Osheaga Festival Achieves Near-Record Attendance of Over 151,000 Fans Featuring Tate McRae and Stella Lefty
Osheaga’s 19th edition, held in Montreal, concluded with remarkable success, attracting over 151,000 attendees. This year’s festival marked one of the highest attendance records in its history, with two out of three nights completely sold out, demonstrating the festival’s growing popularity in Canada.
Tate McRae’s Historic Headlining Performance
The festival featured a standout performance by Tate McRae, whose headlining slot on August 1 sold out nearly three weeks in advance, setting a record for the fastest sellout of an individual day. The anticipation surrounding McRae’s performance significantly contributed to ticket sales, a trend that was predicted by Evenko, the festival’s promoter, as early as May.
McRae’s appearance was particularly significant as it marked her first-ever festival headline performance in Canada. She became the first Canadian to headline Osheaga since Arcade Fire in 2022 and The Weeknd in 2017.
Local Attendance and Special Performances
This year’s festival saw a notable increase in local attendance, with approximately 50% of the crowd hailing from Quebec, up from 40% the previous year. A highlight of the weekend was a surprise performance by the Quebec band Angine de Poitrine, who had been booked prior to their record-setting set at the Montreal Jazz Fest. Their last-minute inclusion added excitement to an already buzzing lineup.
Osheaga has consistently demonstrated its ability to book rising stars just before they gain widespread recognition. This year, singer-songwriter Stella Lefty, who is currently charting in the top five of both the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and Billboard Hot 100, captivated audiences during her afternoon set. Malcolm Todd also performed on the main stage, having gained millions of new listeners since the lineup was announced.
Nostalgic Returns and Celebrated Alumni
The festival embraced nostalgia this year, featuring several returning artists from its past, including Lorde. Osheaga founder Nick Farkas remarked on the resurgence of artists like Zara Larsson, who played at the festival in 2017 and drew one of the largest crowds this year. Fans eagerly anticipated her performances of both classic hits and new tracks.
Wolf Parade also made a return, having played at the inaugural Osheaga in 2006 and again in 2016. Their presence this year highlighted the festival’s commitment to celebrating its history while showcasing contemporary talent.
OVO Golf Classic Supports Local Charities
In a separate event, the OVO Golf Classic, co-founded by Drake, took place at TPC Osprey Valley. This year’s edition saw a significant increase in participation, with 91 teams comprising 364 golfers, up from 36 teams last year. The event raised funds for the Remix Project and the Scarborough Shooting Stars Foundation, supporting youth programs that provide access to sports and mentorship.
The golf tournament featured various celebrities from sports and entertainment, including NBA players Devin Booker and Jordan Clarkson, as well as OVO Sound artists. Participants enjoyed a day filled with exclusive giveaways and challenges at each hole, enhancing the overall experience.
Departure Festival Executive Producer Steps Down
Kevin Barton has announced his departure from his role as executive producer of the Departure Festival and Conference after two years. He played a pivotal role in the festival’s evolution since its rebranding from Canadian Music Week. Barton remains a partner and shareholder at Loft, the Toronto-based music company co-founded by Randy Lennox and Jeffrey Latimer.
Barton expressed his desire to focus on new projects, including his expanded role at the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards. He emphasized the importance of evolving the festival’s identity to reflect contemporary cultural trends.
As reported by www.billboard.com.
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Published on 2026-08-08 01:42:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk