Phrases / Phil Gomez
Photographs / Arturo Evaristo
Pageant d’été de Québec (FEQ) 2025 did not disappoint our favourite sonic wonderland delivered eleven days of music, magic, and maple-drenched recollections within the coronary heart of Québec Metropolis. From the second we touched down, it felt like a heat hug from the universe. We have been greeted by the wonderful duo Ines Beshro and Kenza Bélaïchouche from Bleufue PR with huge smiles, reward luggage, and a customized handmade ceramic mug that now has a everlasting house on my desk.
After a fast tour of the pageant grounds we wrapped our first day dancing with KYGO, however the actual shock? Our expensive buddy and vocal powerhouse Parson James jumped on stage and actually stole the present. A voice that calls for consideration and a presence that had the group in collective awe. Day one, contemplate us spiritually exfoliated.
After a well-earned sleep, day two kicked off with an important dose of self-care. The mission? A leopard-print, Shania Twain-inspired manicure, a becoming tribute to our queen, who was set to headline Saturday’s much-anticipated efficiency.
Our chosen sanctuary for this inventive endeavor was Le Milorde, a small and comfortable nail and sweetness salon nestled within the coronary heart of Quebec Metropolis’s St-Roch district. From the second we stepped inside, the intimate environment and heat greeting made it clear we have been in good fingers. My nail tech, with an virtually uncanny instinct, obtained the imaginative and prescient, completely capturing the essence of Shania’s iconic fashion, but additionally went above and past. Throughout our session, she plugged us into the native classic scene, sharing insider tips about the most effective outlets and hidden gems to discover… a real blessing for anybody seeking to uncover Quebec Metropolis’s distinctive attraction past the pageant.
We roamed the streets and fairytale-like facades in the hunt for treasures and landed at TWISE Studio, a curated goldmine of ‘90s and Y2K goodness. It’s giving downtown cool with a Euro twist. We linked up with our new NYC bestie and rising star Mads Maley, and performed dress-up montage fashion (cue the musical interlude)…
Our subsequent cease was Le Buché, a captivating restaurant that immediately felt like a heat embrace. It was the epitome of conventional Québécois delicacies, however with a pleasant fashionable twist that stored issues fascinating. For the primary time, I indulged in shepherd’s pie, and it was a revelation hearty, comforting, and completely scrumptious. However the true star of the present, the dish that stole my coronary heart and left me emotionally connected, was the OREILLES DE CRISSE. These crispy pork rinds, generously drenched in wealthy maple syrup, have been an surprising symphony of candy and savory, crunchy and tender. A particular shoutout is because of our waiter, Chris, who was an absolute gem. He ensured our mimosa glasses have been by no means empty and that our bellies have been full, making the eating expertise much more memorable and pleasurable. His attentive and pleasant service really elevated the whole meal.
The afternoon introduced us to the FEQ Artist World, the place we caught up with Lauren Spencer Smith earlier than her set and bonded over our love for NYC swag and the artwork of being a large number, additionally the title of her sophomore album out now.
“I believe that the artwork of being messy is being a really emotional individual having a loopy life, however having maintain. You may nonetheless really feel offended and really feel feelings, however not act on them. Studying cope with that and cope with your feelings and act on them correctly, I believe, is the artwork.”
The sky cried throughout the Pixies set, however not even a torrential downpour may deter me from witnessing “The place Is My Thoughts” dwell. The rain, in actual fact, reworked the expertise into one thing transcendent. I felt like Edward Norton within the closing scene of Battle Membership, however as an alternative of explosions and demolitions, it was lightning and the roar of the group. Hozier adopted on the principle stage with a set that felt like a heat embrace from an previous buddy, although not fairly heat sufficient to maintain me from looking for shelter earlier than the top. Drenched however refreshed, it was the right wind-down to a day stuffed with self-care, good meals, and retail remedy, all set to the soundtrack of the FEQ lineup.
Day three kicked off with a deep dive right into a classic crawl, a mission efficiently accomplished at my new favourite store Billie Bob. This store provided the quintessential treasure hunt expertise for thrift diggers, yielding every part from chunky early 2000s leather-based belts to useless inventory jewellery and equipment. Different notable classic gems included Triste Classic, Pattes d’éléphant, and Chez Tous Jours Boutique, all brimming with an eclectic assortment of fripperies that will excite any classic fanatic. Mission: The right Shania Twain look—full.
Again on the grounds, Slayer followers took over FEQ in distressed garments and classic tees. The gang was getting greater and rowdier because the sundown units constructing anticipation for the headlining present. The environment felt chaotic, and nostalgic like a highschool yard present on steroids. I’ve by no means seen a blowup doll crowd surf right into a mosh pit till now. Slayer? Not my standard cup of tea… however I used to be curious, entertained, and low key possessed for a short second.
To revive our chakras, we floated again to Bob Sinclar’s euphoric DJ set. The gang overflowing into the streets, a remix of “One Love” soundtracking the second. This, my mates, is the true spirit of FEQ: music for everybody, all over the place, abruptly.
