Osheaga ah ah ah!

Posted on July 29, 2016. Written by Rachel Levine

Osheaga Crowd. Photo Rachel Levine

Osheaga begins while waiting in line to get the weekend-long Osheaga metro pass. Ahead of me are young, summer-clad girls who are trying to figure out if you need to pay cash or can use another method to get the pass. The discussion soon shifts to how expensive it is to go to Osheaga. “Nothing feels better than spending money you don’t have,” says one of them. Word is sent back. You need cash. They’re from out of town.

The metro itself has many who wear the familiar bracelet, many eagerly checking their phones to see what stop they need to change lines. “It’s only one stop on the yellow line,” says one. When the train pulls into Berri UQAM, everyone begins to roar with joy.

Hoards of boys and girls — because, let’s be honest, there aren’t nearly as many Oldsteragas at Osheaga (it’s more the 25 and under demographic) — begin to chant “O-she-ay-ga, O-she-ay-ga” as we progress towards the yellow line.

Osheaga Entrance. Looking for bracelets. Photo Rachel Levine

Once we arrive, the crowd knows exactly where to go and flows right past those waiting near the entry. Some look for bracelets to get in. Some want to sell bracelets. The sound of Ellie King’s country-rocking blues set can be heard, but muffled.

Ellie King. Osheaga. Photo Rachel Levine

Once inside, of course, there are signs telling you where to go everywhere. The park is spread out between two general areas with stages (Scène de la Rivière and Scène de la Montagne; Scène Verte, Scène de la Vallée, Scène des Arbres) that alternate acts and one that runs continuously (Scène Piknic Electronik).

Osheaga Stages. Photo Rachel Levine

Inside, Osheaga is carnivalesque. I suppose people come for the music, but I think that coming for the crowd, the art, the crowd, the games/ rides, the crowd, the installations, the crowd, the food trucks, the crowd is just as valid. The park is a scene to behold.

Osheaga Crowd. Photo Rachel Levine

Osheaga Skateboard. Photo Rachel Levine

Osheaga Crowd. Photo Rachel Levine

Osheaga. Snake Hips Crowd

Osheaga Crowd. Photo Rachel Levine

The art installations are everywhere. They include a giant moose, cities, graffiti arts. There are carnival rides and games to play as well. And if you need to chill out for awhile, there are hammocks, bean bags, and plenty of park spaces to relax.