Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) 2025

July 21, 2025

12:21 pm

Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) 2025 did not disappoint our favorite sonic wonderland delivered eleven days of music, magic, and maple-drenched memories in the heart of Québec City. From the moment we touched down, it felt like a warm hug from the universe. We were greeted by the amazing duo Ines Beshro and Kenza Bélaïchouche from Bleufue PR with big smiles, gift bags, and a personalized handmade ceramic mug that now has a permanent home on my desk.

After a quick tour of the festival grounds we wrapped our first day dancing with KYGO, but the real surprise? Our dear friend and vocal powerhouse Parson James jumped on stage and literally stole the show. A voice that demands attention and a presence that had the crowd in collective awe. Day one, consider us spiritually exfoliated.

After a well-earned sleep, day two kicked off with a crucial dose of self-care. The mission? A leopard-print, Shania Twain-inspired manicure, a fitting tribute to our queen, who was set to headline Saturday’s much-anticipated performance.

Our chosen sanctuary for this artistic endeavor was Le Milorde, a small and cozy nail and beauty salon nestled in the heart of Quebec City’s St-Roch district. From the moment we stepped inside, the intimate atmosphere and warm greeting made it clear we were in good hands. My nail tech, with an almost uncanny intuition, got the vision, perfectly capturing the essence of Shania’s iconic style, but also went above and beyond. During our session, she plugged us into the local vintage scene, sharing insider tips on the best shops and hidden gems to explore… a true blessing for anyone looking to discover Quebec City’s unique charm beyond the festival.

We roamed the streets and fairytale-like facades in search of treasures and landed at TWISE Studio, a curated goldmine of ‘90s and Y2K goodness. It’s giving downtown cool with a Euro twist. We linked up with our new NYC bestie and rising star Mads Maley, and played dress-up montage style (cue the musical interlude)…

Our next stop was Le Buché, a charming restaurant that instantly felt like a warm embrace. It was the epitome of traditional Québécois cuisine, but with a delightful modern twist that kept things interesting. For the first time, I indulged in shepherd’s pie, and it was a revelation hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious. But the true star of the show, the dish that stole my heart and left me emotionally attached, was the OREILLES DE CRISSE. These crispy pork rinds, generously drenched in rich maple syrup, were an unexpected symphony of sweet and savory, crunchy and tender. A special shoutout is due to our waiter, Chris, who was an absolute gem. He ensured our mimosa glasses were never empty and that our bellies were full, making the dining experience even more memorable and enjoyable. His attentive and friendly service truly elevated the entire meal.

The afternoon brought us to the FEQ Artist World, where we caught up with Lauren Spencer Smith before her set and bonded over our love for NYC swag and the art of being a mess, also the title of her sophomore album out now.

“I think that the art of being messy is being a very emotional person having a crazy life, but having a good hold. You can still feel angry and feel emotions, but not act on them. Learning how to deal with that and deal with your emotions and act on them properly, I think, is the art.”

The sky cried during the Pixies set, but not even a torrential downpour could deter me from witnessing “Where Is My Mind” live. The rain, in fact, transformed the experience into something transcendent. I felt like Edward Norton in the closing scene of Fight Club, but instead of explosions and demolitions, it was lightning and the roar of the crowd. Hozier followed on the main stage with a set that felt like a warm embrace from an old friend, though not quite warm enough to keep me from seeking shelter before the end. Drenched but refreshed, it was the perfect wind-down to a day filled with self-care, good food, and retail therapy, all set to the soundtrack of the FEQ lineup.

Day three kicked off with a deep dive into a vintage crawl, a mission successfully completed at my new favorite shop Billie Bob. This shop offered the quintessential treasure hunt experience for thrift diggers, yielding everything from chunky early 2000s leather belts to dead stock jewelry and accessories. Other notable vintage gems included Triste Vintage, Pattes d’éléphant, and Chez Tous Jours Boutique, all brimming with an eclectic assortment of fripperies that would excite any vintage enthusiast. Mission: The perfect Shania Twain look—complete.

Back at the grounds, Slayer fans took over FEQ in distressed clothes and vintage tees. The crowd was getting bigger and rowdier as the sunset sets building anticipation for the headlining show. The atmosphere felt chaotic, and nostalgic like a high school backyard show on steroids. I’ve never seen a blowup doll crowd surf into a mosh pit until now. Slayer? Not my usual cup of tea… but I was curious, entertained, and low key possessed for a brief moment.

To restore our chakras, we floated back to Bob Sinclar’s euphoric DJ set. The crowd overflowing into the streets, a remix of “One Love” soundtracking the moment. This, my friends, is the true spirit of FEQ: music for everyone, everywhere, all at once.

