Everyone knows about Coachella, but what if I told you there’s an incredible music festival in Quebec City? Every year, dozens of local and international singers come to the Festival d’été de Québec to perform on the famous Plains of Abraham in front of thousands of people.
Do you want to learn more about it? Let me tell you everything you should know about the Festival d’été de Québec, which is, in my opinion, the best summer music festival in Canada.
What Is the Festival d’Été de Québec?
Let me start with the beginning: what exactly is the Festival d’été de Québec? How is it so special?
The Festival d’été de Québec, or FEQ, is a summer music festival that usually takes place during the first two weeks of July on the Plains of Abraham and other areas in Quebec City. More than 100,000 people can enjoy concerts at this location, and several artists come to perform every year.
What is unique about this event is that you can enjoy going to concerts for 10 days. One night is often dedicated to old rock groups, another to country stars, pop, DJs, etc. There are shows for every type of music lover at a reasonable price. It is, with the Winter Carnival, the most popular event in Quebec City.
Just in 2024, the Festival d’été de Québec had popular artists like 50 Cent, Carly Ray Jepsen, Geddy Lee, the Jonas Brothers, Kansas, Motley Crue, Nickelback, Post Malone, Rise Against, The Box, The Offspring, and the Zac Brown Band.
How Can I Get Tickets?
If you want to attend the Festival d’été de Québec, you must know how to get passes.
First, they often organize a pre-sale in February, when the lineup has yet to be revealed. This pre-sale gives you passes for the whole duration, but only a limited number of tickets are available. They are often sold out in less than an hour, so be ready!
If you’re unable to get the pre-sale passes, you can sometimes purchase daily tickets for shows that aren’t full. Unfortunately, major shows may be considered complete or too popular to offer more tickets.
Here’s a tip: if a show really interests you, look on Facebook Marketplace. Many people rent or sell their Festival d’été de Québec passes when they don’t want or can’t attend some shows. Of course, since scams exist, only trust sellers who accept to meet in person.
7 Frequently Asked Questions About the Festival d’Été de Québec
If it’s your first time attending the Festival d’été de Québec, here are some things you should know to ensure you have a great time.
When Does the Quebec Summer Festival Usually Occur?
This event usually lasts 10 days and occurs during the first two weeks of July. In 2025, the festival will take place from July 3rd to July 13th.
How Much Does a FEQ Pass Cost?
A pass costs approximately $150 CAD per person for the whole festival and all the outdoor shows. Some VIP ticket options are also available. To learn more, visit the Choose My Pass webpage on the official FEQ website.
If you’re wondering about Quebec City travel costs, read this: Is Quebec Expensive?
When Do We Know Which Singers Will Be Performing?
The lineup for the festival is revealed in February, after the pre-sale. As mentioned above, there’s at least one rock group, pop singer, country star, renowned DJ, and many local artists.
How Many Stages Are There at the FEQ?
Of course, the Festival d’été de Québec’s primary stage is on the Plains of Abraham National Park. Still, there are smaller stages in the city: 2 at the Parc de la Francophonie, one at the Parc de l’Assemblée Nationale, and one at the Place d’Youville.
During the festival, some special shows can also occur at the Grand Théâtre de Québec.
How Can I Get There?
Depending on where you are located, there are many ways to get to the FEQ. First, you can drive to a nearby parking lot, but let me tell you that it gets a bit chaotic on the streets when a show ends and 100,000 people rush to get out of downtown.
If you stay close to the Plains of Abraham, the best way is by foot. If that’s not possible, opt for travelling by bus. There are special buses for the FEQ. You could also consider renting a bike with the ÀVelo service or taking a cab.
If you’re coming or leaving from the airport, this article will be useful to you: How to Get From Quebec City Airport to Downtown. If you’re headed to Montreal before or after, this read will be practical: How to Get From Montreal to Quebec City.
Looking for Bus Tickets Throughout Quebec?
What Happens If It Rains?
Shows are usually only cancelled when there is a thunderstorm; therefore, if it rains, bring a poncho.
At What Time Should I Arrive at the Festival?
It depends on many things: how popular the singer is, the stage, the weather… Usually, they open the gates around 6 p.m., but people can get in line as early as the morning to be in front. Please note that in the past, the Festival d’été de Québec has to close the gates because there were too many people.
Here is what I usually do: I grab something to eat on Grande Allée for supper, and then I manage to be in line when the gates open.
In conclusion, the Festival d’été de Québec is THE event to attend if you’re a music enthusiast. For less than $200, you can access more than a week of shows and great performances with different themes every night. It’s no surprise that bands like Imagine Dragons, Metallica, and Foo Fighters did come more than once!
If you have your pass, the next thing you should do is book your accommodation. If you need help with that, feel free to look at my suggestions on the best locations to stay in Quebec City.
Are you looking for other tips related to visiting Quebec City? These articles might interest you:
What to Do in Quebec City region and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Quebec City region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Admire Quebec City’s largest waterfall and take a cable car to the top of the Montmorency Falls.
- Experience a unique walking adventure in the heart of Old Quebec and learn about its history.
- Discover the food, beverages, and vineyards of Île d’Orléans.
- Explore the wilderness near Quebec City with a hike in the Jacques-Cartier National Park.
- Introduce yourself to speed skating in Quebec City with top athletes on an inside ice ring.
- Ziplining above the Sainte-Anne canyon near Quebec City.
- Sleep comfortably at the Fairmont Château Frontenac and enjoy an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River.
- Enjoy a peaceful room at the Hilton Quebec and take a dip in the only year-round heated outdoor pool in Quebec City.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
Do you want to learn more about the beautiful province of Quebec? Take a look at our other pins!
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