The Osheaga Music and Arts Festival is back and better than ever for its 11th edition and we cannot be more excited about this year’s lineup! Osheaga will be taking place from August 4th to August 6th at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau. Last year, the highly anticipated festival celebrated its 10th anniversary—that’s ten years of great music and great vibes. In light of Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebrations, the festival’s organizers have outdone themselves by welcoming internationally acclaimed artists—and we’re not only talking about the headliners. Osheaga started out as a unique Montreal festival that many did not know of, back in 2006, and it has now established itself as the most important festival of its genre in Canada, being compared to big-name festivals such as Lollapalooza and Coachella. Festivalgoers will get the chance to experience over 100 artists across 7 stages. Figuring out your ideal Osheaga itinerary can get a little overwhelming, but you’re in luck, because we’re here to help!
The Main Acts
Every year, Montrealers anxiously look forward to Osheaga’s lineup reveal. The three headliners for this year’s festival are from different corners of the world and they surely won’t disappoint.
Lorde
New Zealand singer-songwriter Ella Yelich, known by her stage name Lorde, will be making her second appearance at Osheaga this year—but this time, as a headliner. Lorde is known for her unparalleled approach to the international music scene. Regardless of her colossal success as well as her appearances on the covers of Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Teen Vogue, she did not lose sight of where she came from. You will get to see this young artist perform the popular hits from her 2013 Pure Heroine album as well as songs from her new album Melodrama.
When: Friday, August 4th
Time: 9:45pm – 10:50pm
Stage: Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile
Muse
The English rock band Muse, whose musical style is described as alternative, space, and progressive rock, will be making their first appearance at Osheaga this year. While on tour, Muse has made its way to Montreal several times in the past and their very loyal fans rave about their music as well as the impressive light show they are known to put on during their concerts. Muse will be releasing their eighth studio album in 2018, but rest assured that they will play their well known classics at this year’s edition of the festival and perhaps their latest single “Dig Down” as well.
When: Saturday, August 5th
Time: 9:20pm – 10:50pm
Stage: Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile
The Weeknd
Rounding up the list of headliners is none other than Abel Tesfaye, known by his stage name The Weeknd. He’s one of Canada’s most successful artists and a favourite for many. The Toronto-born singer, songwriter, and producer is a real mystery for some but you can certainly find out a lot about the alternative R&B singer’s background by paying close attention to the lyrics of his songs. The Weeknd is no stranger to Osheaga; he made his first appearance in 2012—back when many still thought that “The Weeknd” was a band as opposed to one person. He, since then, has made a name for himself worldwide and has given R&B a brand new meaning. Expect to hear popular hits from his latest album Starboy and his 2015 album Beauty Behind The Madness. He’ll maybe even perform some hits from his debut album, House of Balloons—fingers crossed!
When: Sunday, August 6th
Time: 9:20pm – 10:50pm
Stage: Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile
More Canadian Artists, Eh?
There’s more praise for Canadian artists to go around since Osheaga’s 11th edition also features a few musical duos, three of which are from Canada.
Zeds Dead
For all of the EDM fans out there, you will be able to catch this Toronto-based duo at Osheaga this year. Known as one of today’s top Electronic artists, Dylan Mamid, also known as DC, and Zachary Rapp-Rovan, also known as Hooks, rose to prominence in 2010. Aside from their remix album and extended plays, be sure to become entranced by the sounds from their debut studio album, Northern Lights.
When: Friday, August 4th
Time: 9:35pm – 10:50pm
Stage: Scène de l’Île
Majid Jordan
The Toronto duo, Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman, met as students at the University of Toronto in 2011 and have come a pretty long way since their dorm room music sessions. From signing with OVO Sound/Warner Bros. Records, to being featured on and co-producing Drake’s triple-platinum #1 hit “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” to releasing their 2014 EP A Place Like This, and finally releasing their first self-titled studio album in 2016, the duo have already accomplished quite a bit in a short amount of time. It’ll be their first time at Osheaga, but their third time performing in Montreal. You’ll be able to hear Jordan handle the instrumentation and production, while getting lost in Majid’s melodic vocals at this year’s festival.
