Photo: Sarah Maude
For being the world’s coldest music festival, Igloofest Montreal knows how to turn up the heat. Since 2007, the festival has summoned music lovers to Montreal’s Old Port to party under the frigid stars while dancing to hot beats spun by musical acts from around the world. And better yet, you can take part in 2026’s festivities until February 7.
So, what’s it like to be at Igloofest? Eugene Kim, co-founder and editor-in-chief of My Modern Met, was on the ground to experience the first weekend of the festival. “People dance shoulder to shoulder in the snow, united by world-class DJs and an unmistakable collective energy,” he shares. “I was genuinely amazed by how many people showed up ready to party, spirits high despite the freezing temperatures.”
Igloofest takes place over four weekends, with each week featuring a different set of musical acts. “This year’s Weekend One headliners were Sofi Tukker, The Blaze, Aluna, and Disco Lines,” Kim explains, “and they delivered unforgettable performances. Sofi Tukker in particular brought a truly world-class show, complete with towering pyrotechnic flames and backup dancers moving with electrifying rhythm and precision.”
The backdrop of Igloofest is Montreal’s stunning city skyline with riverfront views; its metropolitan energy undoubtedly infused the vibes of Weekend One. Nature and the attendees themselves helped, too. “While the music was the heartbeat of the festival, watching the snow fall gently over the crowd created moments that felt undeniably cinematic. Wrapped in colorful vintage ski gear, festivalgoers didn’t just endure the cold, they embraced it.”
“I highly recommend experiencing Igloofest, whether during the remaining weekends in Montreal or in the cities that follow,” Kim concludes. “Montreal itself is a city rich in culture, with a deep appreciation for art, music, food, and community. While French is the primary language, the city moves fluidly between French and English, reflecting its openness and global spirit. Montrealers don’t merely withstand winter; they celebrate it, and Igloofest is a festival worthy of that spirit.”
Take a look at Week One at Igloofest 2026, featuring videos from the performances shot by My Modern Met. After Montreal concludes on February 7, the festival will travel to Gatineau, Quebec, and finish in Edmonton.
For being the world’s coldest music festival, Igloofest Montreal knows how to turn up the heat.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Since 2007, the festival has summoned music lovers to Montreal’s Old Port to party under the frigid stars while dancing to hot beats spun by musical acts from around the world.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Emmanuelle Laurin
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
My Modern Met was on the ground to experience Igloofest during Weekend One of its four-week performances.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
“People dance shoulder to shoulder in the snow, united by world-class DJs and an unmistakable collective energy,” says Eugene Kim, co-founder and editor-in-chief of My Modern Met.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
“I was genuinely amazed by how many people showed up ready to party, spirits high despite the freezing temperatures.”
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Sofi Tukker, The Blaze, Aluna, and Disco Lines were the headliners for Weekend One.
Photo: Dominic Courchesne
Photo: Dominic Courchesne
“Sofi Tukker in particular brought a truly world-class show,” Kim recalls, “complete with towering pyrotechnic flames and backup dancers moving with electrifying rhythm and precision.”
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Dominic Courchesne
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Festivalgoers embraced the cold, some wearing vintage ski gear.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Dominic Courchesne
The festival will be in Montreal until February 7, 2026.
Photo: Dominic Courchesne
Photo: Dominic Courchesne
See Igloofest Montreal in action in the videos below.
Sofi Tukker
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Aluna
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The Blaze
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