If you were anywhere near Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 1–3, you probably felt it—the bass rattling across the island, the hum of over 142,000 voices singing in unison, and that electric, can’t-bottle-it-up energy that only comes from being in the middle of a crowd that loves music as much as you do. That’s OSHEAGA 2025 for you.

Every summer, Montreal transforms into a music lover’s dream, and this year’s OSHEAGA not only lived up to the hype—it raised the bar for what festivals can and should be. With three days of non-stop performances, a lineup that blended both icons and rising stars, and a crowd that seemed to radiate pure joy, the festival reminded us why live music will never go out of style.

There’s something about festivals that Spotify and TikTok can’t replicate. Sure, we can discover new artists from the comfort of our bedrooms and stream entire discographies in a single click, or even listen to an album on vinyl (if you’re cool like us). But standing in a sea of people as the sun sets over the Montreal skyline while Jorja Smith’s angelic, soulful voice floats across the park? That’s magic.

It’s not just about hearing the songs—it’s about feeling them. You can watch a music video a hundred times, but nothing compares to the moment when an artist storms the stage, riles up the crowd, and you realize you’re part of something much bigger than yourself. It’s goosebumps, it’s sharing smiles with strangers in the rain, it’s losing your voice because you screamed the lyrics a little too hard. 

OSHEAGA has always understood this. And in 2025, their 18th year in action, the festival leaned into that communal feeling more than ever, creating a space where artists and fans could connect in ways that felt authentic, emotional, and unforgettable.

Memorable moments for Good Guys Press started off with Doechii on Friday night, just a day before her set at Lollapalooza in Chicago, where she announced her upcoming world tour (which we cannot WAIT for). This was DOechii’s Canada debut, and she used that to her advantage in using her platform for good, stating, “You can’t be scared to stick up for what you believe in. You can’t be afraid to say what matters. FREE PALESTINE!”. It was a pleasure seeing someone so influential speak up and speak out, and many other artists should take notes. 

Saturday was all about versatility. bbno$, Canada’s own viral sensation, had the crowd bouncing with his playful, high-energy set, dressed as the ring leader of a circus. It was goofy in all the best ways, and reminded us of how much we love an authentic performance. But leave it to Tyler The Creator to flip the vibe entirely. His set was pure chaos in the best possible way—wacky dance moves, playful banter, and a command over the audience that bordered on hypnotic. Performing cult classics like ‘Sticky’ and the song of the summer from his new album, ‘Don’t Tap on the Glass’, ‘Sugar On My Tongue’, he crafted an entire world onstage and invited everyone inside. 

By Sunday, the crowds might’ve been tired, but OSHEAGA wasn’t slowing down. BigXThaPlug brought that good ol’ Dallas heat straight to Montreal, proving that the festival is serious about showcasing diverse voices across genres. The Dare followed with a set that was unapologetically bold and a little reckless, but we expected nothing less from him. 

And then, of course, came Olivia Rodrigo. If there was a single artist that embodied the spirit of this year’s OSHEAGA, it was her. She’s a voice of her generation, and seeing her live—singing hits that have soundtracked millions of lives—was a full-circle experience for so many in the crowd. Belting every word of “Vampire” and “Good 4 U” alongside thousands of fans? That’s the kind of memory that lingers long after the lights go down. This was the final show of her GUTS tour and her GUTS festival run, signifying the end of an era. She raced down the stairs into the pit, passing off each of the letter rings to screaming fans on the barricade, and announcing that her 3rd album, “STAR” would be coming soon. We can’t believe we witnessed this LIVE!

It’s not just about who’s onstage. OSHEAGA has cemented itself as one of the most important music festivals in North America because of how it curates experiences that matter. While other festivals chase trends, OSHEAGA sets them. Its lineup is always a mix of international stars, internet-born artists, and local talent, making it feel both global and uniquely Montreal.

This year also proved how the festival continues to pave the way for others. From sustainability initiatives to more inclusive programming, OSHEAGA showed that a festival can be fun and forward-thinking at the same time. It wasn’t just a party—it was a statement about what live music can and should be in 2025.

And let’s not forget the setting. Parc Jean-Drapeau isn’t just a venue—it’s a vibe. Surrounded by water, with the Montreal skyline in the background, the location itself feels like a dreamscape. Add in world-class food vendors, art installations, and the friendliest festival crowd you’ll ever meet, and you’ve got the recipe for something unforgettable.Pre-purchase your 2026 tickets now at www.osheaga.com.