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M for Montreal has revealed its full festival lineup for its 20th anniversary edition.
The music festival, formerly known as MARATHON, will celebrate the past, present and future of the influential Montreal showcase festival from November 19-22, 2025.
M for Montreal is presented by Billboard Canada, continuing the key multi-year partnership that began in 2024. The lineup follows the Official Selection and PRO Division programming, which gives artists opportunity to perform for more than 500 Canadian and international delegates at M For Montreal. The lineup announced today is open to the public and takes place at venues throughout the city.
“Twenty years after its creation, M for Montreal continues to channel the city's vibrant creative energy onto the world stage [...] its mission has never been clearer: to amplify the most exciting voices in Montreal and Canada while connecting them to the rest of the world,” says Mikey Rishwain Bernard, artistic director of M for Montreal.
The lineup boasts a roster of over 80 artists and 40 shows spread across over 15 concert venues — with more to come. It’s an exciting opportunity for emerging artists from Quebec, across Canada and established international acts.
Toronto band BadBadNotGood are returning to headline M for Montreal, more than a decade after they first played the festival, presented in collaboration with Third Side Music. Known for their hybrid jazz, the band has collaborated with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, and Ghostface Killah and are one of the festival's major success stories. Opening for the group is American saxophonist and composer Colin Stetson, who has a deep history in Montreal.
Another major act is Montreal cult psychedelic rock band The Besnard Lakes, who are returning almost twenty years after their initial appearance at the festival’s first edition in 2005. Cult favourite American hip-hop trio Digable Planets join the lineup as part of their Blowout Comb 30th Anniversary Tour.
Emerging local talent will have their time to shine, including indie trio Afternoon Bike Ride, alt hip-hop group Original Gros Bonnet, pop-punk star Chiara Savasta, hypnotic-pop singer Fine Food Market and rapper Rowjay. Outside of Quebec, the festival has enlisted the likes of Toronto singer-songwriter Rachel Bobbitt and Winnipeg rap group Naduh.
International artists announced today include Al Nicol, Pale Blue Eyes, RedZed, Prato, Inziarte and Gruff Rhys.
Tickets for individual shows go on sale on September 23.
Find the full Billboard Canada-presented lineup in the poster below:
Delegates and passholders attending the PRO Division of M for Montreal can catch over 20 showcases, along with several events designed to foster connections between music professionals and industries across the world, including special networking events, cocktails, travelling sessions and exclusive panels and keynote discussions.
Starting today, the public festival pass can be purchased here.
