Festival d'été de Québec (FEQ) is gearing up for its much-anticipated 2025 event, with the lineup set to be unveiled on February 26, 2025, at noon. Fans are already buzzing with excitement and speculation over which artists will grace the stage on the historic Plains of Abraham. With just under 24 hours before the announcement, various names are circulating, and it looks like this year's festival will be another standout event.
Rumors have flown thick and fast, especially following the recent lineup reveal by the Ottawa Bluesfest, which has lent credibility to several names expected to perform at FEQ 2025. While this year’s lineup may not feature megastars like Post Malone, Metallica, or Green Day, it still promises to deliver diverse musical styles every night, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
Among the artists speculated to perform are rock icons Def Leppard, whose recent festival announcements for July reinforce their likely presence at FEQ. Their tour schedule has them performing various dates around Canada, leading many to predict the band will eventually join the festival lineup without much doubt.
Another strong contender for the stage is pop-punk legend Avril Lavigne, potentially joined by Simple Plan for what could be described as a nostalgic evening of hits on July 4. This combo is sure to bring together fans longing for the classics of their youth. Adding to the country vibes, Shania Twain’s tour dates are aligning perfectly for her to appear, likely on July 12, making it another highlight for country music fans.
French rap duo Bigflo & Oli is also believed to be part of the lineup, having teased their participation through their social media. They are expected to perform alongside rising star Fredz, marking their continued influence within the Quebec music scene. Excitingly, the festival will continue its tradition of featuring Electronic music with Don Diablo scheduled to headline the electro night on July 9.
Recently, the buzz surrounding Salebarbes has intensified, as they are reportedly slated to headline the annual carte blanche evening, showcasing their growing popularity across Quebec. This year will not be short on talent, with other artists like Benson Boone and Hozier also on the list of possible performers, the latter of whom is drawing significant attention on streaming platforms.
For those reflecting on the history and evolution of the FEQ, it’s interesting to note the significant developments surrounding ticket pricing. Over the past 25 years, the festival has managed to remain one of the most affordable options for live music, with general admission passes this year priced at $165, up from $150 last year. It marks the continued commitment to offering great value for festival-goers when compared to typical concert ticket prices.
Just to provide some historical perspective, back in 2000, festival passes were as low as $8, transitioning to $30 by 2008, when the event celebrated its 400th anniversary. A significant leap occurred when prices hit $100 with the 2016 edition, featuring high-profile acts like Rammstein and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
This upward trend showcases the festival's growth and increasing stature within the music festival circuit globally. Notably, the demand has never been higher, highlighting the perfect balance between diverse programming and ticket accessibility.
Despite the absence of some notable names from this year's speculation—like Limp Bizkit, Mumford & Sons, and heavyweights such as Taylor Swift and Coldplay—the excitement surrounding FEQ remains palpable. The festival continues to evolve, reflecting not just the changes within the music industry but also appealing to the loyalty and passion of longtime festival enthusiasts.
With the lineup announcement looming, fans are counting down the hours, awaiting confirmation of these rumors and the chance to experience live music on the Plains of Abraham once again. The festival undoubtedly fosters community, joy, and rich musical experiences during the summer of 2025.