Text by Sarah-Eve Leduc
Photos by Louis Alson
There is nothing quite like dancing in the freezing cold surrounded by thousands of strangers dressed in neon snowsuits. Igloofest Weekend 3, which ran from January 29 to January 31, 2026, reminded everyone why Montreal’s outdoor winter festival remains one of the most unique music experiences in the world. With temperatures hovering around -20 Celsius, massive crowds transformed the Old Port into a pulsing dancefloor where the bass could be heard echoing through the snowy streets blocks away.
The Coldest Dancefloor in the World Lives Up to Its Name
Igloofest has been drawing bundled-up party people to Quai Jacques-Cartier for nearly two decades now, and the formula has not changed: world-class electronic music, brutal cold, and an unspoken agreement that everyone will keep moving until the music stops. Weekend 3 delivered on all fronts.
Located at Quai Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port of Montreal, the festival spans two stages over three nights each weekend, with each evening featuring its own musical identity Thursday, January 29 opened with Belgian-Moroccan rapper Hamza as the headliner, supported by Manaré, High Klassified, and YAYA LA BAE. This night was notably 16+ rather than the usual 18+ requirement, making it more accessible to younger fans. Friday, January 30 brought DJ Snake to the stage alongside Montreal legend A-Trak, with additional sets from Arielle Roberge, BitterCaress, KORVN, and Manolow. Saturday, January 31 closed out the weekend with Belgian sensation Lost Frequencies, joined by Japanese producer Qrion, Jares, Guillaume Michaud, Shirlee, and Cirque Cosmic.
Thursday’s Headliner: Hamza Brings Belgian Heat
Thursday night belongs to Hamza, the Moroccan-Belgian rapper and singer who has become one of the most influential voices in francophone hip-hop. Born Hamza Al-Farissi in Brussels in 1994, he blends rap, R&B, trap, and dancehall into a signature sound that has earned him fans across Europe and beyond.
Friday Night Spotlight: DJ Snake and A-Trak Take the Stage
On Friday night, the main stage drew enormous crowds, and when DJ Snake took the decks, the energy shifted into something unforgettable. Pyrotechnics erupted around and above the stage, flames shooting into the night sky and cutting through the frozen air. The French producer ran through his catalog of hits, and the crowd became a single organism, thousands of voices chanting along to every drop. It was the kind of moment that justifies standing outside in sub-zero temperatures.
DJ Snake, the French producer born William Grigahcine, has been a dominant force in electronic music for over a decade. Growing up in Ermont on the outskirts of Paris, he earned his nickname through his ability to evade police during his graffiti days. He started DJing at 14 and producing at 19, eventually working his way up from Parisian club residencies to global stages. His breakthrough came with production work on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way album in 2011, earning him a Grammy nomination.
But it was his 2013 collaboration with Lil Jon on “Turn Down for What” that catapulted him into mainstream recognition, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, DJ Snake has delivered hit after hit.
On Friday night, the main stage drew enormous crowds, and when DJ Snake took the decks, the energy shifted into something unforgettable. Pyrotechnics erupted around and above the stage, flames shooting into the night sky and cutting through the frozen air. The French producer ran through his catalog of hits, and the crowd became a single organism, thousands of voices chanting along to every drop. It was the kind of moment that justifies standing outside in sub-zero temperatures.
Sharing Friday’s billing is A-Trak, a Montreal native who represents the city’s deep roots in electronic music culture. Born Alain Macklovitch in the borough of Outremont, A-Trak made history in 1997 by becoming the youngest-ever DMC World DJ Champion at just 15 years old. He was also the first Canadian to win the prestigious turntablist competition.
A-Trak’s career spans nearly three decades, during which he served as Kanye West’s tour DJ, founded the influential Fool’s Gold Records, and formed the duo Duck Sauce with Armand Van Helden. His remix of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Heads Will Roll” became a dancefloor staple, and his label helped launch careers for artists including Kid Cudi, Danny Brown, and Run the Jewels. What sets A-Trak apart is his commitment to turntablism. Unlike many modern DJs who rely primarily on pre-programmed sets, he incorporates live scratching and mixing techniques that showcase his technical mastery. Watching him work the turntables in his hometown felt like a full-circle moment for the city’s electronic music scene.
