Music Festivals in Montreal in 2022
Montreal is situated in southeastern Canada and is the country's second most populated city. Its citizens are proud of the French colonial history that has transformed it into the city that it is today. Thanks to its location on the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal thrived as a trade route which helped it to become a financial, manufacturing and transportation powerhouse.
Although it has embraced modernity, Montreal holds its past close to its heart and places like Old Montreal give visitors an insight into its story and traditions. Today Montreal stands as an impressive place that is known for its great food and entertainment industries, namely the music scene.
Montrealers love their festivals which is why the city hosts all sorts of events throughout the year. From the warm days of summer to the freezing winter nights, no season can keep Montreal quiet and there is always some sort of event going on.
Listed below are some of the best music festivals in Montreal. All of them are happening this year, so make sure you snatch some tickets as soon as they are available!
Visit a baggage locker in Montreal to stow your suitcases while you are at the festivals. And did you know Montreal also has a fantastic subway system? Use public transit in Montreal and learn how by reading our guide to getting around the city.
The Best Music Festivals in Montreal in 2022
Igloofest
Igloofest is the much-awaited electronic music festival that happens every winter in Montreal. This is something that the locals look forward to near the end of the long winter months, and this year it is happening from the 13th of January to the 5th of February. The events are held at the Jacques Quartier Quay of the Old Port in downtown Montreal.
There are so many artists who play for us outside in the freezing cold during this two-week event. Dress warmly since it gets chilly, but don't worry since the spiked warm drinks and adrenaline will keep you warm. Names like Fatboy Slim, Maceo Plex, DJ Tennis, Claptone, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Diplo, Dillon Francis, Bonobo, Gunna and Richie Hawtin will be playing this year.
Tam-Tams Montreal
This festival brings us back to before the beginning of Montreal and honors the original habitants of the land. Come experience the aboriginal culture of Montreal at the Tam-Tams Montreal festival happening at Mount Royal Park from the 1st of May all the way until the 25th of September.
There are no specific performers attending the event but it is really impressive once it gets going. Thousands of drummers, dancers and audience members gather in a circle every Sunday for the entire summer to create an inclusive and lively atmosphere. Expect drinking, smoking and a great time.
Metro Metro
From May 20th to 22nd the urban music festival Metro Metro is making a return to Montreal. It is a popular festival among rap music fans, and there are some great names who are set to perform this year in 2022! We aren't kidding, you won't want to overlook this one. They will all be playing at the Olympic Park Esplanade in Montreal, Quebec.
Although it was postponed for the last two years now the festival is back and will be better than ever. Lil Baby, Young Thug and Playboy Carti are the biggest names making an appearance this year. We are equally as excited to see rappers like Lil Tecca, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Polo G and Lil Pump!
Piknic Electronik
All the way from the 22nd of May to the 2nd of October Piknic Electronik takes over the Parc Jean Drapeau. This is when you will get the chance to hear some of the best electronic music by the top DJs around the world performing right here in Montreal.
There are lots of names who will be attending the festival so check the schedule often to see who is playing next. Keep an eye out for Sierra, Octave One Live, Batu, Funktastic Journey, Darius, Lis Dalton, Sugarface Belfo, Breakbot, Victor Rodriguez, CMD and Poirier B2B Kyou to name a few.
Suoni Per Il Popolo
Suoni Per Il Popolo is definitely one of the unique and smaller music festivals in Montreal, but still one worth checking out. You will have lots of time to visit since the festival is happening for most of the month of June, spanning from the 3rd to the 29th. The venue is set at La Sala Rossa on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal and aims to bring the community together with music.
This is when the local citizens and tourists who attend the event get the opportunity to explore more experimental sounds that push the boundaries of normal music. It is going to be an unforgettable experience and as a bonus, most of the activities are free! Come see artists like Blessed and The Besnard Lakes as well as other talented performers from improv, Avant fold, noise, free jazz and twentieth century classical genres.
Montreal Jazz Fest
Chances are that you have already heard about the Montreal Jazz Fest which hosts hundreds of shows every year. In 2022 the 42nd edition of the festival will be happening from June 30th to July 9th and it already has a lineup of hundreds of talented artists. It will be happening in the Quartier des Spectacles so you can start planning your trip to Montreal.
Of course there are way too many names to list them all but some of the biggest performances include Woodkid, Marcus Miller, The Roots, Ludovico Einaudi, Pink Martini, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Kamasi Washington, Tash Sultana, Masego and Robert Glasper. Don't miss your chance to see them perform, especially since many of the concerts are free!
