Festival d’été de Québec the sonic wonderland we can’t stop raving about

July 17, 2024

5:03 pm

JESSIE MURPH, at the FEQ artist lounge

we seriously can’t stop raving about it.

Festival photos courtesy of FEQ / Etienne Dionne / Seb Dio / Stephane Bourgeois

Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) turned Quebec City into the ultimate summer playground for music lovers, culture enthusiasts, and community spirits. Known for its electric lineup and unparalleled energy, this year’s festival didn’t just meet expectations—it skyrocketed past them. With over 200 artists delivering unforgettable performances, FEQ 2024 was a sonic wonderland we can’t stop raving about.

FEQ brought a killer mix of legends and icons, ensuring 11 days of non-stop music madness. From the iconic Plains of Abraham to intimate venues scattered around the city, every performance was a testament to the festival’s commitment to music, culture, and community.

Since its inception in 1968, FEQ has hosted a plethora of iconic performances that have shaped its legacy. The Police‘s 1983 set drew massive crowds, boosting the festival’s international profile. Quebec’s own Céline Dion brought the house down in 1990, solidifying her global superstar status. Metallica‘s 2011 set, drawing one of the largest crowds ever seen at FEQ, and Paul McCartney‘s legendary 2008 show attracted over 200,000 fans. The 2010s continued this trend with Elton John‘s timeless 2011 performance, The Rolling Stones‘ 2015 show solidifying FEQ’s premier status, and Lady Gaga in 2014 added a contemporary flair. The 2020s brought high-energy rock from Foo Fighters in 2024. Even the queen herself Mariah Carey has graced the FEQ stage, highlighting the festival’s diverse musical offerings.

The Festival d’Été de Québec isn’t merely a platform for established stars; it serves as a springboard for emerging talents. Over the years, artists such as Lana Del Rey, Arcade Fire, Lorde, Imagine Dragons, Skrillex, and Shawn Mendes have skyrocketed to global fame after gracing its stages. This year continued this tradition with breakout performances from rising stars like the cosmic duo De Flore, Fovelle, Rich Aucoin, and Maïa Bourough. Maïa brings a unique blend of “funko Japanese with electronics and a punk rock attitude,” starting her musical journey in Tokyo’s underground cabaret queer scene at just 17. She shared with us her childhood memories of FEQ, attending with her father—who also performed at the festival—making her recent performance especially emotional. Alongside them, Son Rompe Pera, Miel Demontagne, Be Your Own Pet, Ava Max, Fovelle, Miel DeMontagne, and Jessie Murph added a freshness into the festival atmosphere.

Per usual FEQ 2024 embraced a rich tapestry of musical genres, offering everything from rock and pop to hip-hop, country, electronic, and indie. This diversity ensured that every music lover found their groove, making for an inclusive and vibrant festival experience. Special collaborations were a festival standout, with unique artist pairings creating magical, genre-blending performances. Beyond the music, FEQ transformed Quebec City into a cultural hub, featuring art installations, food vendors, and interactive brand activations and exhibits. It was a sensory overload in the best way possible. The festival also made significant strides in sustainability with waste reduction, recycling programs, and eco-friendly transportation, showcasing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Our first FEQ experience was nothing short of amazing. When Post Malone brought a fan on stage to play the guitar, it was pure magic. A special onstage look at J Balvin‘s out-of-this-world performance was another festival highlight. We loved connecting with GALE and meeting her mom, who shared stories of GALE’s childhood, like when she used to wear pantyhose on her head to look like Sailor Moon. “I took my mom’s pantyhose and wore them. I didn’t care if I didn’t have hair, as long as I had the long two ponytails” she reminisced.

We had a quick chat with Jessie Murph, discussing her hometown Nashville and its honky-tonks. Meeting up with Flovell at his favorite local bar, Le Sacrilège, gave us a glimpse into the heart and soul behind his music. Mingling with industry insiders at the Rolling Stone party added extra sparkle to our FEQ experience.

The brunch at La Buche, a charming local eatery, was a delicious dive into Quebec City’s culinary scene. While exploring the city, we discovered the cutest little queer shop, Seb & Jo, and met the super friendly owners.

FEQ 2024 was a celebration of music’s power to unite. From world-renowned artists to emerging stars, from genre-spanning performances to cultural experiences, FEQ created unforgettable memories. As we bid adieu to Quebec City, we carry with us the echoes of remarkable performances, new discoveries, and a profound sense of community. This year’s FEQ wasn’t just a music festival; it was a celebration of the human spirit, creativity, and the universal love of music. Here’s to many more years of music, community, and cultural richness at the Festival d’été de Québec.