Igloofest 2026 Lineup: Old Port shows from Jan. 15 to Feb. 7

The Old Port's winter party enters its 18th year with four weekends of outdoor programming—and a first-time trip west.

For nearly two decades, Igloofest has operated on the premise that winter in Montreal is something to celebrate. A lot cities retreat indoors when January hits, but thousands gather at the Old Port's Quai Jacques-Cartier to dance in subzero temperature in snowsuits.

The 2026 edition runs January 15 to February 7, delivering four weekends of programming that spans electronic music's full range:

Sofi Tukker opens the first weekend on January 16, followed by the Blaze (DJ set) on January 17. Madeon performs live January 22, then Nicole Moudaber teams up with Montreal techno veteran Misstress Barbara for a back-to-back set on January 23. DJ Snake takes over January 30 with A-Trak providing support, while names like Lost Frequencies, Elderbrook (DJ set), Hamza, Skull Machine (the collaboration between Black Tiger Sex Machine and Kai Wachi), Max Styler, and DJ Seinfeld fill out the remaining slots.

Programming spreads across two stages—Scène Sapporo handles the main acts while Scène Vidéotron showcases local talent and themed takeovers. Montreal collectives including T.I.T.S., Musik Me Luv, HAUTERAGEOUS, OCTOV, TELETECH, Homegrown Harvest, and FERIAS each curate specific nights, blending visiting artists with the city's underground scene.

The Après-Ski series continues its run at New City Gas, Soubois, Bazart, and Newspeak on Fridays and Saturdays, with 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. sessions featuring ACRAZE, Maddix, Space 92, and various local selectors. Lost Frequencies appears twice on January 31—both at the outdoor site and later at New City Gas. The club programming picks up where the outdoor portion ends, creating extended nights for anyone who isn't ready to call it after midnight in minus-twenty weather.

Saturday afternoons bring back Igloofête, the no-cost daytime component featuring Tupi Collective, Wayback (focusing on '90s hip-hop), Messy, and Le Loop. It's designed for families and newcomers to experience the atmosphere without committing to a full evening in the cold.

This year represents a shift in geography. After finishing in Montreal, Igloofest travels to Gatineau (February 12-14) and Quebec City (March 6-8) before making its first appearance outside the province in Edmonton (March 13-15). The move west tests whether the festival's approach—embracing winter instead of hiding from it—translates beyond Quebec. Edmonton's climate certainly qualifies; if anywhere understands the appeal of dancing outside in brutal cold, it's Alberta.

The core experience remains unchanged: steel structures meet ice installations, the Igloovillage provides warming stations and interactive elements, and the snowsuit competition rewards the most impractical winter fashion choices.

Tickets are on sale now. The age requirement is 18+ throughout, except for January 29's performance by Hamza, which allows entry at 16+.

After eighteen years, Igloofest continues proving the same point: Montreal treats winter differently. Other cities tolerate the season. Here, we throw a month-long party in the middle of it.