The Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ), a hallmark event in the city’s cultural calendar, will receive a significant boost from the Government of Canada with a financial grant totaling $1.75 million. This grant, jointly announced by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, on July 11, 2025, is aimed at expanding the festival’s reach and enhancing its tourism appeal.

“The CED support announced today attests to our government’s willingness to support the tourism industry and to reaffirm its assistance for flagship organizations across Quebec’s different regions. The funding provided to the FEQ represents an important lever to increase the region’s appeal. Through our investments in cultural, musical and tourism experiences, we reaffirm our commitment to welcoming visitors from home and abroad to the beautiful city of Québec,” explained the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED.

The FEQ, which draws thousands of visitors annually, is an iconic multi-genre music festival held on the historic Plains of Abraham and at various venues throughout downtown Québec. Featuring a dynamic mix of performances by both local and international artists, it has become a major attraction for music lovers from around the globe. The funding will enable the festival to refine its brand image, bolster international marketing efforts, and offer an enriched experience for attendees.

“The Festival d’été de Québec is a flagship summer event that brings to life the Plains of Abraham and a multitude of other locations at the heart of the magnificent city of Québec. This major musical gathering, which shines the spotlight on both recognized and emerging artists, offers varied programming that attracts over one million festivalgoers every year. Our government is proud to support this artistic effervescence and to contribute to the success of an event that really brings people together. I wish everyone a great festival,” stated the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

This financial assistance comes in two parts. The first, a non-repayable contribution of $1.2 million from the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP), will help the FEQ to expand its promotional activities beyond Quebec’s borders. This investment will also support the renewal of the festival’s branding, and the creation of innovative products designed to enhance the experience for festivalgoers in 2025 and 2026.

“The Government of Canada has long been an ally of the Festival d’été de Québec, and its support makes all the difference to us. Thanks to its valuable financial contribution, we can promote the event well beyond our borders, showcase a range of wonderfully diverse Canadian artists, and provide the community with programming that is both rich and inclusive,” expressed Nicolas Racine, President and CEO, FEQ.

In addition, a $550,000 grant from Canadian Heritage’s Canada Arts Presentation Fund will provide crucial support for the 2025 edition of the FEQ. This funding will allow the festival to present a diverse and exciting lineup, featuring internationally acclaimed artists and offering a platform for emerging talents in the arts scene.

Through these investments, the Government of Canada aims to solidify the FEQ’s position as a top-tier cultural event, enhance its tourism impact, and provide a platform for both seasoned and up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents on an international stage.