For over 20 years, Festival de musique émergente an Abitibi-Témiscamingue (FME) has firmly cemented a reputation for a carefully curated lineup showcasing artists that combine innovative approaches and unique sounds, presenting both local headliners and up-and-coming talent, alongside a standout of international selection.
FME’s 23rd edition, presented in partnership with SiriusXM will take place August 28, 2025 – August 31, 2025 in Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, a mining town, located about 400 miles northwest of Montréal.
“SiriusXM is proud to renew its role as the official presenter of the Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Every year, FME highlights emerging artists, which aligns perfectly with our mission to showcase local music. At SiriusXM, our goal is to propel Francophone talent, whether through our North American broadcast platform or by supporting leading cultural events. We are therefore delighted to continue this long-standing partnership with FME,” says, Matilde Bourgeois, Francophone DCC, Sponsorships and Events Manager at SiriusXM.
Festival organizers recently announced the lineup for the Festival’s SiriusXM Concert Series at the Rue 7eime (7th Street) Main Stage.
Thursday August 28, 2025: The SiriusXM Concert Series kicks off with rising young artist Billie du Page, who has been busy with opening slots for acclaimed artist and Bravo Musique head Cœur de Pirate and Aliocha Schneider. BéLI, a hyper pop singer known for a crafting material that’s vibrant, corporeal will follow. Marie-Pierre Arthur will be playing material from Album bleu, an album that sees her pairing rock energy with orchestral R&B arrangements and productions. Thursday night will be headlined by Jay Scøtt, an artist who deftly creates catchy songs that pairs rap verses, melodic choruses, guitar and beatmaking.
Friday, August 29, 2025: Friday night will kick off with Montréal-based JOVM mainstays Population II, who will be playing a set of material based around their critically applauded album Maintenant Jamais, which earned them a spot on this year’s Polaris Music Prize long list. Ariane Roy will follow with a set of material based around her sophomore album Dogue, which La Presse describes as “a restless second album, driven by shackle-breaking anger and inspired by sisterhood.” The SiriusXM Concert Series’ second night will be headlined by Klô Pelgag, who will be playing a set featuring material from Abracadabra, an effort that won the Francophone Album of the Year at this year’s Juno Awards. Pelgag will be showcasing a categorization- defying live show, which features a unique blend of music, wit, color and movement.
Saturday, August 30, 2025: The festival’s third day will feature Empanadas Illegales, a Vancouver-based psychedelic cumbia and salsa septet, who have developed a sound powered by experimental synth sounds, slinky dub grooves and feverish percussion excursions. Toronto‘s The OBGM‘s will follow, playing material off their latest album Sorry, It’s Over, an effort that further cements a sound that meshes elements of rock, punk and hip-hop. Legendary Québécois outfit Les Trois Accords, will close out the SiriusXM Concert Series with a set that will feature material from their seven previously released albums, including a collection of beloved hits.
Festival organizers will also present a moonlight concert series on the Fizz Stage, also located on Rue 7eime, roughly a block away from the festival’s Main Stage. Thursday, August 28, 2025 will feature rising and acclaimed hyper-pop/R&B artist Virginie B. Friday, August 29, 2025 will feature Vancouver-based North African-Anishinabe Métis DJ Handsome Tiger, who blends electronic and traditional indigenous music. Saturday, August 30, 2025 will feature Poolgirl, a Riot Grrl movement-inspired act that blends garage and grunge.
“Fizz is thrilled to co-present the Festival de musique émergente for the second year in a row. We feel privileged to be at the heart of the festivities and to allow festival-goers to experience memorable moments thanks to the artists who will perform on the Fizz Stage. By supporting the discovery of new musical talent and fostering genuine connections, we are proud to contribute to enriching the cultural life of our communities,” says Martin Gendron, General Manager of Fizz.
FME’s 23rd Edition will feature three different tiers of festival passes:
Passeport site extérieur 7e Rue (7e Rue Outdoor Festival Pass): This pass, which will set you back $75CAD grants access to all the outdoor shows on 7e Rue from Thursday, August 29, 2025 – Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Passeport VIP site extérieur 7e Rue (7e Rue Outdoor VIP Festival Pass): This pass, which will set you back $200CAD grants across to all the outdoor shows on 7e Rue from Thursday, August 29, 2025 – Saturday, August 30, 2025 — plus entry to the VIP terrace, which includes a bar and private restrooms.
Both of those festival passes also give you a 20% discount on up to four (4) tickets for ticketed shows during the festival’s run. A promo code will be sent via email to pass holders.
The third and last festival pass, the Passeport Best Life (Best Life Festival Pass), will set you back $300 and grants you access to both outdoor stages and all venues during the festival’s four days. And you can move from venue to venue at any time. Of course, even with that festival pass, festival organizers suggested that for the more popular shows and showcases, you should arrive early to guarantee a spot. (If a venue is at capacity, you’ll have to wait for space to open up before you can enter.)
Single tickets for August 28, 2025-August 30, 205 are also available and will set you back $35CAD.
All three festival passes and tickets for outdoor events began yesterday — but you can check out the festival’s website for more information: https://www.fmeat.org.
Festival organizers will be making more announcements during the summer. So be on the lookout, y’all.
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