For one unforgettable weekend this September, the normally serene coastal community of Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, transformed into a sensory wonderland of sound, flavour, and memory making entertainment. Sommo Music Festival 2025 cemented its place as a Canadian celebration of food and music — where artistry, appetite, and Atlantic charm came together in perfect harmony.
Produced by Whitecap Entertainment, the team behind the award-winning Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Sommo was a feast for the senses. From the first note to the final bite, this third edition of the coastal festival had elevated everything — the lineup, the energy, and yes, even the weather’s unpredictability — into something magical.
Saturday kicked off under clear skies and high spirits, headlined by none other than Alanis Morissette. With a career spanning from pop princess to quintessential rock queen, Alanis showed the Sommo fest crowd what it takes to be a true musical icon. She opened her set with “Hand in my Pocket” and spent nearly 2 hours serenading the seaside audience with over 20 hits, recent and classic. She closed with a powerhouse performance of You Oughta Know, Alanis’ voice was just as fierce and fiery as it was over 20 years ago as she sang hit after hit from Jagged Little Pill. Soon the crowd called her back for a much desired encore, and Alanis ended the night thanking everyone for a beautiful night with her poignant hit “Thank U.”
St. Paul & The Broken Bones brought their infectious Southern soul before Alanis, with singer Paul Janeway stealing the hearts of fans with every dance step and belting note. Playing hits like “Flow with it”, “Nothing more lonely” and “Sushi and Coca Cola”, Paul and his band sent the crowd to rock and roll heaven and back again.
The day’s earlier sets built up that electricity perfectly with artists Ducks Ltd. and East Coast duo Campbell & Johnston rounded out the day with indie charm and local flair. Alice Merton put on an incredible set, owning the stage with fierce energy and powerful vocals, with bashful stage banter and gracious gratitude in between radio hits and deep cuts.
Toronto’s own Goodnight Sunrise surprised with a special set in the VIP lounge after tearing up the Sandbanks stage. Fans got a chance to get up close to the dynamic duo thanks to the intimate setting, making for another memorable music experience at Sommo.
Sunday brought a very different kind of atmosphere — the skies opened up, but not even the steady rain could dampen the crowd’s spirit. Ponchos replaced sunglasses, but smiles stayed just as wide as fans packed the grounds for Hozier’s breathtaking set. His hauntingly beautiful performance under the misty twilight sky included hits like “Too Sweet”, and closed with the single “Take me to church” that made Hozier a near household name. Supporting acts like Alex Warren, PVRIS, Hollow Coves, Chiara Savasta, and Brooks & Bowskill kept the energy alive through the drizzle, proving that great music — like great food — makes even a rainy day and night enjoyable.
And speaking of food — the Culinary Stage was a festival all its own. Hosted by Chef Michael Smith, the beloved Food Network personality and PEI’s own culinary ambassador, the stage served up as many memorable moments as the main acts. Saturday featured Old Time Hawkey, who returned with his signature mix of humour and flavour, and this year, festivalgoers actually got to taste his creations at the new “Taste of Sommo” area. Chef Lauren Toyota wowed with her plant-based innovations, while Chef Kyle Campbell of Halifax’s Barrington Steakhouse and mixologist Emily Duggan from The Brickhouse Kitchen + Bar kept plates and glasses brimming with East Coast creativity.
On Sunday, Chef Smith pulled double duty as both host and featured chef, welcoming Andrea Buckett, Chef Guy Pratt of Studio East, and Halifax’s legendary bartender Shane Beehan to the stage. The mix of live demos, spontaneous tastings, and the occasional rain-soaked cheer from the crowd gave the day a festival flavour all its own — cozy, communal, and full of heart.
Sommo has always been more than just a festival — it’s a love letter to Atlantic Canada. The festival has carved out a reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive summer gatherings. Rain or shine, Sommo 2025 reminded us that great experiences comes in many forms, with food and music being the best of all. Keep up with Sommo Fest through their website below to be the first to learn what they have in store for 2026.
Nadia Elkharadly
Latest posts by Nadia Elkharadly (see all)
- Playing with Plaid Lion - December 12, 2025
- Singing the Wall Street Blues with Sanjay Michael - December 11, 2025