Montreal Jazz Festival:
Evolution in harmony
After 45 years of passion, the festival continues to innovate while staying true to its DNA
June 26, 2025
From June 26 to July 5, 2025, Montreal will pulse to the rhythm of jazz and all its variations for the 45th edition of the Montreal Jazz Festival, the largest event of its kind in the world according to Guinness World Records.
For this 45th edition, the Montreal Jazz Festival is offering more than 350 concerts, nearly two-thirds of which are free.
For over four decades, the festival has transformed the heart of the city into a vast musical playground, where renowned artists, emerging talents, and music lovers from all corners of the globe come together.
An iconic festival in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles
Mainly set in the Quartier des spectacles, right in downtown Montreal, the festival takes over Place des Festivals and its surroundings, offering a unique and friendly urban experience.
For ten days, access to the pedestrian zone allows festivalgoers to enjoy a rich program, lively terraces, food services, boutiques, and relaxing areas open to all. This space becomes the essential meeting point for music fans, discovery seekers, and those looking for a true summer vibe.
An eclectic and inclusive program
For this 45th edition, the FIJM is offering more than 350 concerts, nearly two-thirds of which are free. This accessibility is what makes the festival so renowned and contributes to its warm, inclusive atmosphere.
‘The lineup skillfully blends jazz legends and new trends, offering shows for all tastes and all ages.’
The 2025 program stands out for its diversity, bringing together more than 3,000 artists from over 30 countries, and deliberately blurring the boundaries between genres: jazz, blues, soul, folk, world music, alternative pop, and much more.
Headliners and highlights
Among the big names expected this year, several artists stand out:
Nas: The legendary New York rapper will present his iconic album Illmatic in a symphonic version at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, an exceptional meeting of hip-hop and orchestral music.
Ayra Starr: The Nigerian RnB and afropop star will offer a free concert on the main outdoor stage, promising a vibrant, dance-filled evening.
Thundercat: A key figure in the contemporary jazz-funk scene, he will also perform at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.
Natalia Lafourcade: The Mexican icon, known for her creativity and commitment, will be in concert at Place des Arts.
Chris Botti: The famous Grammy-winning American trumpeter will enchant the Maison symphonique.
Amanda Marshall, Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue, and Kid Koala – with his immersive multimedia show The Storyville Mosquito – round out the list of must-see artists. The festival will also pay tribute to legendary Montreal pianist Oscar Peterson, marking the centenary of his birth with a special concert at Maison symphonique.
A dynamic local scene
The Montreal International Jazz Festival also shines a spotlight on the richness of the Montreal and Quebec music scene. Audiences will have the chance to applaud, among others, musician and activist Allison Russell, Inuit singer Elisapie, the group Empanadas Ilegales, multi-instrumentalist Carl Mayotte, dream pop singer Gabriella Olivo, Hanorah, Buddy McNeil and the Magic Mirrors, as well as the Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp. Iconic venues like Studio TD and Club Montréal Loto-Québec will also host emerging artists and alternative projects, often for free.
Between tradition and innovation
The Montreal International Jazz Festival 2025 continues to innovate while staying true to its DNA. The festival’s mobile app allows you to plan your evenings, discover new artists, and personalize your experience.
The lineup skillfully blends jazz legends and new trends, offering shows for all tastes and all ages. Families will also find plenty to enjoy, with activities for kids and accessible spaces.
Practical tips to make the most of the festival
Access: The Quartier des spectacles is easily accessible by metro (Place-des-Arts and Saint-Laurent stations) and offers paid parking nearby.
Free concerts: Most outdoor shows are free. For indoor concerts, it’s best to book your tickets in advance, especially for headliners.
Atmosphere: Plan to arrive early to soak up the ambiance, explore the kiosks, and get comfortable in front of the main stages.
Food: Many food trucks and pop-up restaurants offer a variety of choices for all tastes and budgets.
Accessibility: The site is adapted for people with reduced mobility and provides facilities for everyone.
The Montreal International Jazz Festival 2025 promises to be an unmissable event, true to its reputation as a festive, inclusive, and innovative celebration. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, curious about musical discoveries, or simply looking for magical moments in the heart of Montreal’s summer, the FIJM promises an unforgettable experience, where music unites and energizes the entire city.
For the full program and to plan your visit, check the festival’s official website.
Images courtesy of the Montreal International Jazz Festival
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