The Francos de Montréal festival is set to return for its 36th edition, bringing a vibrant lineup of artists to the Quartier des spectacles from June 13 to June 21, 2025. This year, the festival promises an exciting mix of both free outdoor performances and ticketed indoor concerts, showcasing a diverse array of musical talent.
The festival's organizers unveiled the full program on April 29, 2025, revealing that two-thirds of the shows will be free to the public. This approach aims to make the festival accessible to a wider audience, allowing music lovers to enjoy live performances from renowned artists without the barrier of ticket prices.
Among the headliners for the outdoor stages are Lou-Adriane Cassidy, P'tit Belliveau, Clara Luciani, Grand Corps Malade, and Salebarbes, who will perform on the main Rogers Stage. Jay Scøtt will kick off the festival, setting the tone for a series of electrifying performances. The inclusion of artists like Tiken Jah Fakoly, who hails from Ivory Coast, adds an international flavor to the lineup.
In addition to the main stage acts, the festival will feature numerous performances throughout the week. Isabelle Boulay, Galaxie, Sarahmée, and Thierry Larose will take the stage at the Scène Loto-Québec during prime time, while emerging talents like N NAO, Stéphanie Boulay, and Marie-Pierre Arthur will perform earlier in the evening.
The festival also showcases its commitment to nurturing new talent through initiatives like La Traversée, a collaborative project between the École nationale de la chanson and the Francofolies de La Rochelle. This initiative will feature up-and-coming artists such as Super Plage, Coline Rio, James Baker, and Vanille, providing them a platform to reach wider audiences.
As part of the outdoor programming, the Scène Desjardins will host Urban Evenings, featuring performances by rap artists Vendou, Calamine, Fléau Dicaprio, and Sensei H. Meanwhile, the Scène Spotify will host Soirées Électriques, highlighting exciting projects and artists including Safia Nolin, Peter Peter, thaïs, zouz, and Corridor.
The indoor concerts are equally impressive, with notable performances from GIMS at the Centre Bell, Claude Dubois at the Théâtre Maisonneuve, and Fred Fortin celebrating his album "Planter le décor" at Club Soda. Ariane Roy will also perform at Club Soda, while Bon Enfant and Comment Debord will share the stage at MTELUS. A special tribute concert, "D’eux, 30 ans déjà: Célébrons Céline!" will honor the legacy of Céline Dion at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, celebrating her influential album released in 1995.
Each night promises a variety of acts, with performances from established artists and newcomers alike. For instance, on June 14, Rita Baga will perform at the Scène ROGERS, followed by a lineup that includes Mononc Serge and Anonymus at Club Soda, and Fredz at MTELUS. The festival aims to create a rich tapestry of musical experiences, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
As anticipation builds for the festival, the Francos de Montréal continues to highlight the importance of live music in fostering community and cultural exchange. With its diverse lineup and commitment to accessibility, the festival not only celebrates established artists but also champions emerging talent, reflecting the dynamic landscape of the francophone music scene.
For those eager to experience the festival, the complete program is available online, and tickets for indoor shows can be purchased through official channels. As the festival dates approach, fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a week filled with unforgettable performances.