Day four is our last day at FEQ and we JAM. PACKED. IT. We caught up with three rising stars who each brought a unique frequency:

First up was Armani White, a self-proclaimed weirdo from Philly who rolled in ready to cause chaos. His audacious personality popped off immediately when he dropped one of his wilder entrepreneurial ideas: “I want to buy a Taco Bell and livestream from it.” You can only imagine the endless supply of Baja Blast and Crunchwrap Supremes that would fuel that kind of madness. When pressed about his aspirations for his upcoming show, he declared his desire for “loud, ignorant, and just fun shit.” And damn, did he deliver! A testament to his raw charisma and unapologetic bravado. He perfectly embodied the “loud, ignorant, and fun” ethos he’d promised.

Next, we met with Magi Merlin, a truly magical being whose refreshing and warm aura instantly forged a deep connection with us. Maybe it was our shared, overpowering Scorpio energy that created such an immediate bond. When asked about her dream audience members, either dead or alive, she replied. “First, Frank Ocean,” she began, “I love him; he’s a huge influence on me and my writing, so that would be incredible. Also, Amy Winehouse; I love my girl.” Given Madi’s captivating music a fluid and seamless fusion of pop and R&B, characterized by memorable lyrics, soulful delivery, and a truly sensual sound that effortlessly transcends genres and penetrates the very core of your being—a hypothetical fanbase including these iconic artists makes perfect sense.

Finally, we sat down with Dijah SB. With a name inspired by the iconic Nike SB Dunks, this rising rap star from Toronto effortlessly embodies a cool and casual demeanor. Beyond their bright and captivating visuals and their contagiously vibrant presence, Dijah SB is a veritable powerhouse: a masterful rapper, a profound lyricist, and a poetic activist. They shared their dream of “that moment I can hear thousands of people rapping along,” adding with a genuine sense of gratitude, “It’s such a great feeling to just be in a different city off the strength of music.” A sentiment with which I wholeheartedly and unequivocally agree.

We closed the day with a chef’s kiss dinner at Bello, an Italian hotspot helmed by the renowned Chef Luc Ste-Croix. From the moment we stepped through the doors, the ambiance was perfectly set: warm lighting, the gentle clinking of glasses, and an enticing aroma that promised an unforgettable culinary experience.

Every dish that arrived at our table was a masterpiece, but one in particular has taken up permanent residence in my memory: the RISOTTO ALL’ ANATRA E FOIE GRAS. This wasn’t just a dish, it was an event. The risotto was cooked to absolute perfection, each grain tender yet firm, infused with a rich, savory duck broth. The succulent pieces of duck confit, tender and deeply flavorful, were a revelation. And then, the foie gras, seared an unbelievably creamy, melt in your mouth interior. It added a luxurious richness that elevated the dish to another plane entirely. The interplay of textures and the depth of flavor were simply mouth watering.

I will be chasing that flavor high, that exquisite combination of foie gras, and perfectly executed risotto, until further notice. Bello’s creation, has set a new benchmark for unforgettable dining. The kind of meal that has you booking your next reservation before dessert, craving to discover what else the menu has to offer.

Now… SHANIA. The reason for my entire leopard-print existence.

Our pre game kicked off beneath the whimsical charm of Quartier Petit Champlain, an enchanting pocket of lower town Quebec, all cobblestone streets, cozy boutiques, and picture perfect vibes. As has become tradition, we gathered for the annual FEQ happy hour hosted by our dear friends, a celebration that feels more like a reunion with a view. The air crackled with excitement, that electric buzz that only intensifies as the sun begins to dip.

Crisp white wine in hand, I could feel the night starting to hum. My look? Locked and loaded, thanks to our FEQ fairy godmothers, Ines and Kenza, who crowned us with the pièce de résistance: the perfect cowboy hat that completed my Shania fantasy. We weren’t just ready, we were serving!

On our way to the festival, I took what I thought was a shortcut… only to run into SHANIA HERSELF en route to the stage. I swear, for one brief, bedazzled moment, I was part of her entourage.

From the VIP pit to the literal backstage, we screamed every word, line danced to the hits, and ended the night wrapped in neon lights, nostalgia, and palomas.

Our FEQ experience, however, would simply not be complete without a crucial, late-night indulgence: poutine. Our go to spot for this essential late night ritual is none other than the legendary Snack Bar. It’s the perfect place to cap off an evening of music and revelry, serving up the quintessential Quebecois dish that’s ideal for soaking up any lingering effects of the night’s festivities. Beyond the delicious poutine, Snack Bar offers a fun atmosphere, making it an prime location for some excellent people watching as the crowds disperse and the city buzzes with residual energy from the festival.