19 outdoor concerts to check out this summer in Montreal
For four glorious summer months, Montreal becomes a music hub filled with an eclectic mix of electronica, hip-hop, oldies rock, alternative, indie, and pop. And thanks to our accommodating summer weather, many of the best concerts are held outdoors.
So to help you plan your concert calendar foe the next three months, here are 19 of the best acts playing outdoor concerts in Montreal this summer.
Bloc Party
Bloc Party is the best of early 2000s garage rock. And because of that, their inclusion in Osheaga’s current lineup, besieged by agreeable indie and hip hop acts, make them a band you’ll want to see.
When: Friday, July 29
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
The Jacksons
Legendary Motown icons, The Jacksons, will perform a free outdoor show at the Place des Festivals on July 20 as part of the Just for Laughs Festival.
When: Wednesday, July 20
Where: Places des Festival, Scene Videotron, Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal
Radiohead
There is a reason why Radiohead inherited the title of “Godfathers of Alternative”. For nearly three decades they have created thought-provoking, progressive music. They conquered grunge, guitar rock, indie, electronica, nu-jazz, and pop and made them all their own. This has earned them the title of can’t-miss.
When: Sunday, July 31
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Jamie Cullum
After selling out the Maison Symphonique last year, this British jazz prodigy will bring his mind-blowing stage presence back to the Festival.
When: Monday, July 4
Where: TD Stage, Place des Festivals
DVBBS
DVBBS is a Dutch-Greek-Canadian electronic duo that are known to set the stage on fire! Their track “Tsunami” was an international hit, and it’s sure to bring with it a horde of fans hungry for their international blend of dance music.
When: Monday, August 15
Where: Ile Soniq, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Killswitch Engage
Despite all the distortion and screaming, Killswitch know how to craft an engaging song that’s appealing enough to not only keep their current fans satisfied, but to gain them new ones.
When: Sunday, August 7
Where: Heavy Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups’ music pulses in a way that’s reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkin’s “1979”. Sometimes it feels like even though you’re hearing it for the first time, you’ve heard it before, and that actually makes seeing Silversun Pickups a unique experience. If you find yourself wanting to try something new, something that genre-hops inside the grand sound of “rock,” choose to see this band.
When: Friday, July 29
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Passenger
Passenger, made famous by their warm, catchy song “Let Her Go,” holds a top spot in the Osheaga lineup. Passenger’s folk rock nails where the genre’s at: bordering on pop. Passenger tells stories with an acoustic guitar and an almost invisible rhythm section.
When: Friday, July 29
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Mastadon
Their sound is gigantic, just like the scope of their artwork. This band is talented like no other on Heavy Montreal’s bill. Look out for the trampling that’s sure to be caused by Mastadon’s ruckus.
When: Saturday, August 6
Where: Heavy Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Everybody needs some agreeable funk, and RHCP have provided that since the late ‘80s. You can’t find a better band for an outdoor venue. Their sing-along, stadium-friendly, loose dance rock puts even the most cynical concertgoers at ease.
When: Friday, July 29
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Zakk Wylde
Wylde successfully rides the line between mainstream hard rock and heavy metal, which is why he’s perfect for this heavy metal festival. There’s melody hidden inside all his shredding which makes him appealing to a wider audience.
When: Sunday, August 7
Where: Heavy Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Skrillex
Who doesn’t know Skrillex? You hear his songs. You dance to his beats. He was probably your first foray into dubstep. This is one mainstream DJ you shouldn’t miss live.
When: Friday, August 5
Where: Ile Soniq, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Disturbed
Nu-metal, hard rock, heavy metal, and alternative metal… they’re hard to nail down, but they’ve got singable hooks, and their riffs are made for big venues. You won’t be the only one to get lost in the band’s war-cry vocals.
When: Sunday, August 7
Where: Heavy Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Half Moon Run
Bringing things back down to a more serene, earthy level, Half Moon Run are a must-see act. Last year’s release, Sun Leads Me On, launched them into the mainstream. The album’s singles, “Turn Your Love” and “Trust,” exemplify the lightness and quality with which they handle their vocal melodies.
When: Friday, July 29
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Hannah Wants
The repetition of Hannah’s music is guaranteed to send you into a trance. Chopped and looped dialogue is the perfect accent to her bare bones house beats. It’s impossible to fight, so just dance.
When: Saturday, August 6
Where: Ile Soniq, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Dragonette
A mixture of electro pop and new wave, this band is divisive. Dragonette is one of those bands that you’re going to hear about a decade from now and wonder why you missed their peak – which is right now.
When: Friday, July 29
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Mac Miller
If you need an energy boost, this is your man! Mac is a rapper that grips his audience by the shoulders and shakes them. His lyrics will make you think and his music will make you feel so make sure you get that bathroom break in before he hits the stage.
When: Sunday, July 31
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill is important for two reasons: west coast rap and for marijuana legalization. With their a vibrant on-stage presence and constant audience interaction, this performance will be one of the most memorable. Are you ready to get insane…in the brain?
When: Friday, July 29
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
The Lumineers
Warm harmonies and earnest, simple progressions make this folk-rock band easy to latch onto. From gospel to rock to country, these guys don’t miss a beat!
When: Friday, July 29
Where: Osheaga, Parc Jean-Drapeau
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