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ÎLESONIQ 2025: Celebrating 10 Years of Montreal’s Biggest EDM Festival
ÎLESONIQ returned to Parc Jean-Drapeau this past weekend for its milestone 10th anniversary, and the celebration couldn’t have been louder, hotter, or more explosive. Across two days, the festival drew an impressive 76,000 ravers to Montreal’s iconic island venue, solidifying its status as one of the biggest electronic music events in Canada.
The anniversary edition was everything fans could hope for—massive crowds, mind-blowing visuals, and a lineup stacked with some of the most talked-about names in dance music. From CO₂ blasters and pyrotechnics that lit up the stages, to the relentless energy of the DJs and producers, ÎLESONIQ’s 2025 edition proved why this festival has been a must-attend summer tradition for the past decade.
Day 1: John Summit Takes Over
Day one kicked off with high-octane sets that had festivalgoers dancing despite the sweltering 35-degree heat. Montreal’s own SNAILS delivered a homecoming performance that was both filthy and fun, showcasing the bass-heavy sound that made him a fan favorite. Sara Landry’s dark and driving set added a powerful techno punch to the mix, proving the festival’s range extends well beyond just mainstream EDM.
The highlight of the night, however, belonged to John Summit, who headlined the main stage to a sea of fans. His set was an electrifying blend of house, electronic, and dubstep-infused drops that kept the crowd moving from start to finish. Summit’s ability to connect with the audience, weaving together euphoric highs and bass-heavy breakdowns, made his performance one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.
Adding an unexpected twist to the evening, Steve Aoki—who had reportedly missed his flight earlier in the day—still managed to make it to Montreal just in time for his trademark stage antics. True to form, Aoki hurled cakes into the crowd, giving fans the chaotic, messy, and hilarious moment they had been waiting for.
Day 2: Illenium’s Emotional Touch
If day one was about high-energy chaos, day two leaned into the more emotional, melodic side of electronic music. The atmosphere shifted as ILLENIUM took the stage for his headlining set, delivering a performance that combined breathtaking visuals with his signature blend of melodic bass and soaring vocals. While different in tone from John Summit’s pulsating party set the night before, Illenium’s show was equally captivating—drawing tens of thousands of fans who sang, swayed, and danced together under the summer night sky.
Among the standout performances of the weekend was Black Tiger Sex Machine, the Montreal trio known for their futuristic, robotic panther helmets and relentless energy. Their set blended heavy bass with cinematic visuals, creating an immersive experience that many fans considered the best of the festival. As locals who have grown alongside ÎLESONIQ over the past decade, BTSM’s set felt like both a homecoming and a victory lap.
A Decade of Dance
Beyond the music, ÎLESONIQ’s 10th anniversary was a celebration of community and culture. Despite the heat, the crowds never stopped moving—proof of just how dedicated Montreal’s rave scene has become. The production, with its towering LED screens, fire cannons, and CO₂ blasts, created the kind of sensory overload that makes festivals unforgettable.
Over the past ten years, ÎLESONIQ has transformed from a promising newcomer to one of North America’s premier electronic music festivals. The 2025 edition captured everything fans love about it: world-class DJs, unforgettable moments, and a crowd that lives for the music.
As the lights dimmed and the final beats echoed across Jean-Drapeau Island, one thing was clear—ÎLESONIQ’s first decade was only the beginning. With a fanbase this loyal and an atmosphere this electric, the next ten years promise to be even bigger.
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