M for Montreal has announced the full programming for its 20th anniversary edition, running November 19-22 across the city’s network of independent venues. The festival’s public component, presented by SiriusXM, will feature over 80 artists performing 40 concerts at more than 15 locations throughout the city.
Toronto’s BADBADNOTGOOD headlines this year’s lineup, presented in collaboration with Third Side Music. The jazz fusion outfit, known for collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator, will be supported by internationally acclaimed saxophonist and composer Colin Stetson.
Montreal psych-rock group The Besnard Lakes returns to the festival two decades after performing at the inaugural 2006 edition, launching their new album Ghost Nation at Sala Rossa. American jazz-rap trio Digable Planets brings their Blowout Comb 30th Anniversary Tour to the programming, while local acts Afternoon Bike Ride and Original Gros Bonnet will each launch new albums during the festival.
The 2025 edition emphasizes Montreal’s current creative landscape with performances from Chiara Savasta, Fine Food Market, and ROWJAY, alongside showcase nights programmed by M for Mothland, 444, Paper Bag Records, and Rough Trade Publishing. International representation includes acts from France, the UK, Spain’s Basque Country, and the Czech Republic.
“Twenty years after its creation, M for Montreal continues to channel the city’s creative energy toward a global stage,” says artistic director Mikey Rishwain Bernard. “Our mission has never been clearer: amplify the most exciting voices from Montreal and Canada while connecting them to the rest of the world.”
The festival’s industry component, the PRO Division, runs concurrently with the public programming. Approximately 500 music industry professionals will attend panels, exclusive artist showcases, and networking events designed to foster international connections. The division’s Official Selection features 26 francophone and anglophone Canadian artists chosen for their originality and international development potential.
Festival passes are available now through the M for Montreal website, with individual concert tickets going on sale September 23. The complete artist roster and venue information can be found at mpourmontreal.com.
