Discover the FME Music Festival in Quebec
The FME music festival in Quebec, Canada, might be the most eclectic music festival in North America, featuring up to 70 live performers across various genres along with a stunning array of art installations. However, what truly makes this festival unique is the experience beyond the announced venues.
Every year, in late August or early September, the small town of Rouyn-Noranda (population 42,000) becomes a bustling hub of activity, doubling in size as dedicated music lovers from around the world converge. They come not only to see their favorite emerging artists perform on stage but also to discover secret pop-up shows in unexpected locations, announced at the last minute via a smartphone app.
What Makes It Special?
The Festival de Musique Emergente (FME), founded in 2003 by Jenny Thibault and Sandy Boutin, aims to support new musicians and showcase Canadian talent to a global audience. As a result, the festival features a delightful mix of English and French acts, ranging from family-friendly singalongs to moody jazz, fresh hip hop, and thundering metal bands, alongside familiar favorites.
Performances occur in diverse settings, including traditional outdoor concert spaces, intimate clubs, bars, and even breakfast joints. Additionally, churches, botanical gardens, garages, and alleyways serve as unique venues where music can resonate. An innovative app keeps festival-goers informed about all the ‘secret’ shows, a tradition that has been in place for nearly a decade:
Thibault recounts, ‘It was Random Recipe, a band from Montreal. After their show, they were so high and excited that they decided to go to Morasse Poutine to do a surprise show for 200 people.’
That surprise performance at the festival-favorite restaurant captivated attendees, leading other bands to join in on this spontaneous celebration. Consequently, this tradition has become one of the festival’s most highly anticipated features, with last-minute announcements through the app heightening the excitement throughout the weekend.
Music, Art, and Culture
The FME festival is not only about music; it beautifully intertwines local art and culture, creating a rich tapestry of expression. Attendees can purchase a ‘festival passport,’ granting access to a myriad of performances, effortlessly moving from one venue to another—whether it be outdoor festival grounds or intimate coffee shops—experiencing an array of unique sounds.
As they explore, attendees encounter large, colorful murals adorning the sides of buildings and businesses throughout Rouyn-Noranda. These murals are strategically planned each year by Artistic Director Karine Berthiaume and created by a group of local artists and creators.
Since 2017, FME organizers have collaborated with the indigenous Anicinabe people to facilitate cultural exchanges through dance presentations and the Pikogan Pow Wow. With nine Quebec Algonquin indigenous communities in the region, Thibault perceives the festival as a way to foster connections among diverse groups. ‘Through music and art, we can discover each other,’ she expresses.
Technology Adds to a Magical Experience
In addition to announcing the secret pop-up concerts, the festival app enables organizers to maintain constant communication with festival-goers. This app allows users to pre-load cash, simplifying purchases for drinks, T-shirts, and albums. Notably, the FME was among the first festivals to implement a cashless system.
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their own mugs from show to show, with some attaching their empty cups to their belts with carabiners. This clever habit fosters a sense of community, as returning attendees often build substantial collections of official FME drink cups.
Moreover, fans return year after year, enchanted by this unpretentious and welcoming haven for artists, creators, and music lovers alike. Some notable musicians to grace the festival stage in the past include hometown hero Richard Desjardins, who performed for free to support the community. Additionally, founder Boutin recalls a particularly memorable performance by celebrated Montreal singer-songwriter Patrick Watson, saying, ‘We did a show near the old mine with just a piano and two speakers, and 600 people came to listen. It was magic—all the people were so quiet.’
Make It Happen
When: Late August or early September
Where: About a 7-hour car drive northwest from Montreal, Rouyn-Noranda is accessible via Highway 117.
What to Eat: Chez Morasse has been serving a vast array of takes on the Quebec classic, french fries and gravy poutine, since 1969 and is open 24 hours. For a more refined dining experience, consider Le Cachottier.
Where to Stay: The Hôtel Gouverneur Le Noranda features elegant rooms and suites, while the Jardin Spa offers a full-service spa and hammam. For a more rustic experience, campgrounds like Kanasuta are available nearby.
Costs: The festival offers numerous free shows and events throughout the weekend, with headline performances priced from CAD 10 and up. Passport tickets, allowing visitors to enjoy multiple performances, start at CAD 110.
Beyond the Festival: Rouyn-Noranda boasts various unique gift shops and art galleries to explore. For outdoor enthusiasts, the larger Abitibi-Temiscamingue area invites visitors to explore Parc National Aiguebelle and its 22-meter-high suspension bridge, traversing two rivers. Additionally, take a short drive to Val D’Or to tour the gold mines at La Cite de l’Or, located 90 meters underground.
