SOULFEST Montréal: Canada's Soul Music Celebration

SOULFEST Montréal holds a unique position as Canada's only festival dedicated exclusively to soul, motown, disco, and pop music. The festival celebrates the rich traditions of these genres while featuring both emerging and established artists who keep these sounds alive and evolving in the contemporary music landscape. The 2026 edition marks the third edition of this growing festival.

Festival Atmosphere and Venue

SOULFEST Montréal transforms Square Saint-James in downtown Montreal into an open-air dance floor, creating an iconic outdoor performance space. The St James United Church, illuminated against the night sky, provides a stunning architectural backdrop for performances, elevating the festival atmosphere beyond typical outdoor concert venues. The festival also features shows at Le Balcon, a chic cabaret, offering intimate indoor concert experiences alongside the large-scale outdoor programming.

Musical Focus

The festival's programming spans soul, motown, funk, gospel, and pop genres, with an emphasis on music that celebrates dance, joy, and cultural expression. The lineup includes established acts like Slim Williams and emerging discoveries, creating a mix of recognizable names and new talent for attendees to discover. The programming philosophy balances headliners with opportunities to discover emerging artists.

Festival Experience

SOULFEST Montréal operates as a 4-day festival (July 10-13), providing multiple days for attendees to experience different performances and fully immerse themselves in the soul and funk music experience. The outdoor setting on Square Saint-James, combined with shows at Le Balcon, creates a festival experience that blends large-scale outdoor events with more intimate cabaret performances, accommodating different preferences for concert attendance.