POP Montreal Announces First Wave of Artists For 25th Anniversary
The beloved Montreal institution balances cult legends, local heroes, emerging discoveries, and a few fun surprises.
by RANGE
- Published on
For a quarter-century, POP Montreal has thrived on the simple idea that great music can come from anywhere. While many other festivals chase trends and algorithms, POP has built its reputation on discovery, introducing audiences to future favourites long before the rest of the world catches up.
That spirit remains firmly intact as the festival announces the first wave of artists for its landmark 25th anniversary edition, taking over Montreal from September 23 to 27.
The initial lineup is classic POP, featuring some eclectic indie artists and unpredictable throwbacks. Headliners include ambient masters A Winged Victory for the Sullen, indie rock icons Luna, Calgary songwriter Chad VanGaalen, UK post-punk favourites High Vis, and electro-pop provocateur Uffie. Pop The Glock, anyone?
And as always, some of the festival’s best moments live inside the city’s already vibrant music ecosystem with local veteran acts like Plants and Animals or Think About Life and fresh newcomers like La Sécurité and Truck Violence, both of whom have new albums dropping soon on Montreal imprint Mothland.
And then of course there is programming that lives outside the traditional concert format. Among this year’s highlights is the appearance of Nardwuar, whose famed Nardwuar Video Vault promises something closer to a chaotic albeit inspirational TED Talk than a standard presentation. Armed with decades of obsessively researched interviews, rare footage, and unbelievable stories, the Human Serviette will guide audiences through the strange corners of music history only he could uncover.
The festival is also celebrating Montreal label Secret City Records who will be hosting a 20th anniversary showcase featuring artists from across their roster, including Klô Pelgag, Basia Bulat, Shad and more.
There are plenty of personal touches, too. Even the festival’s creative director Daniel Seligman has family in the mix this year, with his daughter’s band Underpass joining the lineup. It’s the kind of full-circle moment that feels fitting for a festival celebrating 25 years of community, curiosity, and the joy of finding your next favourite band when you least expect it.
POP Montreal’s 25th anniversary edition runs September 23 to 27, 2026. Festival passes are on sale now, with additional artists, films, talks, and special events still to be announced.
For tickets and more info, check out popmontreal.com
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