When: Saturday, August 5th
Time: 9:20pm – 10:20pm
Stage: Scène Verte Sonnet
Tegan and Sara
The Calgary-native indie pop band, Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin, will be sharing their energy on stage through their catchy and popular hits, while celebrating their 17-year career. The identical twin sisters are self-described outsiders and through that, have been accepted by a wide range of fans. Be sure to hear the fan favourites from their previous albums, as well as newer songs from their latest album Love You to Death.
When: Sunday, August 6th
Time: 4:55pm – 5:40pm
Stage: Scène de la Montagne Coors Light
Some Buzzworthy Artists
MGMT
You’ll get all of the feels while listening to the Grammy Award nominated duo from Connecticut. They continue to be the staple of today’s psychedelic and indie rock scenes thanks to their popular hits “Time To Pretend,” “Electric Feel,” and “Kids,” just to name a few. MGMT are not new to Osheaga and we’re sure they’ll feel right at home at this year’s edition.
When: Friday, August 4th
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Stage: Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile
Major Lazer
How can you not know the guys behind the chart-topping hits and numerous awards show nominations? The American electronic trio made up of record producer Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire have certainly found the key to many listeners’ hearts with their ever so addictive hits and celeb collabs. Expect to find yourself dancing when these guys hit the stage to perform at this year’s festival.
When: Saturday, August 5th
Time: 8:20pm – 9:20pm
Stage: Scène de la Montagne Coors Light
Solange
This Houston-native singer-songwriter let her many talents shine through her latest album A Seat at the Table—making it her third studio album. The album, which is written and performed by Solange Knowles, is said to be about identity, empowerment, independence, grief, and healing. Looking for a more soulful performance? Solange is the perfect fit for you.
When: Saturday, August 5th
Time: 7:20pm – 8:20pm
Stage: Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile
Vance Joy
This Aussie will definitely be melting the hearts of many with his beautifully worded songs at this year’s edition of the festival. Winner of the Best Male Artist category at the 2015 ARIA Music Awards, this singer-songwriter is making his way to the playlists of many North American fans and we think we know why. Joy is one of the many artists that is keeping indie pop music alive. If you’re looking for a laid back yet celebratory performance, Vance Joy should be added to your Osheaga itinerary.
When: Sunday, August 6th
Time: 7:20pm – 8:20pm
Stage: Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile
Survival Tips
Weekend passes and Single day passes are still on sale (check out the links we provided).
Arrive early if you want to avoid long lines.
Don’t worry about food and drinks; the festival has got you covered with their various food vendors scattered across the venue.
Think your phone’s battery will run out from posting too many Snap and Insta stories? The festival has phone charging stations.
To avoid embarrassing sun burns, apply lots of sunscreen.
Since our summer has been a little out of whack this year, bring a rain poncho with you in case it rains.
We’re all for trendy (and comfy) festival attire, as any festivalgoer should be, but please avoid wearing flower crowns—it’s been done one too many times.
Do not wear your nicest shoes: we can assure you that they will get ruined.
So many artists, so little time to get around a big, busy venue. Plan your Osheaga itinerary in a realistic way, allowing you time to get from one stage to the next.
To make your life a little simpler, familiarize yourself with the map below.
Another way of making your life easier is by downloading the very useful Osheaga mobile app, which gives you all of the festival’s important details (download from the Apple App store here, and the Google Play store here).
Haven’t had enough of Osheaga? On all three days of the festival, there will be after-parties happening! To find out more, check out their Facebook page: Osheaga’s Facebook Page.
Last but not least, you’re attending Osheaga to simply have fun and listen to awesome artists, so make sure to soak it all in and embrace every moment of it—Osheaga only comes around once a year!
