If you’re traveling for music festival season next year, you might want to consider heading north to visit our friends in Canada for this one-of-a-kind concert experience. Festival d'été de Québec, or FEQ 2025, delivered an enchanting 11-night experience (July 3–13) with over 150 performances across six stages, including two free-access venues—making the festival feel both grand and inclusive. Headliners spanned generations and genres: Rod Stewart, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Hozier, Kygo, Slayer, Benson Boone, Farruko and Ice Spice graced the iconic Plains of Abraham, which hosts a capacity of 100,000.
Amenities, actually cool brand pop-ups and culture
The festival’s charm lies in its seamless integration into Quebec City—where historic architecture provides a gorgeous backdrop. Brand activations, pop-up installations, freebies, and interactive art enhanced the ambiance—plus a “Pop-Up FEQ” treasure hunt and surprise concerts added delightful spontaneity. Culinary offerings were plentiful both within the festival and in nearby eateries—from street-food trucks at Cœur du FEQ to sit-down venues like Bistro L’Atelier, Le Bedeau and Chez Ashton, all offering regional specialties and vegan/vegetarian options. There are dedicated FEQ merch boutiques throughout the grounds, plenty of water-filling stations and restrooms for comfort and convenience.
Getting around the festival grounds
Set against architectural beauty and cozy streets, the festival is as much about the city as it is the music. Quebec City’s layout makes FEQ easy to navigate. Public transit—although not available during my weekend—has in the past handled post-show crowds efficiently, and moving on foot through barricaded streets, bridges, and parks felt smooth and safe. Family-friendly zones and free stages gave parents options for weekend entertainment—making FEQ a terrific festival to attend with kids.
Why book FEQ over other music fests
The union of an 11-day, genre-spanning festival with the intimacy of a local garage band sets FEQ apart. Critics agree that FEQ is a contender for the top five festivals in North America. Passes are affordable and fully transferable—starting at around $120—making it one of the most budget-friendly major festivals anywhere. Strong cultural vibrancy and community feeling—quasi pop-art branding, citywide inclusivity and deep roots in Quebecois identity—create an atmosphere where the city truly is the headliner.