The highly anticipated return: Igloofest Gatineau is back with BUNT., Kaskade, and Steve Aoki

Ottawa Festival Network
3 hours ago
4 min read

Gatineau, November 12th — Following the resounding success of its first edition in 2025, the world’s coldest music festival returns to Gatineau from February 12 to 14, 2026, at Place des festivals Zibi, for a second edition that promises to be even wilder. The event will deliver three nights of pure energy, bringing together some of the biggest names in the global electronic scene in a frosty, electrifying atmosphere.

An international-caliber lineup

The 2026 lineup promises to be top-tier, with a selection of artists that firmly places Igloofest Gatineau on the map of major global electronic events. BUNT., a rising German house music act to watch, will kick off the festivities with his first-ever performance at a Multicolore-produced event.

Kaskade, the American icon and veteran of the world’s biggest stages, will make his grand return after a memorable appearance at Igloofest Montréal in 2024. He promises an euphoric set, joined by Swimming Paul, an up-and-coming French artist who recently sold out a show in Montréal.

Steve Aoki, a true EDM pioneer and founder of the legendary Dim Mak label, will celebrate the label’s 30th anniversary—one of the most influential in North America—in honor of his first-ever Igloofest performance. A historic moment for the winter event and its fearless cold-weather warriors.

Staying true to its inclusive DNA, Igloofest Gatineau will also showcase a diverse array of Canadian, Francophone, and Anglophone artists from different cultural backgrounds, reflecting the festival’s spirit of vitality and openness.

New for 2026: Igloofête — a free event for everyone!

The upcoming edition introduces an exciting new feature: Igloofête, a free, family-friendly daytime program taking place on Saturday, February 14. This addition will offer a wide range of cultural and participatory activities designed to enliven the downtown area, attract new audiences, and make culture more accessible.

Made possible with support from the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Tourisme Outaouais through the Winter Tourism Support Measure, this initiative will expand the Igloofest Gatineau experience into a truly inclusive public celebration—blending festive energy with community spirit.

A flagship event of Winterlude

For the second year in a row, Igloofest Gatineau is part of the official Winterlude program, organized by Canadian Heritage from January 30 to February 16, 2026. By closing out this major winter celebration, the festival strengthens the cultural and tourism offerings of Canada’s capital region—transforming Gatineau into a true winter destination where music, creativity, and Nordic spirit meet.

Committed partners

This event is made possible thanks to the support of the City of Gatineau, the Ministry of Tourism, Tourisme Outaouais, and many public and private partners.

Among them, Fizz is the presenting sponsor for the 2026 edition, joined by major partners such as Sapporo and Loto-Québec, along with official partners including National Bank, Finlandia, Distillerie 3 Lacs, Red Bull, Club Aléa, Coca Cola and Volkswagen de l’Outaouais.

Tourism partners such as Auberge Saintlo, Hôtel Metcalfe, Four Points by Sheraton, Courtyard Marriott, and Tourisme Outaouais are supporting festivalgoer hospitality. Several organizations—including Amigo Express, Tolérance Zéro, Euphorie (BRAS Outaouais), and Enviro Éduc-Action—are also contributing to strengthening the festival’s sustainable and responsible approach.

Quotes

“The second edition of Igloofest Gatineau confirms the momentum we began last year: turning our downtown into a major winter attraction. This event perfectly embodies our vision of a festive, creative, and unifying winter.”

— Colin Laramée-Plouffe, Corporation événements d’hiver de Gatineau

“The Gatineau audience completely won us over last year with their energy, warmth, and openness. With Orkestra, we wanted to build on that momentum and offer an equally unifying experience that reflects the festive, creative spirit of winter that brings us together.”

— Pascal Lefebvre, President, Multicolore

“Igloofest is a chance to fully embrace the Canadian winter—where music, creativity, and festive spirit come together to celebrate our Nordic identity. I invite everyone to come make unforgettable memories right in the heart of Canada’s capital region. Enjoy the festival!”

— The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister Responsible for Official Languages

“Tourisme Outaouais is thrilled to support the enhanced programming of Igloofest Gatineau through the Ministry of Tourism’s Winter Tourism Support Measure. The addition of Igloofête will attract new visitors with a family-friendly lineup and infuse even more energy into downtown Gatineau. Initiatives like this make Outaouais an unmissable winter destination. In Outaouais, winter is made to be celebrated!”

— Geneviève Latulippe, CEO, Tourisme Outaouais

“Our government is proud to support this event, which enhances the winter tourism offering in the Outaouais region. By attracting families from many places, the new Igloofête will stimulate the regional economy and allow the community to benefit from tourism’s impact during the cold season. I invite visitors from near and far to come out in great numbers to enjoy this festive gathering.”

— Amélie Dionne, Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions

About Igloofest

Since 2007, Igloofest has brought together thousands of music lovers dancing under the stars at Montréal’s Old Port. In 2026, the festival will present its 18th edition in Montréal, its 4th in Québec City, and its 2nd in Gatineau. With its icy decor, striking architectural stage design, playful Igloovillage, and legendary snow suit contest, Igloofest has become a must-see event of Québec’s winter season.

About Corporation événements d’hiver de Gatineau

The Corporation develops and promotes the region’s winter tourism offering while energizing the downtown area. Its mission is to create unique, sustainable, and inclusive experiences that make Gatineau and the Outaouais shine as premier winter destinations.

About Orkestra

Founded in 2008, Orkestra is an agency specializing in brand identity, content production, and event experiences. Based in Gatineau and Montréal, it produces several major events, including Festibière and the Gatineau Comedy Festival, and actively contributes to the cultural and tourism development of the region.

About Multicolore

For nearly 20 years, Multicolore has been creating unforgettable cultural experiences around the world, including Piknic Électronik, Igloofest, Palomosa, and Super Fête. A true leader in immersive event creation, Multicolore celebrates the diversity of talent and creativity in all its forms.