YQM Country Fest is gearing up for another massive weekend in Dieppe, with organizers expecting large crowds as the festival marks its fifth anniversary later this month.
Promoter Sam Bourgeois says ticket sales are strong and excitement continues to build for one of Atlantic Canada’s biggest country music events.
Bourgeois noted the festival site has a capacity of more than 20,000 people.
Country music fans will converge on the MusiqArt site in Dieppe on August 27, 28 and 29.
Festival organizers will soon begin posting answers to common questions from concertgoers, including information about bracelet pickup, entry procedures and what attendees should bring to the site.
“All those frequently asked questions will be answered and posted on our socials as we get closer to the show,” Bourgeois said.
Lineup includes headliners Post Malone, Eric Church and Zach Top
Bourgeois said two of the three headliners have never performed in Atlantic Canada, adding that securing Post Malone was a major accomplishment for the festival.
“He’s somebody we’ve been after ever since we started,” Bourgeois said. “One of the biggest names not only in country music, but in all of music. We’re ecstatic to celebrate our fifth anniversary closing out with him.”
Post Malone’s addition to the lineup has sparked discussion among some country music fans because of his pop, hip-hop and rock roots. While his recent country music projects have expanded his audience, some have questioned whether he fits the traditional country festival format.
Bourgeois acknowledges the debate but says this was a unique opportunity.
“We were presented an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up,” he said. “We’re actually the only country festival in Canada that was able to secure him.”
Despite the crossover appeal of this year’s headline act, Bourgeois says YQM Country Fest has no plans to move away from its country roots.
“We’re still staying country for years to come,” he said. “That’s the plan.”
The festival’s audience now stretches far beyond New Brunswick. Bourgeois says ticket buyers come from every province in Canada and from most U.S. states, helping establish YQM Country Fest as a destination event.
Five years have built a loyal fan base
“People have kind of made that last weekend of August their yearly tradition of ending it with a bang with friends and family and coming down to listen to some country music,” Bourgeois said.
As the festival celebrates its fifth year, Bourgeois isn’t ruling out future expansion. Asked whether he has considered launching another music festival, he said organizers are always exploring possibilities.
“We always have our ears open, and you never know what the future could bring,” he said.
Tickets for YQM Country Fest remain available through the festival website. Additional event details, including bracelet pickup information and festival guidelines, will be released through the festival’s website and social media channels in the coming days.
