POP Montreal returns from September 23 to 27, 2026, and this edition is a milestone: it marks the festival's 25th anniversary. Unlike the big outdoor festivals of summer, POP Montreal happens mostly indoors, across dozens of small venues in the Mile End neighbourhood.
The lineup. Each year the festival brings together more than 400 artists spread across some 50 venues. The official 2026 programming announcement highlights names such as Uffie, Chad VanGaalen, Spencer Krug and Julie Doiron, and notes the return, for a few nights, of the legendary Divan Orange venue. That mix of established headliners and emerging acts is exactly what the festival is known for.
More than concerts. POP Montreal is not only shows. The program also includes talks, workshops, family activities, an artisan craft fair and film screenings. Some of it is free or low-cost — a good way to take part without buying a pass.
Tickets. Festival passes and tickets for individual shows are on sale through the official site. Prices vary by pass type and the nights you choose; check the official box office for current rates before you buy.
Getting there. Most venues are in the Mile End and around Avenue du Parc. Public transit is the easiest option: the Laurier and Rosemont metro stations (orange line) and several bus routes serve the area. Plan your trip with the Société de transport de Montréal tool.
Good to know for newcomers. POP Montreal is one of the most accessible outings for discovering the local music scene: the venues are small, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can catch a single show without committing to the price of a full pass. It's also a great excuse to explore the Mile End on foot. The detailed venue-by-venue, hour-by-hour schedule is posted on the official site in the days before the festival.
