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Osheaga Day 1: A Dazzling Start to Montreal’s Biggest Music Festival
Osheaga 2025 launched with an explosive first day that highlighted the festival’s trademark diversity and energy. From soulful R&B to punk-infused chaos and arena-level rock, the lineup offered something for everyone.
Fans braved the summer heat to experience a day stacked with rising stars, local favorites, and global icons delivering unforgettable performances.
Begonia
Winnipeg’s Begonia kicked off Osheaga Day 1 with a bang. Her bold stage presence matched her vibrant outfit, and her playful screams between songs set an exciting, lighthearted tone. Known for her commanding voice and Juno nomination for Adult Alternative Album of the Year in 2024, Begonia delivered polished pop that perfectly suited the festival’s opener spot. Her sound seamlessly blended emotional lyricism with upbeat, danceable production, immediately pulling the early crowd in. While some opening acts can be overlooked, Begonia’s powerful voice and charisma left no room for distraction—fans quickly gravitated toward the stage.
As the first notes rang out, it became clear she was the ideal artist to set Osheaga’s pace. Her blend of confidence, humor, and vocal prowess warmed up the crowd, leaving festivalgoers buzzing about what was to come. Begonia didn’t just open the festival—she announced it with undeniable flair and energy.
Dua Saleh
Sudan-American artist Dua Saleh brought a genre-blending sound to Osheaga’s Belairdirect Valley Stage. Based in Minneapolis, Dua seamlessly wove rap, pop, and R&B elements into a hypnotic set that showcased their musical versatility. Their distinctive style drew just as much attention as their voice—festivalgoers couldn’t stop talking about their striking hair and bold fashion choices. Being the first performer on the Valley Stage is no small feat, yet Dua’s charisma and hypnotic beats quickly built a sizable crowd.
Their fluid transitions between melodic hooks and sharp verses demonstrated why they’ve become one of the most compelling new voices in alternative R&B. The afternoon sun glinted as fans swayed, sang along, and soaked in every beat. Dua Saleh didn’t just deliver music—they created a mood, effortlessly blending intimacy with energy. Their performance solidified them as a rising star to watch closely in the coming years.
Group Project
Montreal’s own Group Project gave Osheaga its first big hometown moment of the day. The alt-pop/rock trio hit the stage to deafening cheers, with local fans proudly shouting that they’d known members since childhood. This connection fueled an electric atmosphere, turning their set into more than just a performance—it felt like a communal celebration. Their blend of catchy hooks and driving rock energy had the crowd bouncing and singing along. Every riff and chorus reflected their deep roots in Montreal’s music scene.
Playing Osheaga marked a major milestone for the band, and their gratitude showed as they fed off the audience’s enthusiasm. For locals, this was a moment of pride; for newcomers, it was an introduction to a band ready to break beyond their city. Group Project embodied the spirit of Osheaga: a platform for emerging talent to shine while staying true to their hometown roots.
Aqyila
Toronto’s Aqyila delivered a soulful and heartfelt R&B set that glided effortlessly across the Osheaga stage. Fresh off her 2024 Juno win for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, she wowed the crowd with buttery vocals and undeniable charisma. Between songs, Aqyila shared her gratitude for performing in Montreal, repeatedly expressing how much the city’s energy meant to her. Fans cheered even louder when she referenced her cameo as a jazz singer in Murdoch Mysteries, further endearing her to the audience. Her silky sound mixed modern R&B smoothness with old-school soul warmth, creating an intimate yet powerful vibe that contrasted beautifully with the day’s louder acts.
mance was proof of her rapidly growing star power, and by the end of her set, she left no doubt: she’s one of Canada’s most promising R&B talents.
The Struts
British rockers The Struts turned the main stage into a retro-charged party with their signature glam-rock energy. Known for opening for Queens of the Stone Age in 2024, the band brought stadium-level charisma early in the day. Their frontman strutted across the stage (true to their name), hyping up the crowd as more fans poured in, marking one of the first major surges of the afternoon. Their infectious riffs, flashy style, and big sing-along choruses felt tailor-made for festival crowds.
With nods to classic rock theatrics, The Struts managed to feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Their set transformed the audience from casual listeners into a united, fist-pumping sea of fans. The moment their soaring vocals rang out, Osheaga felt like it hit its first high-octane peak. The Struts’ performance was a reminder that rock ‘n’ roll thrives best when it’s loud, flashy, and unapologetically fun.
