May 17, 2025
Pouzza Fest 14 was a gloriously good time in the sun!
The fourteenth edition of the iconic Pouzza Festival, the unofficial start of springtime in Montreal, took place this past weekend to a great turn out, vibe and atmosphere. Much as it has for the past fourteen years now. fifteen if you count that pandemic thing… or is it sixteen?!
This year, the festival’s main grounds, its beer garden stage, was transported across the street, out of the park onto the part of the city known as the place des spectacles (roughly translated, the area of spectacles – which sounds silly in English).
See Also: Angine de Poitrine at Minotaure, Gatineau
Maybe that had something to do with the terrible weather during last year’s festival, where torrential rain left transformed the park into a giant pig pen. A muddy bog of a place that probably took some fixing to return to its green pastures. While that was in no way the fault of the festival or the festival goers, I would wager it annoyed some big wigs at city hall. No proof. Pure unadulterated speculation on my part.
Either way, concrete meant we were safe from genetically manufactured ticks that make us hate meat, which would surely be a fate worse than death! So, yeah, we owe you one Pouzza! (All the vegans are now made as hell at me, but that’s nothing new.)
At first, I thought this was a questionable decision, but I soon found myself shifting gears and really digging this new set up. So much so, that I hope future Pouzza fests are also held at this sweet little location. Sure, the grass is gone and it was nice to sit and chill on that – when it wasn’t pissing rain, of course, but this new spot has chairs and benches and even indoor bathrooms. Score! Heck, for those that took time to explore the grounds, there was even an elevated balcony that you could watch from. Only partially obstructed by trees!
Since the beer garden was so rad this year, we thought we would focus solely on that stage. Sure, there was a whole bunch of stuff going on indoors – but the weather was too nice to be anywhere but outside!
Winter, while not exactly bad by any means, has dragged on and on and doesn’t seem to know we’ve had enough. So sunshine this weekend was more than welcome, and while the nights did get a little chilly, it was nothing a hot poutine and a barrage of beers couldn’t tackle.
This year, the outdoor stage had again been well curated – and as always had a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Having the legendary Buzzcocks perform outdoors for free, is nothing short of wonderful. Having them play a second indoor set the next night, is just spoiling us all. Whomever pulled that off, deserves free beers for weeks to come. There was so much great music to be heard this weekend, but you’ll be hard put to top the mighty Buzzcocks. Subhumans last year. Buzzcocks this year. Please continue this incredible trend.
I realized that some of you still might not know what a pouzza even is. We’ve got you. Click this.
Read More:
>> A celebration of Pouzza festival ‘s past
>> Pouzza Fest 2025 photo gallery – Kieron Yates
>> Pouzza Fest 2025 photo gallery – Samantha Morris
While a few drops of rain did fall, the weather this year was beautiful compared to last years edition – and as such, everyone seemed to be having a fantastic time. Smiles all around. Buds hanging out with buds. Cold beers and great bands. Pizza. Poutines. Pouzza! We had it all!
Now, some of you reading this might be sad about having missed the shows. Well, buck up cowboys and cowgirls! I have good news! Pouzza Fest 15 has already been announced for May of next year!
