FOCUS Festival returns from August 30 to September 1 at Mont-Avalanche in Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard
Focus Festival has announced its fourth edition, which will take place from August 30 to September 1, 2024, at the picturesque Mont Avalanche in Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard. This year, the festival promises an exciting mix of music, culture, and innovation, with site enhancements that include ample public parking and a new electronic stage at the market, open until 1 AM, featuring resident DJ Sam Harvey from Pub La Chèvre spinning afro house.
The opening day of the Focus Festival, Friday, August 30, will showcase an eclectic blend of international electro, rock ‘n’ roll, and indie pop. The festivities will kick off at 7 PM with the Franco-Mexican electro-pop band Petite-Amie, making a rare appearance in Quebec. The evening will culminate with an electronic set by Montreal producer CRi on the main stage, ending at 11:30 PM.
Saturday, August 31, will kick off with Steamboat Woody and his banjo at the market in the afternoon. Main stage performances will begin at 6 PM with one of the three 2024 Francouvertes finalists, the eccentric Loïc Lafrance. The Quebecois psychedelic rock band Population II will follow and the evening will close with The Brooks and their vibrant soul, disco-groovy-funk.
The third and final day of the festival, Sunday, September 1, offers a musical diversity that promises to leave a lasting impression. Local artist Petit Pied will open the evening. The festival will conclude with legendary Montreal band Karkwa taking the stage following a 12-year hiatus. The show will be their only performance in the Laurentians this summer. Additions will be announced shortly to the main stage lineup.
The Focus Festival once again emphasizes inclusion and accessibility. In 2024, the festival will introduce an innovative pilot project; SUBPAC vests will be available (in limited quantities) for deaf or hard-of-hearing festival-goers. The innovative and pioneering Quebec-born project allows individuals with hearing impairments or autism spectrum disorders to experience festival performances through sensory vibrations, offering them a unique musical experience.
Festival-goers can also enjoy a free and open-access artisan and food market, as well as numerous other outdoor activities. Whether it’s a boat outing on the large navigable Saint-Joseph Lake, a dip at one of the town’s free beaches, a hike or a bike ride on Mont Avalanche overlooking the panoramic Laurentian mountain-scape, Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard is brimming with activities for all. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Labor Day weekend camping or in a cottage, with family or friends and just 75 minutes from Montreal.
Single-day tickets are on sale now for $50 (plus taxes and fees) and three-day passes for $109 (plus taxes and fees).