Damiano David
Italian rock star Damiano David, best known as the charismatic frontman of Måneskin, gave a performance dripping with dark allure. His loose shirt and baggy pants gave him a vampiric aesthetic that perfectly matched his magnetic stage presence. From the first note, the crowd erupted in screams, and Damiano fed off the energy, delivering a raw and emotive performance that left a lasting impact. His raspy, powerful voice resonated across the festival grounds, each lyric hitting with force and passion.
It was evident why Damiano has become one of rock’s most recognizable figures—his blend of edgy style and commanding vocal delivery makes him unforgettable. Fans couldn’t get enough, calling for more even as his set closed. His solo spotlight at Osheaga showcased the unique charisma he brings beyond Måneskin, giving festival-goers a taste of his star power in its purest form.
Ekkstacy
Ekkstacy’s set was one of the most unexpected highlights of Osheaga Day 1, bringing a gritty punk rock edge that contrasted sharply with the day’s earlier pop and R&B vibes. His performance erupted with raw emotion, driving multiple mosh pits throughout the crowd and electrifying the atmosphere. The Vancouver-born artist delivered with unrelenting energy, leaning into his signature dark, punk-influenced sound while forging a connection with fans through sheer intensity. The mix of heavy guitar riffs and emotional vocals made his set feel like an intimate club show transported to the festival stage.
This shift in tone was refreshing and gave audiences a jolt of adrenaline that perfectly punctuated the day’s diversity. Ekkstacy’s unapologetically high-energy style and unpredictable presence cemented him as a must-see live performer. For many, his performance became a turning point, shaking things up and proving punk still thrives in festival settings.
Finneas
Finneas, the acclaimed songwriter and brother of Billie Eilish, delivered one of the most heartfelt sets of the day. Known for his stunning production and emotional songwriting, he opened with gratitude, thanking the crowd for their support of both him and his sister. His performance of “Cherry” was a highlight, captivating fans as more piled into the area, eventually leading security to close off the barricade. Finneas even joked about the festival spraying hoses on the overheated crowd, laughing with his band as he bonded with fans. His warm stage presence balanced beautifully with his polished musicality, showing why he’s a force in his own right beyond his work with Billie.
His soaring vocals and precise guitar playing added richness to a set packed with intimacy and stadium-worthy moments alike. Finneas proved he’s more than a behind-the-scenes genius—he’s a front-and-center artist who commands any stage he steps onto.
La Femme
French band La Femme turned their Osheaga set into an eccentric, dance-fueled spectacle. Despite technical difficulties at the start, they didn’t miss a beat—showing off their resilience and ability to keep the party alive. Their eclectic alt-pop sound was driven by layered instrumentation, from funky guitars to playful synths, making for an infectious vibe that pulled fans deeper into their world. The crowd erupted in movement, dancing freely to their hypnotic beats as their quirky stage presence added a playful charm.
Their ability to blend artistic flair with high-energy fun felt uniquely European, giving their performance an identity unlike anything else on Day 1. Even with setbacks, La Femme’s joyful defiance energized festival-goers, who cheered them on throughout the set. By its end, fans were grinning, sweaty, and exhilarated—a testament to La Femme’s talent for transforming challenges into pure festival magic.
Lucy Dacus
Lucy Dacus offered a quieter yet deeply powerful reprieve from Osheaga’s more frenetic sets. The Grammy-winning member of Boygenius—hailed for her songwriting and ranked the 213th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone—brought intimate storytelling to the forefront. Her warm vocals wrapped the crowd in a blanket of introspection as she performed tracks that showcased her lyrical brilliance. Backed by restrained instrumentation, her set felt personal and immersive, creating a rare sense of calm amidst the festival’s chaos.
Lucy’s understated presence was captivating in its simplicity, holding the audience’s attention without theatrics or flash. For fans of indie rock’s poetic side, her performance was a dream come true and a reminder of her unmatched ability to craft songs that resonate deeply. As twilight settled over Osheaga, Lucy Dacus proved that sometimes, the quietest sets leave the loudest impressions.
