Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The summer festival season in Quebec is set to begin with a significant expansion as
L’Outaouais en fête gears up for its 49th edition in June 2025. Held annually at Parc des
Cèdres, the francophone celebration will stretch over five days for the first time in its history,
running from June 20 to 24, with organizers promising a richer experience in both scale and
spirit.

The decision to extend the festival reflects a broader ambition to expand its cultural impact and
provide more opportunities for attendees to engage with music, the arts, and community life.
Organisers hope the five-day format will encourage greater connection, highlight diverse
francophone talent, and celebrate the language through shared experiences and artistic
discovery.

Kicking off the event on June 20 will be Loud, the Montréal-based rapper whose meteoric rise in
francophone hip-hop has been marked by lyrical precision and a distinctly bold sound. Known
for bridging local and international audiences, Loud’s opening night performance is expected to
set the tone with his signature intensity.

Joining the bill is Alexandre Poulin, the folk singer-songwriter lauded for his poetic and
introspective compositions. Fresh off receiving the Francophone Songwriter of the Year award
at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Poulin will take the stage on June 22 with his latest
work, La Somme des êtres aimés , continuing a career marked by quiet resonance and
thoughtful storytelling.

Also featured is Rau_Ze, a rising duo consisting of Rose Perron and Félix Paul. Their genre-
blending sound will accompany Loud on opening night, bringing a mix of intuitive creativity and
structured lyricism that has quickly earned them a place among Quebec’s emerging acts.

Ticket sales have reflected strong interest, especially following the introduction of a youth rate
for festivalgoers aged 12 to 17, part of a broader effort to make the event more inclusive and
accessible. Children under 12 may enter free of charge, and five-day passports remain available
at regular prices. For more information and tickets, visit the official website:
outaouaisenfete.com.

Photo: L’Outaouais en fête returns this June with an expanded five-day format and a lineup that
celebrates the depth and diversity of francophone culture. (TF) Photo: Yves Elou Légaré