- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Simple Plan and Smash Mouth Headlining the 2026
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Gatineau, QC – From September 2nd to 6th, 2026, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (FMG) will host five unforgettable nights of live performances! Renowned artists like Simple Plan and Smash Mouth, along with many exciting up-and-coming acts, will take the stage in Gatineau.
On Friday, September 4th, Simple Plan, the multi-platinum, Montreal-based band, will perform. They have remained an international sensation for over 20 years, with worldwide sales exceeding 10 million and over 1 billion streams across all platforms! With hits like ‘’I’m Just a Kid’’, ‘’Welcome to My Life’’ and ‘’Summer Paradise’’ featuring Sean Paul, Simple Plan has solidified their place as one of the most influential pop-punk bands, known for their catchy melodies and lyrics that speak to the heart of a generation.
On Thursday, September 3rd, the GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum-selling Californian rock band Smash Mouth will headline. Known for chart-topping hits like “All Star”, “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “I’m a Believer”, the band brings a festive energy that connects with audiences across generations. Smash Mouth will be touring throughout the year, with their forthcoming album Mercury Comet set for release in 2026.
Festivalgoers will also have the chance to discover DJ Mike Demero just before Simple Plan takes the stage. With more than 1.7 million followers on social media, he has collaborated with international artists and shared the stage with Loud Luxury and Alan Walker in front of crowds of up to 50,000 people.
On Wednesday, September 2nd, Quebec country artist Matt Lang will kick off the Festival with an unforgettable opening night. With over 70 million streams, multiple Top 10 radio hits, and 150,000 tickets sold across his sold-out tours, he’s making a strong mark on the Quebec, Nashville and worldwide country scenes.
Along with the evening concerts, festival pass holders will have the chance to witness the stunning evening hot air balloon launches, which take place at around 6:30 pm from Wednesday to Sunday, weather permitting. Early risers can also catch the free morning hot air balloon launches at about 6:30 am, Thursday through Sunday.
As the evening sets in, don’t miss the spectacular Night Glow, where the balloons light up the park in a dazzling array of colors, followed by the Michel Quesnel, Pharmacist Fireworks display at the end of each night’s show. The Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park will also be on site, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.
5-day passes are now available starting at $69.99 (plus taxes and fees), with limited quantities for each of the four price waves. Once a wave is sold out, the price will increase to the next wave’s rate. Fans are encouraged to buy early to secure the best rate at fmg2026.ca.
More artists and details regarding the 2026 Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival lineup, presented by Loto-Québec in collaboration with Desjardins, will be announced in the coming weeks.
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Source : FMG
Press relations in Montreal and the rest of the province
Lyne Dutremble – annexe
514 952-5047 / lyne@annexe.media
Press relations in the Outaouais region
Sara-Jade Burton – Coordinator, Communications and Media relations
819 243-2330 ext: 142 / burtonsj@festivalfmg.ca
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