The 2026 Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival has its headliners, and they hit hard. Running September 2nd through 6th in Gatineau, QC, the five-night event brings together Simple Plan, Smash Mouth, Matt Lang, and DJ Mike Demero for a lineup that covers pop-punk, rock, country, and club energy under open skies.
Simple Plan takes the stage Friday, September 4th. The Montreal-bred pop-punk institution has spent over 20 years building a catalog that has moved more than 10 million records worldwide and crossed 1 billion streams. Hits like “I’m Just a Kid,” “Welcome to My Life,” and “Summer Paradise” featuring Sean Paul have made them one of the most enduring acts in the genre, and their live show delivers every time.
Smash Mouth headlines Thursday, September 3rd. The GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum Californian rock band brings “All Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and “I’m a Believer” to the festival stage, along with material from their forthcoming album ‘Mercury Comet’, due in 2026. Quebec country artist Matt Lang opens the festival Wednesday, September 2nd, carrying over 70 million streams and 150,000 tickets sold across sold-out tours. DJ Mike Demero, with 1.7 million social media followers and festival credits alongside Loud Luxury and Alan Walker, sets the stage for Simple Plan on Friday night.
Beyond the concerts, festival pass holders can catch evening hot air balloon launches at approximately 6:30 pm Wednesday through Sunday, free morning launches Thursday through Sunday at around 6:30 am, the Michel Quesnel Pharmacist Fireworks display nightly, and the Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park on site throughout.
Five-day passes start at $69.99 plus taxes and fees at fmg2026.ca, presented by Loto-Québec in collaboration with Desjardins. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.