FEQ black sweater being held up in the wind against the sky.

Festival d’été de Quebec is back this July

One of my favourite places to be every summer is Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) in Québec City. Due to COVID-19, the larger-than-life festival had to take a pause in 2020. You can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that FEQ is back, in a smaller form, this year!

Festival-goers can experience a very different FEQ this year, which will take place in Québec City from July 1 to 25. FEQ will be presenting 22 headliners in separate shows at the Manège militaire from July 8 to 18. The musical program will be enhanced with free activities such as the FEQ Hangout and VIEWS photo exhibition from July 1 to 25.

“It was important for us to find a way to contribute to the dynamism of the downtown area this year. It will really be hopping in July with the FEQ Hangout and VIEWS photo exhibition over a 25-day period, combined with a series of concerts at the Manège millitaire,” explains Anne Hudon, FEQ General Manager.

“In this spirit, we designed this very special edition. The desire to meet up again with our artists, our city and, above all, our festival-goers, was the driving force behind this project,” she says.

With two shows per night for 11 days, 22 major artists with no opening acts, the FEQ will be offering its fans lively, 100% Quebecois programming.

In addition to a stellar lineup, FEQ has released a cute and quirky merchandise line celebrating the festival’s return, in collaboration with local Québec illustrator Laurianne Poirier.

 

Check out all the programming details below.

Solar Series presented by Hydro Quebec – 6:30 p.m.
From July 8 to 18 at 6.30 p.m. at the Manège militaire, we welcome Ludovick Bourgeois on Thursday, July 8th, Cœur de Pirate on Friday, July 9th, Paul Piché on Saturday, July 10th, Steve Hill on Sunday, July 11th, comedian Alexandre Barrette on Monday, July 12th, Clay and Friends on Tuesday, July13th, Apashe on Wednesday, July 14th, Tire le coyote on Thursday, July 15th, Jonathan Roy on Friday, July 16th, White-B on Saturday, July 17th and Men I Trust on Sunday, July 18th.

Lunar Series presented by Loto Québec – 9:30 p.m.
From July 8 to 18 at 9:30 p.m. at the Manège militaire, we welcome 2Frères on Thursday, July 8, Klô Pelgag on Friday, July 9, Michel Pagliaro on Saturday, July 10, Matt Lang on Sunday, July 11, comedian Mehdi Boussaidan on Monday, July 12, Alaclair Ensemble on Tuesday, July 13, Valaire on Wednesday, July 14, Émile Bilodeau on Thursday, July 15, Marie-Mai on Friday, July 16, Loud on Saturday, July 17, and Geoffroy on Sunday, July 18.

The Virtual Series presented by Bell
Those who would prefer to experience FEQ in the comfort of their own homes will have this option for several shows on the bill. You can purchase a webcast link, valid for 24h, for the following shows: Ludovick Bourgeois (Thursday July 8, 6.30 p.m.), 2Frères (Thursday, July 8, 9.30 p.m.), Cœur de Pirate (Friday, July 9, 6.30 p.m.), Paul Piché (Saturday July 10, 6:30 p.m.), Steve Hill (Sunday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. ), Matt Lang (Sunday, July 11, 9:30 p.m. ), Clay and Friends (Tuesday July 13, 6:30 p.m.), Valaire (Wednesday, July 14, 9:30 p.m.), Émile Bilodeau (Thursday, July 15, 9:30 p.m.), Jonathan Roy (Friday, July 16, 6.30 p.m.), WhiteB (Saturday, July 17, 6.30 p.m.) and Geoffroy (Sunday July 18, 9.30 p.m.).

“It’s a rare opportunity to see artists of this caliber in such an intimate setting. This is also the Festival’s strongest Quebecois lineup in recent years and we are very proud of it!” rejoices Louis Bellavance, Programming Director.

VIEWS photo exhibition presented by Bell
FEQ’s archives are full of treasures. At the VIEWS photo exhibition, visitors are invited to browse through an open-air art gallery to relive FEQ’s greatest moments. More than a simple exhibition, VIEWS is a technological adventure in the hub of the Festival’s effervescence, offering a surprising audio-visual experience through augmented reality. A playful immersive concept to discover from July 1 to 25 at place George-V. Free admission.

The FEQ Hangout presented by the SAQ
To take advantage of those beautiful July days, the FEQ team dreamed up an ephemeral terrace at parc de la Francophonie. This friendly space filled with FEQ atmosphere will be the perfect spot for a picnic with family, colleagues or friends. Enjoy the site’s musical ambience, featuring the best FEQ playlists and a convivial space where you can relax while respecting public health measures. The FEQ Hangout will be open July 1 to 25 at parc de la Francophonie. Free admission.

Admission
In a departure from tradition, FEQ will not be issuing passes this year. Each of the 22 cabaret-style shows will be on sale separately. Two purchase options are available: One 2-seat table for $60 or one 4-seat table for $120, taxes and service charges included. Tickets for the Virtual Series presented by Bell are available for $20, including taxes and service charges (live webcast).

Complete information is available at feq.ca.

Cassandra Popescu

Cassandra Popescu

Contributor at ADDICTED
Cassandra is a writer and photographer based in Toronto, Ontario. In 2015, she picked up a camera and dove into concert photography. Since then, she has covered events like Festival d'été de Québec, Wayhome, Toronto Urban Roots Festival, Field Trip, Canadian Music Week, NXNE, and many more.
Cassandra Popescu