Day 4 is our final day at FEQ and we JAM. PACKED. IT. We caught up with three rising stars who every introduced a novel frequency:
First up was Armani White, a self-proclaimed weirdo from Philly who rolled in able to trigger chaos. His audacious character popped off instantly when he dropped certainly one of his wilder entrepreneurial concepts: “I wish to purchase a Taco Bell and livestream from it.” You may solely think about the limitless provide of Baja Blast and Crunchwrap Supremes that will gasoline that type of insanity. When pressed about his aspirations for his upcoming present, he declared his need for “loud, ignorant, and simply enjoyable shit.” And rattling, did he ship! A testomony to his uncooked charisma and unapologetic bravado. He completely embodied the “loud, ignorant, and enjoyable” ethos he’d promised.
Subsequent, we met with Magi Merlin, a really magical being whose refreshing and heat aura immediately cast a deep reference to us. Possibly it was our shared, overpowering Scorpio vitality that created such a right away bond. When requested about her dream viewers members, both useless or alive, she replied. “First, Frank Ocean,” she started, “I like him; he’s an enormous affect on me and my writing, so that will be unimaginable. Additionally, Amy Winehouse; I like my lady.” Given Madi’s charming music a fluid and seamless fusion of pop and R&B, characterised by memorable lyrics, soulful supply, and a really sensual sound that effortlessly transcends genres and penetrates the very core of your being—a hypothetical fanbase together with these iconic artists makes excellent sense.
Lastly, we sat down with Dijah SB. With a reputation impressed by the long-lasting Nike SB Dunks, this rising rap star from Toronto effortlessly embodies a cool and informal demeanor. Past their shiny and charming visuals and their contagiously vibrant presence, Dijah SB is a veritable powerhouse: a masterful rapper, a profound lyricist, and a poetic activist. They shared their dream of “that second I can hear hundreds of individuals rapping alongside,” including with a real sense of gratitude, “It’s such an incredible feeling to only be in a special metropolis off the energy of music.” A sentiment with which I wholeheartedly and unequivocally agree.
We closed the day with a chef’s kiss dinner at Bello, an Italian hotspot helmed by the famend Chef Luc Ste-Croix. From the second we stepped by means of the doorways, the ambiance was completely set: heat lighting, the light clinking of glasses, and an attractive aroma that promised an unforgettable culinary expertise.
Each dish that arrived at our desk was a masterpiece, however one particularly has taken up everlasting residence in my reminiscence: the RISOTTO ALL’ ANATRA E FOIE GRAS. This wasn’t only a dish, it was an occasion. The risotto was cooked to absolute perfection, every grain tender but agency, infused with a wealthy, savory duck broth. The succulent items of duck confit, tender and deeply flavorful, have been a revelation. After which, the foie gras, seared an unbelievably creamy, soften in your mouth inside. It added an expensive richness that elevated the dish to a different airplane solely. The interaction of textures and the depth of taste have been merely mouth watering.
I might be chasing that taste excessive, that beautiful mixture of foie gras, and completely executed risotto, till additional discover. Bello’s creation, has set a brand new benchmark for unforgettable eating. The type of meal that has you reserving your subsequent reservation earlier than dessert, craving to find what else the menu has to supply.
Now… SHANIA. The explanation for my whole leopard-print existence.
Our pre recreation kicked off beneath the whimsical attraction of Quartier Petit Champlain, a fascinating pocket of decrease city Quebec, all cobblestone streets, cozy boutiques, and film excellent vibes. As has grow to be custom, we gathered for the annual FEQ comfortable hour hosted by our expensive mates, a celebration that feels extra like a reunion with a view. The air crackled with pleasure, that electrical buzz that solely intensifies because the solar begins to dip.
Crisp white wine in hand, I may really feel the evening beginning to hum. My look? Locked and loaded, due to our FEQ fairy godmothers, Ines and Kenza, who topped us with the pièce de résistance: the right cowboy hat that accomplished my Shania fantasy. We weren’t simply prepared, we have been serving!
On our option to the pageant, I took what I thought was a shortcut… solely to run into SHANIA HERSELF en path to the stage. I swear, for one transient, bedazzled second, I used to be a part of her entourage.
From the VIP pit to the literal backstage, we screamed each phrase, line danced to the hits, and ended the evening wrapped in neon lights, nostalgia, and palomas.
Our FEQ expertise, nevertheless, would merely not be full with no essential, late-night indulgence: poutine. Our go to identify for this important late evening ritual is none aside from the legendary Snack Bar. It’s the right place to cap off a night of music and revelry, serving up the quintessential Quebecois dish that’s superb for absorbing any lingering results of the evening’s festivities. Past the scrumptious poutine, Snack Bar affords a enjoyable environment, making it an prime location for some glorious folks watching because the crowds disperse and town buzzes with residual vitality from the pageant.
FEQ 2025—thanks for the recollections, the music, the mayhem, and the mug. You’ll all the time have my coronary heart, can’t wait to do it another time…
Let’s go women!
Check out our unique FEQ pictures under:
