Québec City, Canada – The historic heart of Québec City is poised to host one of North America’s premier music events as the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) prepares for its 2025 edition. Scheduled to run from July 3 through July 13, 2025, the festival, now in its 58th year since its establishment in 1968, continues its legacy as one of the world’s longest continuously running music festivals.
Anticipation is already high, with many of the coveted transferable passes reportedly sold out shortly after becoming available. Organizers have promised an expansive program featuring a diverse array of international and national artists across multiple genres, reinforcing the FEQ’s reputation for delivering large-scale, accessible musical programming.
A Galaxy of Stars on the Plains of Abraham and Beyond
The 2025 lineup showcases a mix of legendary performers and contemporary chart-toppers, promising to draw massive crowds to the city’s iconic venues. Headlining acts confirmed for the festival include British rock icon Rod Stewart, country-pop superstar Shania Twain, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier, Canadian pop-punk queen Avril Lavigne, rising pop sensation Benson Boone, beloved Québécois folk ensemble Salesbarbes, rock titans Def Leppard, French hip-hop duo Bigflo & Oli, electronic music maestro Kygo, legendary thrash metal band Slayer, and Puerto Rican reggaeton star Farruko. This diverse roster highlights the festival’s commitment to offering something for every musical taste.
Complementing the headliners is a robust list of supporting artists spanning various genres. Festival-goers can also look forward to performances from Canadian singer Alessia Cara, punk rock veterans Simple Plan, experimental bassist Thundercat, indie pop artist Remi Wolf, dancehall star Sean Paul, country singer Nate Smith, electronic DJ Don Diablo, alternative rock pioneers Pixies, actress and singer Suki Waterhouse, French DJ Bon Sinclair, heavy metal band Mastodon, breakout rapper Ice Spice, and country star Maren Morris. The depth of talent underscores the festival’s status as a major stop on the global touring circuit.
Scale and Scope: An Event for Over a Million
The FEQ is not only renowned for its lineup but also for its sheer scale. The 2025 edition is expected to host over 150 shows spread across six distinct stages situated throughout the vibrant urban landscape of Québec City. This expansive setup allows for a constant flow of music and performances, offering festival-goers numerous options at any given time.
The festival footprint is designed to accommodate a massive influx of attendees, with organizers estimating an expected attendance exceeding 1 million people over the eleven-day period. This figure highlights the FEQ’s position as one of North America’s largest outdoor music events.
Iconic Venues and Accessibility
Central to the Festival d’été de Québec experience is the main stage, the Bell Stage on the historic Plains of Abraham. This natural amphitheater provides a breathtaking setting for the biggest performances and boasts a capacity of approximately 90,000 festival-goers, making it one of the largest outdoor concert venues in the world. The atmosphere on the Plains during headline shows is often described as electric, a massive gathering united by music.
While the Bell Stage and other major venues require a festival pass or ticket, the FEQ maintains a degree of accessibility by offering free access to performances at two of its six stages. This commitment ensures that the festival remains a vibrant cultural event accessible to a wider public, allowing residents and visitors alike to experience the festival atmosphere and discover new artists without requiring a paid entry.
Ticketing and Availability
Access to the majority of festival stages is granted through various ticketing options, including transferable passes and single-night tickets. The price range for passes and tickets for the 2025 festival spans from $125 to $1,010, reflecting the different access tiers and benefits offered. The rapid sale of most passes underscores the high demand and popularity of the event.
While the coveted multi-day, transferable passes are largely sold out, prospective attendees still have the opportunity to experience specific shows. Organizers have confirmed that one-night-only tickets remain available for purchase, providing flexibility for those unable to commit to the full festival duration or who wish to see a specific artist.
A Cornerstone of Québec City’s Summer
Since its inception in 1968, the Festival d’été de Québec has grown from a local event into a globally recognized music festival, fundamentally shaping the summer cultural landscape of Québec City. Its ability to attract top-tier international talent alongside a diverse range of artists, coupled with its impressive scale and historic setting, solidifies its status as a must-attend event.
As July 3, 2025, approaches, Québec City is preparing to welcome music fans from around the world for eleven days of unforgettable performances and cultural celebration, reaffirming the FEQ’s place as a cornerstone of the international festival circuit.
