With just weeks to go before its fifth edition, FOCUS Festival has revealed a series of new initiatives that strengthen its standing as one of Quebec’s most inclusive music festivals. Taking place from August 29 to 31, 2025, at the base of the Ski Chantecler slopes in Sainte-Adèle, the festival will once again blend outdoor adventure, community-minded programming, and a wide-reaching musical lineup.
This year, FOCUS becomes the only music festival in the Laurentians to offer programming specifically adapted for Deaf audiences. In partnership with the Fondation des Sourds du Québec, three concerts—Le Diable à Cinq, Rouge Pompier, and Paul Cargnello—will be translated into Quebec Sign Language (LSQ). A reserved viewing area close to the stage will be equipped with priority access for LSQ users, and a dedicated ticket category ensures equitable access.
The festival is also reintroducing vibrating vests, a technology trialled last year that allows Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees to feel low-frequency sound through tactile feedback. Organizers say the positive reception in 2024 made its return a clear decision. Additional inclusive programming this year includes a multisensory sound installation, developed in collaboration with local partners and funded in part by the City of Sainte-Adèle and the MRC des Pays-d’en-Haut.
On the musical side, FOCUS 2025 continues its tradition of showcasing genre-spanning talent from across Quebec and beyond. Montreal’s Coco Rose will bring a fusion of soul, jazz, and pop; Taxi Girls add a punk-rock pulse; Muhoza et sa troupe, fresh from their win at the 2025 Francouvertes, promise a high-energy set; and Toronto duo CATL return with their signature blues rock grit. Local favourite Paul Meilleur and electro duo BønKy round out a diverse lineup that also includes Samian, Boogát, Ska Sound System, and more.
Camping remains free for all ticket holders, with 70 on-site spaces available by reservation, including options for tents and RVs. General admission is priced at $35 per day or $86 for the weekend, with discounted rates for Sainte-Adèle residents.
Tickets and further information are available via the festival’s website.
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