There might be no better place in North America for a music festival than Montreal – a city that distills the best aspects of European and American culture. Although Osheaga Music & Arts Festival is probably one of the best music festivals in North America, it still seems to fly under the radar. It is pretty remarkable. In a saturated festival landscape that has seen many festivals falter in recent years, Osheaga continues to hold strong.
The 2016 iteration of this festival will mark 10 years since the festival first launched. Ticket prices are generally less expensive than most other major American festivals and the lineup is consistently stronger than most of its constituents as well. Just a few months ago, Forbes released a report on 2015’s top grossing music festivals. Osheaga placed at #7 globally, #5 in North America (after Coachella, Outside Lands, Stagecoach, and EDC), and #1 in Canada. Aside from the big names that one may expect to anchor a festival lineup, Osheaga does a great job booking up-and-coming acts for their undercard as well. I’ve put together a suggested schedule below, which includes some of the artists you should see. That said, there are some pretty rough schedule conflicts…
Friday July 29
Classixx @ Scène Piknic Électronik (1:45pm)
The perfect electro-clash way to start the day.
Jack Garrett @ Scène de la Vallée (2:45pm)
Jack Garrett’s voice and pulsing rhythms are a must.
Silversun Pickups @ Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile (3:55pm)
The indie/shoe-gaze band of old is back with full force and their live show is not to be missed.
Passenger @ Scène de la Montagne Molson Canadian (4:40pm)
A lovely bit of singer-songwriter sounds to make your way to evening.
Beirut @ Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile (5:30pm)
Another indie legend sure to put on an incredible show.
Bloc Party @ Scène Verte Sonnet (6:25pm)
Their albums may have gone down hill, but the rapturous energy of the band is still not to be missed.
Marian Hill @ Scène des Arbres SiriusXM (7:15pm)
This up-and-coming band has the moves and the sax solos sure to melt your heart.
The Lumineers @ Scène de la Montagne Molson Canadian (8:20pm)
Folk-rock at it’s more stadium ready.
Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile (9:20pm)
Seriously, they’re legends and you can always hope they’ll come out in only socks.
Saturday July 30
Misterwives @ Scène de la Montagne Molson Canadian (1:45pm)
The amazing indie pop band always gets the crowd moving.
Hiatus Kayote @ Scène des Arbres SiriusXM (2:45pm)
Funk and jazz all mixed together in the perfect melange.
Lucius @ Scène Verte Sonnet’ (3:25pm)
The sweet voices of Lucius are always a welcome sound.
Frightened Rabbit @ Scène de la Vallée (4:10pm)
Scottish folk-rockers turned rock-rockers are always one of our must see artists.
The Arcs @ Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile (5:35pm)
Blues-rock from a member of The Black Keys.
Best Coast @ Scène Verte Sonnet (6:25pm)
Garage-pop at it’s finest (and most twee).
HAIM @ Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile (7:25pm)
Hopefully we’ll hear some new tracks from this sister pop group.
Death Cab for Cutie @ Scène de la Montagne Molson Canadian (8:25pm)
Get all emo and nostalgic with an all time favorite.
Aurora @ Scène des Arbres SiriusXM (9:00pm)
The young pop star in the making puts on a show that must be seen to be believed.
Sunday July 31
Melanie Martinez @ Scène de la Montagne Molson Canadian (1pm)
See this newest pop sensation before she gets massive.
Børns @ Scène de la Montagne Molson Canadian (2:25pm)
A wildly good, dance filled time always awaits you with this pop mastermind.
Foals @ Scène de la Montagne Molson Canadian (3:55pm)
Perfect festival band with the intricacy and energy of 20 normal bands.
Leon Bridges @ Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile (4:45pm)
With sweet crooning and throwback roots songs, Leon Bridges is rightfully one of the most exciting artists playing now.
Grimes @ Scène de la Montagne Molson Canadian (5:40pm)
The avant-pop goddess released one of the best albums of the year in 2015 – see her wild show live and sing along to every.single.word.
M83 @ Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile (6:40pm)
The electro masters have been putting on some insane shows in support of the new album Junk.
HÆLOS @ Scène des Arbres SiriusXM (7:15pm)
Avant-pop at it’s best.
Radiohead @ Scène de la Rivière Virgin Mobile (8:50pm)
I mean. It’s Radiohead.
