The 18th edition of OSHEAGA, Music and Arts Festival presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Light took over Parc Jean-Drapeau this weekend, delivering three days of world-class performances and memorable crowd moments. Once again, OSHEAGA reaffirmed its status as Canada’s best music festival, uniting over 142,000 fans (60% travelling in from outside Québec).
The festival kicked off on Friday, as the stages lit up with a mix of indie charm, pop hits, hip-hop and a little country. With performances kicking off at 2 p.m., fans were treated to back-to-back performances for more than 9 hours each day! The festival was in full force right out of the gate with explosive sets across the site, including Bibi Club‘s SiriusXM Backyard Sessions, where they created a beautiful and intimate atmosphere to play their pop music. Joey Valence & Brae took to the belairdirect VALLEY stage for a performance inspired by nightclubs and The Beastie Boys, reimagined for modern music lovers. Damiano David of Måneskin delivered a magnetic performance that had fans buzzing, while Vancouver’s Ekkstacy unleashed a high-energy set, and FINNEAS made a triumphant solo return for his third OSHEAGA appearance (the last two times were with his sister Billie Eilish). “We always have a good time at this festival, and tonight won’t be any different,” he declared. And he was right.
Dominic Fike radiated joy as he took the stage, bringing a special moment by covering Coldplay’s “Yellow”, met with roaring approval. Over at the Scotia Bank FOREST stage, Jorja Smith enchanted the audience with her soulful vocals, proving once again why she’s a fan favourite! Local talent Pypy shined bright at the SiriusXM Backyard Sessions, proudly representing Montréal’s rich music scene! The lead singer’s charisma and vocals created a punk rock ambiance like no other. Glass Animals brought their signature quirky energy to the Coors Light MOUNTAIN stage. They were floored by the crowd’s synchronized singing, which carried all the way to the final chorus. Barry Can’t Swim thrilled electronic music fans with a full-band set!
The Killers truly killed, with lead singer Brandon Flowers dominating the stage and holding the crowd in the palm of his hand, bringing the rock ‘n’ roll heat while looking cool and completely in control of the fans. The band started out with a kiss and a bang, opening with their huge hit, the anthemic “Mr. Brightside” (over 2.6 billion streams) and later bringing Lucy Dacus on stage for an emotional rendition of “Read My Mind”. Dacus was visibly moved, creating a heartwarming highlight of the night.
Meanwhile, Doechii lit up the Scotiabank FOREST stage with her first-ever performance in Canada, leaving a powerful first impression.
photo by Tim Snow/OSHEAGA
Saturday continued with incredible momentum, drawing a sold-out crowd that brought unmatched energy to the festival grounds. Opening the Coors Light MOUNTAIN stage was Good Neighbours, who impressed with their commanding stage presence, setting the tone for a day of standout performances. Taking up the mid-afternoon spot on the Bell RIVER stage was Alex Warren, drawing thousands to the OSHEAGA site early to sing, laugh, and cry along to his deeply personal (but randomly funny) set. Naomi Sharon’s soft voice was a blissful breath of fresh air, and later, Adam Ten’s infectious beats got the crowd moving at the Cola-Cola ISLAND stage. Fans lined up early to catch Gracie Abrams’ return to OSHEAGA, and this time, she was greeted by a significantly larger and even more enthusiastic crowd than the one she had three years ago on the same stage. Her gratitude was palpable! Sammy Virji praised Montréal as “one of the best crowds,” and the feeling was mutual as he closed the Coca-Cola ISLAND stage.
Capping off the night, Tyler, The Creator brought his unique blend of theatrical flair and raw energy to the Bell RIVER stage, treating fans who had just seen him at the Bell Centre days earlier with first time ever performances tracks from his new album. His OSHEAGA set was explosive, unhinged, and unforgettable.
This year, OSHEAGA’s YUL EAT Gardens powered by Interac® expanded! Now with two locations on the festival grounds, festivalgoers had a wide variety of Montreal staples to choose from to fill their bellies while enjoying the show! Food tents and food trucks all over the site offered gluten-free and vegan options in addition to festival favourites like burgers, poutines and tacos! Plus, tons of on-site bars offered a variety of beers, ready-to-drink and signature cocktails, and many non-alcoholic options (including slusheaga)!
Sunday proved that the festival saved some of its best acts for last. Rising star Jade LeMac debuted her unreleased track “Running Home” and gushed that Montréal is her “favourite city ever”! Rose Perron, the lead vocalist from local act Rau_ze, showed incredible stage presence throughout their afternoon slot on the belairdirect VALLEY stage. Mark Ambor lit up the Bell RIVER stage with magnetic presence and infectious energy, fully commanding the crowd, while Gigi Perez stunned with her powerful, soulful vocals just over at the Coors Light MOUNTAIN stage.
BigXthaPlug quickly became one of the weekend’s highlights, delivering a set full of good vibes and southern hip-hop. Fans were treated to a unique moment when Royel Otis invited Jordan Miller of Canadian rock darlings The Beaches on stage for a surprise collaboration! Cage the Elephant delivered a fiery performance, with frontman Matt Shultz standing out as a true force of nature on stage.
Olivia Rodrigo brought the curtain down in style. Marking the final stop of her GUTS Tour, the pop-rock sensation gave an emotionally-charged, cathartic, fun and empowering performance that solidified her place as a generational voice who brought people of all ages to the festival, including some of OSHEGA’s youngest, newest fans (and their parents!). She’s certainly earned her spot as OSHEAGA’s closing headliner on the Bell RIVER stage!
It was a fitting finale to a weekend filled with emotional highs, intense emotions, the best pop, rock, indie, hip-hop and electronic dance music. We sang, we danced, made new friends and soaked in the festival magic on the best site in the world, surrounded by nature and accessible by public transit. For the third year in a row, Saturday tickets and 3-day tickets sold out before the festival began: a clear sign of the growing excitement and demand. Journalists from around North America remarked that they were in awe of the site and organization of the festival.
Evenko 50/50 Raffle
EVENKO FOUNDATION
The evenko foundation was on-site at the OSHEAGA for the third edition of its 50/50 raffle (more than $43,000 was raised so far). All funds raised will help provide musical instruments to Quebec schools in need. Participate in the 50/50 raffle to support a good cause and get a chance to win the grand prize, which will be drawn on August 19! The foundation was also present at Artist World to collect signatures from artists like Alex Warren, Glass Animals, Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo and more! . Learn more about the evenko foundation: fondationevenko.ca
The team behind OSHEAGA Music and Arts Festival presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Light, extends a huge thank you to sponsors and public partners who reinvent themselves and invest in their activations to mark and enhance the festivalgoer experience.
OSHEAGA thanks: Birkenstock, DEFENDER, Scotiabank, Absolut, Monster Energy, SiriusXM Canada, Skip, Samsung Galaxy, Bacardí, belairdirect, Loto-Québec, Coca-Cola, Hayu, YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and the Société du Parc-Jean-Drapeau.
Moreover, we OSHEAGA thankfully acknowledges the continuous support from the Gouvernement du Québec through the Ministère du Tourisme and Kéroul, and the Secrétariat à la région métropolitaine, as well as TourismeMontréal.
| FLASH SALE! See you next year from July 31 to August 2, 2026! Get your tickets for OSHEAGA 2026 at the lowest price. Act fast, this offer ends on August 10 at 10 p.m. |
recap and images provided by OSHEAGA 2025
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