Translated to “Quebec Summer Festival” in English, the Festival d’été de Quebec is one of, if not the, largest outdoor music events in Canada.
The festival hosts a wide range of artists and provides a massive party atmosphere.
Quebec’s Summer Festival
The festival is one of the biggest parties of the summer. It takes place over 11 days and attracts over a million people during that time (at least it did before the pandemic). There are artists from all sorts of musical genres meaning that there is usually something for everyone. The 2024 event happens from July 3 to 13 in 2025.
There is not just one venue either. While the main stage is located at the Plains of Abraham, there are a number of other venues set up around downtown Quebec City. The whole event is non-stop music!
Some of the stages are designated for specific styles. There’s usually one specifically for local artists and also one for electronic music and late night shows. And of course, if you want to see the biggest names you go to the Plains of Abraham.
Street performers often set themselves up in the paths between the different stages, providing further kinds of entertainment. There are usually kid-friendly activities too! If you go downtown during festival time, you’re definitely going to notice what’s happening.
Admission Options
Rather than buy individual tickets to different shows, you can buy a full festival pass good for all 11-days. The pass costs about $140 if you buy it in advance, and $150 if you buy it in the final month before the festival. There is often a limit of passes available and they come with a wristband and a blinking pin.
While re-selling the pass is not allowed, it is transferrable. This means that buying one together with a friend or two could be a great option if you’re not looking to go to shows every day of the festival.
Children ten years and younger can typically enter for free when accompanied by an adult. However, there is a limit of two children per adult most years.
Something else important to note is that these passes don’t guarantee seating at the different venues each day. Capacity is limited, so if you arrive at a stage that is packed you’ll be turned away. If there is a specific artist you really want to see make sure to arrive early! If you are turned away from a specific site, there should be other options to explore as well.
Premium Passes
In addition to the regular passes, there are three different premium options that give guaranteed seating at the Plains of Abraham main stage for the entirety of the festival.
The least expensive of these three is the Silver Front Stage Zone pass which costs about $560. The most expensive is the Gold Front Stage Zone pass which costs $970. It’s pricey, but if you want a spot right at the front then it can be worth it.
Everyone regardless of age must have a pass in the premium seating options. This means that children do not get in free like with the general passes.
The Artists
The festival always brings in some very popular acts for the festival. The 2024 headliners included 50 Cent, Post Malone, Carly Rae Jepsen, Nickelback and the Jonas Brothers. In 2023 the performers included Green Day, Lana Del Rey, Pitbull, Imagine Dragons and Foo Fighters.
More Important Info
For those with limited mobility there are reserved sections at the main stage. Spots in those zones must be booked in advance on the Festival d’été de Quebec website.
Drinks are sold at all the festival venues and there are event-run food options at the Plains of Abraham. The festival is a popular time for food trucks to come serve the crowds. Given that a lot of the event takes place downtown, there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby as well!
Even if it rains the festival usually marches on (unless it’s a full thunderstorm). Bring a rain jacket if the weather doesn’t look nice, or buy a poncho sold at some of the sites.
Other Information
For more information visit the Festival d’été de Quebec website.
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