International Nights of Africa Festival
Montreal is a multicultural city that celebrates cultures and backgrounds from all around the world, and at the International Nights of Africa Festival, it is time for the Caribbean, Latin American and African cultures to shine. This event will be happening from the 12th to the 24th of July at the Quartier des Spectacles. There will be more than just concerts happening but also family fun activities, workshops, dancing and a market selling exotic food and drink.
About 700 artists known around the world will be attending so keep an eye out for your favorite band. Headliners include Tiken Jah Fakoly and Femi Kuti and other appearances will be from Moktar Gania, Gnawa Soul, Femi Kuti, The Positive Force, Lara Klaus, Boulila, Blaise, Clerel, Senaya, Jab Djab and many others. Performances will be happening at both indoor and outdoor venues!
Osheaga
One of the biggest music festivals of the year is Osheaga which will be happening from July 29th to 31st, 2022. This indie music event happens at the same amazing venue in Parc Jean Drapeau every year and always brings in festival goers from around the world as well as nearly 100 bands. It is one of the top music festivals in North America!
The headliners for this year include fantastic groups like Arcade Fire, A$AP Rocky and Dua Lipa playing alongside other big names like Machine Gun Kelly, Glass Animals, Porter Robinson, Kygo, Charli XCX, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Burna Boy and Damso. So many other amazing bands will be taking to the stage so don't miss your chance to see them play live.
ÎleSoniq
Are you looking forward to the 2022 edition of ÎleSoniq? For three days during this music festival in early August from the 5th to 7th the Parc Jean Drapeau is turned into the biggest outdoor nightclub dancefloor and it is an event that you won't want to miss attending in person. Tickets are being sold so save the date and buy your pass now!
The producers always score the best and biggest names in the electronic music industry as well as up and coming artists. This year you can look forward to a fantastic performance from Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz and Illenium as well as Black Tiger Sex Machine and DVBBS. Just try to contain your excitement!
Lasso Montreal
Your life is about to change because the first edition of Lasso Montreal is heading to the Espace 67 at Parc Jean Drapeau in Montreal, Quebec from the 12th to the 13th of August, 2022. This country music festival is long-awaited as it was announced nearly three years ago but was put on hold due to the pandemic.
Now that they have the go-ahead to play this year the lineup has begun to roll out and everyone is already getting excited. Sign up to see bands like Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Riley Green, Tenille Townes, Ashley McBryde, Breland, Tim Hicks, Robyn Ottolini, Five Roses, Brittany Kennel, Lily Rose, and more great singers.
MUTEK Montreal
Keep a note on your calendars because MUTEK Montreal is happening from the 23rd to the 38th of August, 2022. For six whole days and nights, you can participate in an audiovisual experience right here in Montreal at various locations around the city. This includes the Theatre Maisonneuve, Place Des Arts, MTELUS, Les Studios des 7 Doigts and Agora Hydro-Quebec.
It is promising to be like nothing you have experienced before so come explore the new sensations at MUTEK Montreal. Names include Aquarian, Cora Novoa, Liliane Chlela, Nicola Cruz, Powder, Tarta Relena, Smerz, Efe Ce Ele, Bendik Giske, Carmen Villain, Dauwd, Koreless, Max Cooper, Architecture Social Club, NSDOS, Azu Tiwaline and so many more.
Pop Montreal
Heading to Montreal from September 28th to the 2nd of October is POP Montreal, an event presented by a non-profit community organization. They promote creativity and independence by highlighting new and upcoming small bands and singers from around the globe and anyone can apply to play. These emerging artists will be playing at different parks and venues around town so keep up to date with all of the news on their website.
Acknowledge new groups like Fernie, Chilly Gonzales, Tess Roby, Thanya Iyer, Aldous Harding and H Hawkline. Aside from music, this event also focuses on arts and filmmaking. There is a lot going on and you might get the chance to meet the next big star, so head there as soon as it starts.
Planning to Stay Some More Days in Montreal?
Whether your festival is lasting for a couple of days or several weeks, there is always a reason to stay for a bit longer in Montreal. Even spending 3 more days will give you so much more time to explore and learn a bit more about this fantastic city in Canada.
Maybe you want to learn about science fiction or see artworks at a museum. Make time to try some of the amazing street food served from food trucks and restaurants around the city. Whether you are traveling with kids, friends, a loved one or alone, your vacation in Montreal is sure to be filled with laughs and amazing memories.
If you're planning to stay longer in Montreal, take a look at our other Montreal guides for other fun activities!
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Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Montreal
The Top Free Things To Do In Montreal