Saturday’s Closer: Lost Frequencies
Belgian DJ and producer Felix De Laet, known as Lost Frequencies, closes out Weekend 3 on Saturday. His journey from economics student to international dance music star is remarkable. Self-taught through YouTube tutorials, he gained recognition in 2014 with “Are You with Me,” a remix of an Easton Corbin country track that topped charts in 18 countries and made him the first Belgian artist to reach number one in the UK.
Lost Frequencies has since become one of the most-booked festival artists globally, appearing at Tomorrowland, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and countless other major events. His 2021 collaboration with Calum Scott, “Where Are You Now,” became another worldwide hit, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify. His melodic, progressive style offers a warmer counterpoint to Friday’s harder-hitting sounds, making Saturday an ideal closing night for those seeking uplifting, emotional dancefloor moments.
Local Talent: High Klassified Represents Quebec
No Weekend 3 preview would be complete without highlighting High Klassified, the Laval-based producer who has become a central figure in Quebec’s music scene. Born Kevin Vincent, he emerged alongside Kaytranada and Tommy Kruise during a pivotal 2013 Boiler Room session that put Montreal’s electronic scene on the international map. His work on Future and The Weeknd’s “Comin Out Strong” from the HNDRXX album remains one of his most prominent placements. In 2025, he released Ravaru, an album featuring exclusively francophone artists, representing his commitment to giving back to the Quebec music community that shaped him.
His connection to the Igloofest lineup runs deep. He has collaborated with A-Trak through Fool’s Gold Records and worked with Hamza on various projects, making Thursday’s pairing particularly meaningful. Seeing him perform at Igloofest, just a short distance from his hometown of Laval, offers a chance to witness one of Quebec’s most accomplished producers in his element.
Dressing for Survival and Style
Igloofest veterans know that what you wear matters as much as who you see. The festival’s famous Tackiest Snowsuit contest has turned outrageous outfits into a tradition, and Weekend 3 was no exception. Neon one-pieces, vintage ski gear from the 1980s, furry animal onesies, and creative DIY costumes filled the crowd. Looking ridiculous is part of the experience, and the people who commit fully to the aesthetic always have the best time. But beneath the wild exterior, smart layering keeps you alive.Hand warmers tucked into mittens help during the slower moments between sets. The dancing itself does most of the work though. By the time DJ Snake’s pyrotechnics were lighting up the sky, nobody was thinking about the cold anymore.
Three Nights, Three Different Energies
Each night of Weekend 3 offered a distinct atmosphere. Thursday brought Belgian-Moroccan rapper Hamza to headline, blending hip-hop, R&B, and trap in a set that showed why he has become one of the most exciting voices in francophone music. The 16+ age restriction for Thursday opened the night to a younger crowd, and the energy reflected that youthful intensity. Local producer High Klassified also performed, representing Laval and the Quebec scene that has produced talents like Kaytranada and helped put Montreal on the global electronic map. His production credits with The Weeknd, Drake, and Future speak to his international reach, but seeing him play close to home carried special weight.
Friday belonged to the EDM heavyweights. DJ Snake’s journey from the outskirts of Paris, where he earned his nickname evading police during his graffiti days, to headlining festivals worldwide is one of electronic music’s great stories. His set proved why tracks like “Turn Down for What,” “Lean On,” and “Taki Taki” have become generational anthems. A-Trak’s turntablist roots brought a different texture to the night, reminding the crowd that technical skill and live manipulation still matter in an era of pre-programmed sets.
Saturday closed things out with Belgian producer Lost Frequencies, whose melodic house sound offered a warmer, more uplifting finale. His hits “Are You with Me” and “Where Are You Now” have topped charts across Europe and beyond, and his style provided the perfect emotional release after two nights of harder-hitting sounds. Japanese producer Qrion and local acts rounded out the bill, giving the final night a diverse sonic palette.
