Piknic Electronik 2023 | Celebrating 20 Years of Ecstatic Summer Beats
Piknic Electronik 2023: The festive ritual kicks off on May 21st
Summers in Montreal have been synonymous with the outdoor electronic music festival Piknic Electronik for the past two decades. As this beloved summer rendez-vous prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, it promises a lineup as vibrant and effervescent as the city it calls home.
On May 21st, the festival will launch its 20th-anniversary season at a new site, just off the Jean-Drapeau metro station. An incredible line-up curated by (Avec) Courage traverses the kaleidoscopic soundscape of local and international EDM styles. From the warm grooves of house legend Kerri Chandler to the deep techno beats of Deborah de Luca, the selections are as eclectic and colourful as Montreal itself.
The festival’s commitment to inclusivity and unity ensures that everyone is welcome to join the party that spans every Sunday from May 21st to October 1st. The Piknic Electronik 2023 experience will be studded with appearances from luminary figures like Louie Vega, 2manydjs, The Blessed Madonna, and Ben UFO. Other highlights include the rare North American date of Astra Club (DJ Tennis B2B Carlita) and the dynamic performances by Miss Monique, Nicola Cruz, TOKiMONSTA, and many more.
May is set to blow up with the playful house music of Louie Vega, while June will see the fan-favorite Belgian duo 2manydjs return to the stage. The infectious beats and energetic sets of Franco-Ecuadorian Nicola Cruz are guaranteed to create a memorable start to July. Meanwhile, July also promises an unforgettable performance from the Australian Skin On Skin, with the elegant sounds of Aurora Halal gracing the stage as the month comes to a close.
As the festival moves into the late summer months, the international program re-ignites in August with Detroit legend DJ Stingray 313 performing B2B with Germany’s Helena Hauff. The unmissable French collective Dure Vie will be celebrating its 10th anniversary at Piknic Electronik 2023, sharing the stage with INFRAVISION and Parisian DJ and producer Belaria.
September promises a stellar lineup with the UK’s Ben UFO and the New Zealand duo Chaos In The CBD. The 20th-anniversary season concludes in October with a performance from Astra Club (DJ Tennis B2B Carlita). To say the season will end on a high note is an understatement, as Piknic promises to outdo itself with its 20th-anniversary celebrations.
The festival not only showcases international talent but also the vibrant Montreal EDM scene. Fifty-two local artists and collectives like Bad Wrld, Ferias, Fella’s Q-tips, and House of Youth will provide a unique blend of beats, energy, and a distinct Montreal vibe. The flamboyant Misstress Barbara is set to spin her traditional reign on Labor Day Sunday, adding to the local flair.
In addition to the Sunday festival, the Piknic Electronik 2023 family includes OfF Piknic, a concert-style event that takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from late afternoon to nightfall. Upcoming performers include the relentless Italian duo Tale Of Us, technostar Charlotte de Witte, Dirtybird’s Claude Vonstroke in collaboration with Green Velvet, and Australia’s Fisher in collaboration with Evenko and NEON. Two recently added dates promise electrifying performances from French duo The Blaze and Anjunabeats, one of the most festive labels in history.
For twenty years, Piknic Electronik has been crafting immersive and convivial experiences. This festival has become a staple in Montreal’s cultural scene, bridging the gap between the urban and the natural at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Its mission goes beyond music, bringing people together in a celebration of community and shared love for electronic music. This year, the festival is pulling out all the stops, promising an unforgettable celebration of twenty years of dance, music, and community.
Here is what you need to know about Piknic Electronik 2023
Date: Every Sunday from May 21st to October 1st
Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Tickets: General Admission and Piknic Terrace tickets available for purchase online
Facebook: @PiknicElectronik
Instagram: @piknicmtl
Website: piknicelectronik.com/en
