Mimi Headed For Plains Of Abraham

By Kerry Doole

Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is undoubtedly one of the largest annual summer festivals in North America, attracting over 325,000 attendees during its 11-day span. It takes place across indoor and outdoor stages in downtown Québec city, with this year's event running July 4-14.

A typically eclectic artist lineup has been announced. It includes Mariah Carey, CHVRCHES, Slipknot, alt-j, Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Diplo, Imagine Dragons, Buddy Guy, Courtney Barnett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Leikeli47, Blink-182 and more. Canadian acts featured include Bahamas, Daniel Caesar, U.S. Girls, bülow, Loud Luxury, Strumbellas, July Talk, Haviah Mighty, Moist, Tyler Shaw, Voivod, and Steve Hill. A full list of artists here. Carey, a five-time Grammy winner is currently on her Caution World Tour.

Founded in 1968, the FEQ is older than Woodstock and Glastonbury and is billed as the longest continuously running music festival in the world. The main stage is situated on the Plains of Abraham, and The Québec Armoury (Manège militaire des Voltigeurs de Québec) will serve as the headquarters for the festival providing additional space for the ever-growing event. In addition to the expansive terrace facing the main stage, a series of Q&A’s with a variety of artists will be held in the foyer.

Festival d’été de Québec also features free entertainment daily at two outdoor stages.

FEQ passes went on sale April 4 for $105 CND, rising to $115 CND on June 4. Passes can be purchased here  

Over the years the Festival has presented top bill acts that include The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Sting & Peter Gabriel, Sheryl Crow, Duran Duran, Selena Gomez, Backstreet Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, The Killers, Snoop Dogg, Keith Urban, Aerosmith, The Offspring, Metallica, Elton John, The Black Eyed Peas, Billy Joel, Iron Maiden, Plácido Domingo, Sting, The Who, Megadeth and KISS.