Pop Montreal Announces 25th Anniversary Festival Lineup

Pop Montreal is set to return to the stages of La Métropole, marking a significant milestone for the organization. The festival, which serves as a cornerstone for independent music and art, has officially unveiled the initial lineup for its 2026 edition, which also celebrates the event’s 25th anniversary.

Scheduled to take place from September 23 to 27, 2026, this year’s festival promises a diverse curation of underground sounds and established talent. Attendees can expect a wide range of performances, film screenings and special programming designed to highlight the international and local artistic community.

A Diverse Initial Lineup

The initial artist announcement features a eclectic mix of performers spanning various genres. Among the acts confirmed for the 2026 edition are High Vis, Cutty Ranks, Automatic, Squirrel Flower, Spencer Krug, Lucrecia Dalt, Julie Doiron, Infinity Song, Uffie, Luna, Truck Violence, Dutch Interior, Chad VanGaalen, La Sécurité, Living Hour, Friends&, and A Winged Victory For The Sullen.

A notable highlight of this year’s festival is the reunion of Think About Life, who will be performing their first show in nine years. Nardwuar The Human Serviette is slated to appear, bringing his unique brand of music journalism to the festivities.

Special Programming and Anniversary Celebrations

Beyond the primary concert schedule, Pop Montreal has curated several specialized events:

• Secret City 20th Anniversary: A dedicated showcase for the local label, featuring performances by Klô Pelgag, Brad Barr, Basia Bulat, Antoine Corriveau, Unessential Oils, La Force, Shad, Bye Parula, and others.
• Heated “POP” Rivalry: Billed as a live show and book launch, this event features guests including Dumas, La Bronze, Phillipe B, Night Lunch, and Peter Perter.
• Film Screenings: The festival will screen I Am Trying To Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco (2002) and We Are The Shaggs (2026).
• Venue Revival: The festival will host a three-night revival of Divan Orange, the iconic venue that previously closed in 2018.

Key Takeaways for Attendees

For those planning to attend, here are the essential details regarding the 2026 edition:

• Dates: September 23–27, 2026.
• Mission: Pop Montreal is a not-for-profit organization that champions independence in the arts by presenting emerging and celebrated talent.
• Scope: The festival encompasses more than just music, including talks, workshops, family activities, craft fairs, and visual art.

Tickets and passes for the 25th anniversary edition are currently available through the official Pop Montreal website. As the festival approaches, organizers are expected to release further details regarding the full schedule and additional programming.