Grand Eugène, on a 30 Celsius Friday afternoon
Is there a better combination for a perfect afternoon than sunshine, dream pop and melancholy? We don’t think so. The duo from Montréal made the most of the summer heat, creating a soothing cocoon as they revisited the sounds of their albums while giving themselves over to moments of improvisation and connection with the crowd. The perfect soundtrack for the perfect moment.
Grand Eugène (Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard)
Loud: more firmly in the driver’s seat than ever
We’ve now had the chance to see this leading figure in Québec rap perform several times and, trust us, it never gets old.
While he performed several tracks from his latest release, the “padre of the rap game” naturally made time to revisit the hits that launched his solo career. Songs from Une année record, his debut album—which went platinum earlier this summer—were greeted with just as much enthusiasm as the newer material. It was a commanding performance, delivered with the confidence and charisma we have come to expect from him.
Loud (Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard)
Les Louanges at the Pit à sable
An iconic, must-see venue if ever there was one, the Pit à sable stage is one of the most coveted spots at Le Festif! With such limited capacity, simply getting a ticket is a privilege. Now imagine seeing the show everyone has been talking about all summer in that one-of-a-kind setting.
On Saturday night, Vincent Roberge, a.k.a. Les Louanges, delivered a bona fide masterclass. Drawing heavily from his new album Alouette—shortlisted for the 2026 Polaris Music Prize—he gave a performance that was precise, generous and deeply felt. In the intimacy of the Pit à sable, every song took on a new dimension, shaped by soaring musical passages, perfectly timed silences and a profound connection with the audience. It was further proof, if any were needed, that Les Louanges is one of the most distinctive and compelling artists on Québec’s music scene.
Vincent Roberge of Les Louanges (Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard)
Flore Laurentienne : a moment suspended in time
What better soundtrack for Charlevoix’s breathtaking landscapes than the instrumental music of Flore Laurentienne?
It felt like music written for the scenery unfolding around us: the trees in the park where the show took place, the river where the more adventurous festivalgoers went for a swim, and the afternoon light. The music evoked equal parts nostalgia and wonder, as though time itself had come to a standstill. Sitting on the ground or on wooden chairs, the crowd listened intently to the luminous music of Mathieu Pelletier-Gagnon’s project, accompanied by a string quartet and multi-instrumentalist Antoine Létourneau-Berger.
Hearing Fleuve II as the sunlight filtered through the trees and the river flowed gently will undoubtedly remain one of the most magical moments of this year’s Festif!
Mathieu Pelletier-Gagnon of Flore Laurentienne (Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard)
Les soeurs Boulay and Elliot Maginot: three voices, straight to the heart
When artists blend this seamlessly, you can hear it in the music. For the past 15 years, Les soeurs Boulay and Elliot Maginot have accompanied one another along their respective paths, and Le Festif! offered a glimpse of that enduring bond.
Vocal harmonies, banjo guitar and guitar: sometimes, that is all it takes to convey the connection between three artists.
As always, the Loto-Québec Stage offered a chance to catch our breath and let the emotions wash over us on a perfect Saturday afternoon.
Les soeurs Boulay and Elliot Maginot (photo by Marie-Michèle Robitaille)
Baie-Saint-Paul’s one-of-a-kind setting
It takes just four days in Baie-Saint-Paul to understand that Le Festif! could not exist anywhere else. Between the mountains, the alleys and the river, the town itself becomes the backdrop for an experience that extends far beyond the shows.
With stages scattered from downtown all the way to the waterfront and performances running from 2 p.m. until dawn, Baie-Saint-Paul seems to wear Le Festif! like a perfectly tailored garment.
It is one of the rare festivals that offers every festivalgoer a different experience, and therein probably lies its greatest strength.
This 17th edition did the child at heart—and the grown-up—equal good.
Photo by Madeleine Plamondon