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Sure to end the summer on a high note, Fono Festival – presented by Beneva in collaboration with RBC – just announced its return to the Université Laval’s campus in Quebec City and it’s poised to be their biggest bash yet.
“This year, it gains even more momentum with an added day, an enhanced conference series, and new offerings,” says Nicolas Racine, president and CEO of BLEUFEU.
Festivalgoers can expect more than 50 artists across four stages, with each day promising a distinct, curated lineup celebrating both local favorites and up-and-comers. A new immersive electronic music space, high quality production, and two days of conferences at Pavillon Desjardins will also be unveiled this year.
Day one of the Fono Festival will offer pop and indie-pop performances by Fleur de Peau, Mint Simon, indie-pop artist Bønanza, Toronto’s Alex Porat, and German-Canadian indie singer Alice Merton on the Double Stage, which will alternate performances for a continuous musical experience. The evening will blend into hip-hop and electro artists, with performances by Laval native and hip-hop artist Shreez, Qualité Motel, and Swedish duo Galantis on the Beneva Main Stage.
Forêt Électro is the newest addition to the fest, with an open-air forest dancefloor and DJ Saxsquatch closing out all three nights after the Main Stage headliners. Day one will include sets by acts like Horizon, Tomas Grey, and DJ Mika.
Day two will offer folk, indie pop, rock, and chanson on the Double Stage with Montreal’s Laraw, Quebec singer-songwriter Metò, Irish folk trio Amble, Sunsetto, alt-indie band Foxwarren, rock artist Been Steller, and local Francophone-pop artist Ariane Roy. Alex Warren and Quebec artist Charlotte Cardin will close the night on the Main Stage, along with Vexskin, Honeydrip and Cece the Red at Forêt Électro.
Day three will showcase folk-pop artist Beau Nectar, indie-rock band Irène and Vendôme, pop artist Kaya Hoax, electro-pop artist Roselle, Franco-American indie electro-pop project Spill Tab, alt-pop artist Renforshort, and art-punk band Gustaf on the Double Stage. Congolese-Candian pop artist Lu Kala and Charlie Puth will ring in the final day on the Main Stage, while performances by DJ M8, Stormies, Monsieur PY, Tartine, and Tallandskiinny will bring the last night of forest beats.
For those who want more music, each night the Extras Fono late-night events will continue from 11pm to 1am at the Pub Universitaire, with extended performances by the DJs.
Université Laval will not only be providing a space for diverse artists and the creative community to come together, but will also be conducting an immersive research project on binaural sound. Conferences will take place on Sept 11 and 12 at Université Laval’s Pavillon Desjardins, featuring various speakers and including festival access, meals, cocktails, and happy hours.
“The Fono Festival reflects our commitment to being a university open to the community and strengthens the vibrant cultural and social life on our campus,” says Sophie D’Amours, rector of Université Laval. “It also provides an opportunity to conduct an innovative research project using immersive audio technology with our dummy head, Fritz, placed among the crowd, alongside a series of conferences that will showcase our creativity and expertise. We’re thrilled to collaborate with BLEUFEU and its partners to promote culture at the heart of a dynamic campus.”
Psychology professor and director of Université Laval’s Co-DOT lab Sébastien Tremblay will be leading the immersive research project by recording live performances through a dummy head with a built-in microphones and a GoPro. The captured immersive 3D sound will be compared to traditional stereo, to study the impact on presence and emotion, while inspiring new applications for accessibility during experiences like the Fono Festival.
Festival passes will go on sale June 11 at noon at festivalfono.com. The 3-day pass will be available for $99 for students and $119 at the regular price ($129 after July 15). Access to the Zone OR will be $239 for three days or $169 per day.
Fono Festival is Sept. 11 to 13, 2025 at Université Laval’s Campus in Quebec City
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