Get ready, Ontario music lovers—this summer, Rouyn‑Noranda transforms into a sonic playground as the Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi‑Témiscamingue (FME) returns August 28–31 for its 23rd edition. Imagine indie rock blasting from alleys, dreamy avant-pop under starry skies, surprise sets in hidden venues—and that vibe? It’s festival magic unlike anything closer to home.
Why FME is the under-the-radar festival you don’t want to miss
Celebrating over two decades of boundary-pushing programming, FME has earned its rep as Canada’s go-to incubator for bold, emerging sounds. With over 80 artists across quirky venues—like the famed Cabaret de la Dernière Chance and the atmospheric Agora—it promises both curated surprises and crowd-favourite headliners.
Friday on the big stage? Kick off with hyper-pop rising-star Bille du Page, followed by BéLi’s haunting live vocals and Marie‑Pierre Arthur’s genre-crossing Rn’B orchestral set. Cap it with Jay Scøtt’s blend of rap, beatmaking, and guitar storytelling—it’s local talent with global ears .
Saturday gives way to a genre mash as Population II brings alt-rap energy, followed by Francophone alt-rockers Ariane Roy and the daring, award-winning Klô Pelgag Le Citoyen Rouyn – La Sarre+4FME en Abitibi-Témiscamingue+4Le Canal Auditif+4. Later, Empanadas Ilegales’s cumbia-dub fusion meets The OBGMs’s punk-meets-hip-hop thunder—straight from Vancouver to Abitibi’s heart FME en Abitibi-Témiscamingue+4FME en Abitibi-Témiscamingue+4Le Canal Auditif+4.
FME’s Scène Fizz caters to night owls with hypnotic sets by Virginie B, experimental beats from Handsome Tiger, and gritty alt-pop from Poolgirl Le Citoyen Rouyn – La Sarre+3FME en Abitibi-Témiscamingue+3Le Canal Auditif+3.
But the full festival experience goes far beyond marquee shows. From surprise pop-up concerts in cafes and studios to immersive urban scenography and “shows cachés”, every corner of Rouyn‑Noranda pulses with creative energy.
Looking for Canadian-Atlantic roots-rock flavor? Among the many highlights is Julie Aubé, Katrine Noël and Vivianne Roy, whose album Tintamarre landed this spring—and their latest track “Some People” marks their only English-language song. Catch their Ontario stop at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern July 3 before they join FME later in the summer.
How to get in on the action
FME offers three festival ticket options:
Pass Type | Includes | Price |
---|---|---|
7e Rue Outdoor Pass | Access to all outdoor 7th Street shows (Thu–Sat), with 20% discount for paid shows | CA $75 |
VIP Outdoor Pass | All of the above, plus access to VIP terrace with bar & washrooms | CA $180 |
Best Life Pass | Unlimited access to all venues—mainstage, indoor and outdoor—throughout the festival | CA $279.99 |
Individual evening tickets also available at CA $35 per night for outdoor shows. Tickets and passes are live now; grab them early via Weezevent before the summer rush.
One music‑lover, community celebration
FME isn’t just a festival—it’s a community takeover. Montreal outlets like Le Canal Auditif and Le Citoyen call it “a carefully curated lineup of local talent and global taste-making” and “music as joyful chaos in action” Le Canal Auditif+1Le Canal Auditif+1. From live visual design to guerilla gigs to midnight dance sets, it feels handcrafted.
If you’re looking to discover, dance, and dive deep into tomorrow’s soundmakers, FME is where the future shows up. Experience sound in spaces you didn’t know existed, connect with fearless artists, and close out summer with stories you’ll be sharing for years. Tickets available now at fmeat.org and through festival socials and app.
Don’t just consume music—get lost in it.
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