Dominic Fike
Dominic Fike’s entrance immediately set his set apart, with goldfish visuals playing on the stage cam before he appeared to a roaring crowd. His blend of rock, pop, and hip-hop energy instantly lit up Osheaga’s main stage, proving why he’s skyrocketing as one of today’s most exciting performers. His guitar-driven tracks highlighted his instrumental chops, while his vocals seamlessly carried hits that had fans screaming every word. The massive crowd made clear just how much momentum Dominic has gained.
His stage presence radiated confidence, pairing laid-back charm with bursts of kinetic energy that felt effortless. Every move reinforced his reputation as a genre-blurring artist with mass appeal. As he wrapped his set, it was obvious he’s on an unstoppable upward trajectory. For many festival-goers, Dominic Fike didn’t just perform—he confirmed that he’s destined for headliner status sooner rather than later.
Glass Animals
British indie rock favorites Glass Animals delivered an audiovisual feast on Day 1. Their stage design, stacked with vintage boom boxes, instantly set a nostalgic yet playful tone. Known for their worldwide hit “Heat Waves,” the band brought immense energy, drawing one of the day’s biggest crowds. Their tropical-infused indie sound pulsed through the audience, sparking an eruption of dancing and singing along. Lead singer Dave Bayley’s vibrant charisma radiated across the stage, connecting effortlessly with fans as he bounded between instruments and vocals. The combination of inventive visuals, dynamic musicianship, and undeniable groove turned their set into an immersive experience.
With every track, Glass Animals reminded everyone why their sound resonates so widely—it’s addictive, vibrant, and tailor-made for a live festival setting. By the end, their seamless mix of atmosphere and energy made their performance one of the most memorable of the day.
Jorja Smith
Closing in on the night, English R&B powerhouse Jorja Smith delivered a lush, intimate set to a massive crowd. Her soulful voice captivated festival-goers from the first note, reaffirming her status as one of the genre’s leading forces. Known for her breakout cover of Labrinth’s “Earthquake,” Jorja’s catalog shined live, blending smooth, emotive delivery with sharp technical control. Her multiple Brit Awards and Grammy nominations felt well-earned as she effortlessly floated through her hits, each song met with thunderous applause.
The atmosphere became serene yet electric, with fans swaying and singing in unison beneath the Montreal skyline. Her presence was understated but magnetic, drawing attention purely through her artistry. As she closed her set, it felt like a special treat—an elegant, soulful finale that added a layer of intimacy to Osheaga’s first night of spectacle.
Barry Can’t Swim
Irish EDM talent Barry Can’t Swim brought a high-octane electronic dance set unlike anything else that day. His heavy beats and masterful pacing turned the late-night crowd into a pulsing sea of movement. The lighting display was breathtaking, with lasers cutting through the darkness in a rare visual flourish not often seen at Canadian festivals. His set balanced euphoric build-ups with deep, driving basslines that kept the audience fully engaged. Barry’s ability to blend melodic elements with club-ready rhythms made for an irresistible atmosphere. The crowd’s energy was infectious, with cheers erupting as drops hit and lights synced perfectly with each pulse of sound.
For EDM fans, it was a dream; for others, it was an electrifying finale that converted them into believers. His performance felt like a reminder of Osheaga’s eclectic reach, effortlessly blending electronic spectacle with live music festival magic.
Doechii
Rounding out Day 1 with unmatched fire, Doechii took over the Forest stage with unapologetic swagger. The stage was adorned with greenery, setting a lush backdrop for her explosive entrance. Her razor-sharp flow and rapid-fire rapping sent shockwaves through the massive crowd packed on both sides of the twin stages. Doechii’s fearless presence was undeniable—she even lit up a joint mid-performance, amplifying her rebellious charm. Her high-energy set became a full-on takeover, blending heavy beats with her commanding vocals.
Fans danced wildly, feeding off her raw intensity and fearless charisma. The sheer size of her audience proved she’s quickly rising from underground sensation to full-blown star. Doechii closed out the night not just with a performance, but with a statement: she’s a force destined for festival dominance.
Closing
Osheaga Day 1 was a whirlwind of genres, emotions, and unforgettable moments that showcased the festival’s unrivaled ability to unite global talent with local gems. From Begonia’s vibrant opening to Doechii’s explosive finale, the day highlighted why Osheaga remains a must-attend event for music lovers. If Day 1 was any indication, 2025 promises one of the festival’s most iconic weekends yet.
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