The 13th Edition of an Electronic Music Landmark

Riverside Festival returns in 2026 for its 13th edition, cementing its status as one of Quebec's premier electronic music festivals. Held September 11–13 in Gatineau, the festival brings together thousands of fans and world-class artists in one of Canada's most distinctive festival settings.

A Venue Like No Other

What sets Riverside apart is its location and intimacy. Positioned between the Ottawa River and the Canadian Museum of History in downtown Hull at 100 Laurier Street, the festival occupies a spectacular open-air space that transforms the city's waterfront into a temporary music hub. The venue borders Parliament Hill and several parks, creating an exceptional backdrop for an electronic music experience.

2026 Headliners and Accessible Design

The 2026 lineup features major electronic acts: Marshmello leads Friday's programming, while Excision closes Sunday. The festival emphasizes its "intimate stage" design that creates "a direct connection with the artists," positioning accessibility as a core appeal for attendees. This philosophy extends beyond the stage—the festival operates daily with evening hours and caters to diverse needs through multiple ticket tiers.

Ticketing and Festival Experience

Riverside offers flexible ticketing to suit different attendance preferences. Single-day tickets start at $87 CAD, with two-day combo passes at $154 CAD and full weekend packages at $216 CAD. Premium VIP options, starting at $177 CAD, include exclusive access to a VIP terrace, private bar, private restrooms, and optional bottle service. Prices are tiered with rates rising as tiers sell through—the festival encourages early booking to secure lower rates.

Food offerings span multiple dietary preferences, with food trucks and vendors serving poutine alongside vegan and gluten-free dishes. Water refill stations are available throughout the grounds—attendees may bring one empty reusable plastic bottle for refilling. The festival operates a cashless payment system, accepting only credit and debit cards on site.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

The festival is committed to inclusivity. A dedicated area is available for people with reduced mobility and one companion, with the festival encouraging attendees to contact info@festivalriverside.ca for mobility-related questions. Medical support includes on-site police, paramedics, and a first aid tent. Security protocols include mandatory bag searches at entry and selective body searches on site.

Parking options include free street parking throughout Gatineau and paid indoor parking at the Canadian Museum of History at $18 per day. The festival emphasizes early arrival to avoid lines and recommends checking weather conditions. Rain does not impact the event—"the party goes on" regardless of weather. The festival encourages active travel via biking, walking, or public transit, plus offers an intriguing aqua-taxi option from Ottawa.

As an established festival in its second decade, Riverside has built a reputation for delivering electronic music experiences anchored by both legendary artists and a venue that makes every set feel special.