Friday marked the start of the Francos de Montréal, as downtown came alive with crowds and music in Francophone music, including Quebec’s own Marie-Mai.
Presented by Rogers, the 2026 edition of the festival is being described by organizers as one of its most ambitious yet, with a strong focus on nostalgia, rap culture and international Francophone talent.
Organizers say this year’s programming reflects both the scale and diversity of Francophone music today.
“The Francos is an amazing celebration of the culture from here, the Francophone music,” said festival programming director Maurin Auxéméry. “And I don’t think we have another festival like this one anywhere on the planet.”
He added that the festival continues to balance accessibility with artistic development.
“We also have a big focus on nostalgia as well,” he said, noting the importance of both legacy acts and emerging performers.
Quebec pop star Marie-Mai took the stage for a free outdoor performance, delivering a set that blended new material with fan favourites from across her more than 20-year career.
Speaking about her long relationship with the festival circuit, Marie-Mai said returning to Francos remains a milestone moment.
“It’s going to be like 24 years since I started, and I mean, it’s always special,” she said. “You have to perform at Francofolies every cycle if you can, if you have that privilege. It’s something that is such a big part of an artist’s career, so you never take it for granted. You always try to do the best that you can.”
She said this year’s performance was intentionally shaped around nostalgia and audience expectations.
“For festivals this year, I really wanted to hit that nostalgia, so I put my ego aside and just want to give the people what they want to hear,” she said. “It’s going to be a full set of oldies.”
At the same time, she said she still makes space for new material.
“I’m going to perform like here and there, some of my newer stuff, just to make sure that I have something to take my teeth into as well. But I love to perform for the audience at the end of the day, that’s what we do, we want them to enjoy the night.”
Marie-Mai also reflected on her long evolution as an artist.
“It’s crazy when you look back at 24 years,” she said. “If I think about Marie-Mai, like 18 years old when I started, I never would have guessed that I would still be here many years later. I’m proud of myself.”
She added that her fans have played a central role in her career across multiple musical eras.
“I’m so grateful for my fans, but just the fact that they grew up with me and let me do the music that I want to do throughout the years as well,” she said. “Throughout my rock years, throughout my pop years, and now my country years that are starting next fall.”
She said the experience remains both grounding and emotional.
“I’m still on cloud nine,” she said. “It’s definitely a privilege, and something you can’t take for granted.”
For many in the crowd, the performance carried a strong sense of nostalgia and personal history.
One fan said the festival’s accessibility is part of its appeal.
“It’s great, it’s downtown, it’s for free, so everybody can just come and enjoy,” she said. “It’s really very fun.”
Others described a deeper emotional connection to seeing an artist they grew up with.
“It’s really important for me because I grew up here and there are artists from every single part of my life,” said one attendee. “So tonight there is Marie-Mai that I could listen to when I was younger. There will be other artists that I discovered in the last year. So I’m really excited to have all moments in my life represented on this week. So I’m really, really, really excited.”
Another concertgoer said the experience felt personal and long-awaited.
“Well, to me personally, I’ve grown up listening to her music. She’s always been special, always been a big fan. So it’s great to get to see her live here tonight.”
Another fan added her excitement.
“I’ve always been a big fan, so I’m glad to see her tonight,” she said.
She also noted a personal connection to the performer, saying she even has an old photo with Marie-Mai.
Auxéméry said the Francos continues to stand out globally for its focus on Francophone music.
“Many artists coming from Quebec, of course, many others from outside Canada,” he said. “We have plenty of French artists, artists from Algeria, from Morocco, from Africa, Île de la Réunion, many different places.”
He said the festival’s identity is rooted in global Francophonie.
“Anywhere where there’s Francophonie, there’s music, there are songs in French, and we’re very proud to present them at the festival.”
This year’s programming places a strong emphasis on nostalgia, featuring established artists alongside emerging talent from across the Francophone world.
Organizers said many performers continue to resonate across generations, with audiences connecting their music to personal memories and life milestones.
Rap music also plays a central role in the 2026 edition, with Koriass and Loud set to lead a special Rapkeb anniversary performance marking a decade since the original event that helped define Quebec’s rap scene.
The Francos de Montréal continues across multiple stages downtown, with free outdoor shows, major concerts and late-night performances scheduled throughout the week.
