The festival scene is heating up as the Ottawa Bluesfest announces its 2025 programming, stirring excitement and speculation among fans anticipating the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). The Bluesfest is set to run from July 10 to 20, 2025, overlapping with four days of the FEQ, which runs from July 3 to 13. This marks a notable change from past years, where the two events typically shared the same schedule.
With major acts like Def Leppard, Shania Twain, Green Day, Hozier, and Kaytranada gracing the Bluesfest stage, this year’s line-up creates a buzz about which artists may migrate to FEQ. Notably, Shania Twain's proximity to both festivals could finally see her performing on the historic plains of Abraham at the FEQ, especially since her concert at Ottawa Bluesfest is on July 13.
“We expect to see her name on the FEQ roster,” stated sources familiar with the festival’s planning. Twain's presence alongside acts such as Hozier and Def Leppard at Bluesfest reinforces speculation about their inclusion at the FEQ, as many of these artists have been rumored to leap from Ottawa to Quebec City.
The 2025 event at Bluesfest will be one to watch, with tickets already on sale for $299 plus taxes for general admission. This cost heightens interest from avid festival-goers, especially when compared to the FEQ’s more accessible $165 passes.
The Bluesfest will kick off on July 10 with Lainey Wilson, followed by another blockbuster night featuring Hozier on the 11th, and high-energy performances by punk band Turnstile along with classic rock legends the Pixies on July 12. The festival promises to deliver an exciting array of music genres, benefiting from what seems to be a record number of artists from Quebec and French Canada.
While excitement builds for Bluesfest, FEQ organizers are also preparing for their showcase, which will be revealed shortly. Both festivals operate under soaring public interest, and with their scheduling now having some overlap, many fans will be pondering how to manage their festival attendance.
Over the past weeks, festival aficionados have been dissecting potential line-ups, with key acts like Pixies and Men I Trust making headlines with their scheduled performances, fueling rumors about their likely presence at FEQ.
Although Bluesfest and FEQ will see artists share stages, the latter is maintaining its traditional July timing, running from July 3 to 13, paving the way for diverse musical experiences without total overlap.
Hozier and Def Leppard were mentioned among confirmed acts at Bluesfest, and their popularity raises eyebrows about their chances of appearing at FEQ. “It seems inevitable,” mentioned festival commentator concerning fans hopes to see these musical legends perform at both events.
Beyond the anticipated artists, the logistical coordination between the two festivals has drawn both excitement and concerns from attendees worried about how ticket sales and artist confirmations might play out.
Fans exceptionally eager for the festival season are buzzing with speculation over who may take the stage at the FEQ, especially with the Bluesfest line-up dropping hints of potential crossovers. The fact remains, July promises to be vibrant with live music, sustained excitement around big-name artists, and anticipation as these two magnificent festivals bloom simultaneously.
With schedule adjustments seen markedly this time around, it suggests organizers are adapting to cater to fans hopefully seizing the best of both festival experiences. Specifically, entering the summer months, the festival scene is expected to flourish, bringing expectations high through July.
Both festivals will remain under the watchful eye of attendees, as organizational shifts and artist confirmations develop leading up to the event. The anticipation for Bluesfest and FDQ adds layers of excitement for fans ready for the best summer of music yet.
With the festival dash drawing closer, it will be captivating to see how the line-ups evolve and which impressive artists will finally make cross town and stage appearances, solidifying the 2025 festival season as one of the most memorable yet.