“Bigger and better than ever!” says the organizer of Osheaga as they announced part of their 2021 lineup, which includes headliners Post Malone, Cardi B and the Foo Fighters. The festival’s official Twitter page announced the annual event will be returning from July 30th – August 1st, 2021. So, the question remains whether it will go on in person, go virtual or even face cancellation again.

Organizers say that they will be following the Quebec government’s decisions and monitoring restrictions closely as the festival start date approaches. The event’s website shows different payment plans for tickets, but does not state any information about Covid-19 procedures like physical distancing. The reality of a music festival feels distant itself right now, as Quebec hit a record-high 2,031 new daily Covid-19 cases on December 5th.

If Osheaga pulls off this event it could signal the start of a return to normalcy for music lovers in Canada. Locally, we have not heard any updates from Ottawa’s RBC Bluesfest after they postponed last summer’s festival to July 2021.

With today’s announcement that Canada is getting the first batch of vaccines before the end of the year, we can remain hopeful for fewer restrictions on festivals and concerts next summer. It’s only a matter of time that we see the music industry get back on track.