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Quebec Festival Igloofest Expands to Edmonton, with Hamza and Elderbrook Leading the Charge

The festival's 18th edition returns January 15–February 7 in Montreal, followed by Gatineau, Québec City and a new Edmonton stop.

Quebec Festival Igloofest Expands to Edmonton, with Hamza and Elderbrook Leading the Charge
Emmanuelle Laurin

Igloofest is stretching across Canada.

Winter 2026 marks a major milestone the unique cold-season festival, as it expands once more — this time beyond Québec, bringing its frosty magic to a wider Canadian audience.


For more than 15 years, Igloofest has celebrated winter in all its intensity. What started as a uniquely Montreal tradition has evolved into a national ritual, drawing thousands into the freezing night to dance beneath the stars — warmed by pounding basslines, neon snow suits and a shared love of electronic music.

A bold outdoor alternative during the coldest months of the year, Igloofest has announced its 2026 tour, adding Edmonton to its lineup alongside returning editions in Montréal, Québec City and Gatineau (the latter two were added last year). Organizers have also hinted at an additional Canadian stop to be revealed before the end of the year.

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The festival’s 18th edition promises a bold and eclectic program, spotlighting in-demand local and global talent. To set the stage, Belgian rap icon Hamza and U.K. electronic artist Elderbrook (DJ set) are the first names confirmed for the Montreal kickoff. The two artists represent the two sides of the eclectic festival, which features DJs and global French rappers, who now view Quebec as an essential hub for their worldwide rise.

Igloofest will take over Montréal from January 15 to February 7, 2026, before heading to Gatineau (February 12–14), Québec City (March 5–7) and Edmonton (March 12–14).

Subtle Therapy

Fans can sign up for presale access and festival updates via Igloofest’s official site. The full lineup will be revealed November 4.

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Influence Media Wins Bid to Acquire Anthem Entertainment’s Music Assets
Business News

Influence Media Wins Bid to Acquire Anthem Entertainment’s Music Assets

Sources say the BlackRock-backed company bid slightly above $650 million for the assets, though the deal has yet to close.

Apparently, the third time really can be the charm, as sources say Influence Media Partners has emerged as the winner in the auction for the music assets of Anthem Entertainment, the Canadian music firm that houses music publishing assets and recorded masters royalties from the likes of Rush and Timbaland.

While two earlier efforts to sell the firm in 2017 and 2022 came up short, sources suggest that in the third go-round, the successful Goldman Sachs-shopped deal saw at least two bids come in above the $600 million mark, even though most other bidders were said to be in the $500 million to $600 million range before dropping out. In all, sources suggested that about a dozen suitors kicked the tires on Anthem.

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