Igloofest Quebec opens as crowd braves the cold for its 4th edition
igloofest quebec opened Thursday night at place Jean‑Béliveau, launching its fourth edition that runs from March 5 to March 7, 2026, and drawing festivalgoers who said they were undeterred by colder temperatures.
Disclosure closes opening night after local and international support
The duo Disclosure headlined the first night and closed the evening in their first performance in Quebec City, following sets from 1tbsp—the dance/electro project of Australian artist Maxwell Byrne—and Quebecoise Audrey Bélanger, who opened the festivities at 19 h (7 p. m. ET) on Thursday.
Festivalgoers on site said they were eager for the annual winter electro event. Frédéric Thibault, attending with a group, said they try to make the event in Quebec or Montreal each year, while Béatrice Drouin added that dancing kept them warm despite cooler weather than in recent days.
Igloofest Quebec unveils bigger screens and new age policy
Organizers reworked the scenography for this edition, adding “many square feet of screens on the stage, ” Raphaëlle‑Ann Samson, delegated producer at Gestev, said, calling the changes a technical and projection upgrade for the plaza at Jean‑Béliveau.
For the first time, the festival is open to 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds. Samson said the change came in response to demand and fit this year’s programming, notably with Zeds Dead scheduled to perform on Friday—an act singled out as appealing to the younger audience.
What to watch the rest of the weekend
Igloofest quebec expects several thousands of attendees through Saturday night and has more high‑profile acts lined up. The schedule includes a first visit to Quebec City for English producer and DJ Chris Lake, and the festival still has tickets available for Friday and Saturday evenings.
The program running March 5–7, 2026, also highlights a mix of international and local talent. Zeds Dead—a Toronto EDM duo made up of Dylan “DC” Mamid and Zachary “Hooks” Rapp‑Rovan—are part of the lineup, and Audrey Bélanger, the festival’s lone Quebec artist in the cited programming, brings her background in classical music and experience running an independent radio station to her set.
Organizers and performers emphasized inclusivity and safety for festivalgoers. Samson described Igloofest as a festive, inclusive and secure environment, and said she expected the younger attendees to integrate well with the regular crowd.
Through Saturday, the place Jean‑Béliveau will continue to host international and local DJs, and organizers have scheduled multiple colorful performances across the final two nights. Tickets for Friday and Saturday remain on sale for those planning to attend.
The festival continues Saturday night; the next confirmed performances include Friday and Saturday shows headlined by acts such as Zeds Dead and Chris Lake, with tickets still available for those dates.
