer since the late 1960s, Festival D’été Québec brings fans from all over the world together in a 11-day celebration of music and culture. During FEQ, denizens of the charming Québec City comes to life, enthusiastically welcoming artists and visitors alike. With five stages across the beautiful Québecois capital, including the 70,000 capacity Bell Stage on the historic Plains of Abraham, FEQ packs hundreds of artists over its 11 days, and the festive atmosphere attracts stars from all eras and genres.
This year’s festival was as busy and diverse as ever, with world famous superstars taking the main stage and Canadian up-and-comers filling out the side stages. Opening night was a showcase for veteran hitmakers, as the one-and-only Rod Stewart headlined, following a set from 80s soft rock all-star Richard Marx, while “Here” and “Stay” singer Alessia Cara showed out a city square on the Loto-Québec Stage. Friday night, July 4, was a showcase for Canadian pop-punk, led by the always-energetic Avril Lavigne and Montreal’s own Simple Plan. Those seeking moodier vibes could witness the virtuosic Thundercat, or Men I Trust, Québec City’s own terminally chill indie pop savants.
Benson Boone brought his signature backflips to the Bell Stage on Saturday night, following a standout performance by rising pop star Remi Wolf, while George Thorogood played the blues on the second stage. On Sunday, Def Leppard and Extreme returned fans to the hair metal era, while Wyclef Jean brought his global party to Place George V in the heart of the city. Monday was a celebration of Québecois folk rock and Acadian culture, led by Montreal’s Salebarbes, while Tuesday welcomed international rap artists, including French duo Bigflo & Oli and Québec’s Fredz. Canadian country artists Matt Lang, Jade Eagleson and Alli Walker threw it down in Place George V on Tuesday, as well.
Stay tuned for the rest of the Festival, which runs until July 13, featuring upcoming performances by Shania Twain, Hozier, Slayer, and more. Check out FEQ’s Instagram for in-the-moment highlights from the festival.
View photos of FEQ 2025at this link (please credit photographers “FEQ/photographer name”):
https://festivaldetedequebec.pixieset.com/festivaletedequebec2025/
BENSON BOONE:
The “Beautiful Things” hitmaker continues his high-flying, backflipping quest for global domination
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
AVRIL LAVIGNE:
Canada’s favorite Sk8ter girl performs a set filled with shout-along hits
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
ROD STEWART:
The legendary Rod Stewart proves that his one-of-a-kind pipes have only gotten better with age
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
DEF LEPPARD:
Hair metal’s most successful band continues to drive crowds into Hysteria
(Credit: FEQ / Sebastien Dion)
WYCLEF JEAN:
The former Fugee spreads much needed positivity during his vibrant set
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bougeois)
THUNDERCAT:
Wielding his six-string bass, Thundercat displays virtuosity on the Loto-Québec Stage
(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)
ALESSIA CARA:
Born and raised in Ontario, Alessia Cara smoldered for her fellow Canadian fans
(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)
REMI WOLF:
The 29-year-old artist showcased her unique pop sensibility on the Bell Stage
(Credit: FEQ / Sebastien Dion)
MEN I TRUST:
Playing in their hometown, Men I Trust seemed supremely at ease as they played their unique blend of R&B, indie, and soft rock
(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)
SIMPLE PLAN:
Québec’s favorite pop-punkers turn the clock back to 2002 with a nostalgic set
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
BIGFLO & OLI:
Performing with a full band, the veteran Toulouse hip-hop duo plays for an excited Francophone crowd
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
SALEBARBES:
The traditional Québecois folk group pulls out all the stops for a circus-like show (Credit: FEQ / Marc Antoine Halle)
SCENES FROM THE FESTIVAL:
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
(Credit: FEQ / Dylan Page)
Vanille DJs at the official FEQ Aftershow
(Credit: FEQ / Sebastien Dion)
(Credit: FEQ / Marc Antoine Halle)
(Credit: FEQ / Marion Desjardins)
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
The scene at the Plains of Abraham
(Credit: FEQ / Stephane Bourgeois)
Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.
Critical Praise:
“I put it up there with Coachella, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands – it’s in the conversation as a top five festival in North America, for sure.” – Pollstar
“With their passion for their city and music at the centre of their plans, it’s safe to say the festival won’t be a hidden gem for long.” – NME
“Beyond the lineup, FEQ stands above other Canadian festivals of the same capacity when it comes to accessibility thanks to easy walkability from different stages, as well as access to and from the city. It’s situated amongst various parks and greenery, creating a perfect balance of modern stage design and outdoors beauty. ” – Consequence
“FEQ in Quebec will be your new favorite music festival…With the proliferation of music festivals here in North America and throughout the world, the choice of where to spend one’s money and time to see the artists you love is not an easy one. Based on the brief experience I had at the fest, I daresay that FEQ might be your best bet.” – Paste
“The result was a festival that remained impressive—in terms of both the fashion and the music—for the entire duration of its 12-day run. We can’t wait to see who graces the stage, and the audience, next year.” – Forbes
“Nested in the pure and bliss city of Quebec, the famed Festival d’été de Québec, stands as the apex of Canadian festival culture, dominating its industry since its beginning in 1968.” – Clash Magazine
“Surmise to say that Festival d’été de Québec is a gorgeously grassroots affair: created for the enjoyment of the province’s population, curated with a well-conceptualised human touch, and consummated by the wonderfully joyous people of the city.” – The Line of Best Fit
“Held annually in the provincial capital of la belle province since 1968, Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is one of Canada’s largest live music events: a world class experience that plays host to a genre-diverse collection of emerging artists and international stars alike.” – Exclaim!
The Background:
About FEQ
In the heart of Quebec City, the Festival d’été de Québec welcomes international icons, rising stars and emerging artists of all musical genres.
Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is a music festival managed by a non-for-profit organization, right in the heart of Québec City. With five stages located in the historic part of Quebec City, the most imposing of which is on the Plains of Abraham, the event takes place in a unique setting. The FEQ offers more than 150 shows of all genres, from the biggest headliners in the world to the emerging scene, and has been getting hundreds of thousands of festival-goers dancing and singing since 1968. For 11 consecutive evenings, the city center resembles a real urban and open-air celebration. The FEQ is an accessible and safe gathering, a truly immersive experience in Quebec music and culture.
About BLEUFEU
BLEUFEU is an event organizer and show promoter that presents festive and inspiring experiences, including the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ), Toboggan – New Year’s Evenings and St-Roch XP, in addition to presenting hundreds of shows throughout the year at the Imperial Bell and a new showroom opening soon. The new umbrella brand will oversee the various existing NPOs, which already have a reputation in the industry for the quality of its productions. BLEUFEU has more than sixty permanent employees and recruits over 500 contract workers each year, in addition to hundreds of volunteers. Visit BLEUFEU.com for more information.
Links:
official site | tiktok | facebook | youtube | instagram
Visit the FEQ website for FAQs and tickets: https://www.feq.ca/en