August continues its festival fever with the return of LASSO Montréal, the city’s premier country music celebration. This weekend, Parc Jean-Drapeau transforms into a sun-soaked, boot-stomping paradise featuring two full days of the biggest names in country, Americana, and roots music. Before you head to the festival, elevate your evening with sushi and cocktails 45 floors above the city, where the view is as spectacular as the food.
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🍱 Restaurant of the Week: Sora 45
📍 Address: 1 Place Ville-Marie, 45th Floor, Montréal, QC H3B 4E8
Enjoying the sunset from 45 floors above the downtown buzz, cocktail in hand and a tray of exquisite nigiri on the table—this is the experience at Sora 45, A5 Hospitality’s chic sushi bar. The name says it all: “Sora” means “sky” in Japanese, and one literally finds themselves with their head in the clouds when stepping off the elevator. Occupying the entire 45th floor of Place Ville-Marie, this stunning space offers a 360-degree panorama of the city, with the river and Jacques-Cartier Bridge on one side and Mont Royal on the other.
Atmosphere & Décor
The space, designed by Sid Lee Architecture, is minimalistic, sleek, and modern. Custom-made furniture crafted from red oak matches the walls and ceilings, creating a cohesive, elegant aesthetic. The 115 seats are arranged in cozy two-person banquettes, long bars with stools, and small niches accommodating up to 10 people, all dotted around the perimeter to ensure everyone can enjoy the view.
During the day, the open space is bathed in natural light; in the evening, the warm recessed lighting creates a sensual and intimate ambiance, with the city lights twinkling in the background. The expansive space is divided by a large central cross-shaped corridor, allowing easy navigation from the bar at one end to the stairs leading to Hiatus on the other.
🍽️ What to Order: Sushi Elevated
Chef Gary Durand (Troisgros, Atelier Joël Robuchon, Maison Boulud) is responsible for the menu, with collaboration from Hiatus Chef Yoann Therer (Mousso, L’Abattoir). While the menu is simpler and more accessible than its big brother, there is no compromise on quality or presentation. The menu primarily revolves around sushi: makis, nigiris, and sashimis, alongside a selection of hot bites.
Highlights from the Menu:
- Ora King Salmon Nigiri: A standout. Glazed with teriyaki sauce and flambéed with a torch—a pleasure for both the eyes and the palate.
- Chef’s 9-Piece Platter: A delightful way to sample the menu at a very reasonable price. Includes the chefs’ daily selection of makis and nigiris presented with a small bowl of chirashi.
- Tuna and Shishito or Teriyaki Salmon Chirashi (Lunch): Rice bowls topped with raw fish—a perfect midday option.
- Beef & Oyster Tartare ($18/2 units): Australian wagyu sirloin tartare with oysters, herb mayonnaise, and ponzu—a luxurious start.
- Yellowfin Tuna Sando ($36): Panko-breaded tuna steak on toasted brioche with gochujang mayonnaise and white cabbage—a creative and satisfying option.
- Chicken Yakitori ($16/2 units): Grilled chicken with peanut butter, smoked paprika, and potato crisp.
- Korokke ($12): Japanese-style croquettes with potato, carrot, onion, leek, and cabbage.
- Sora 45’s House Popcorn ($7): A playful snack with brown butter, miso, and garlic—perfect for cocktail hour.
Sips: Cocktails, Wines & Sake
The drink menu is one of Sora 45’s main attractions. Mixologists Carl Charette-Kelada (Atwater Cocktail Club) and Tim Robertson (Nomi, Flyjin) are behind the cocktails, including reimagined classics and original creations. Sommeliers Claude Laporte and Olivier Butcher curate the wine and sake list, featuring several delightful finds imported by the Monsieur Saké agency.
Why You Should Go
Because Sora 45 offers a combination that is hard to beat: excellent sushi, a superb cocktail list, and an incomparable view of Montreal. Whether you’re stopping by for a happy hour that will likely extend well beyond sunset, a romantic dinner, or a corporate event (the space can be privatized), this is a destination that feels like a special occasion every time.
🎧 Featured Event: LASSO Montréal 2026
Montreal’s premier country music festival, LASSO Montréal, returns for its 2026 edition on August 15 and 16 at Parc Jean-Drapeau. The festival brings together the biggest names in country, Americana, and roots music across multiple stages, creating an immersive weekend experience for fans of all stripes. The fun kicks off early with LASSO in the city on Friday, August 14.
📍 Location & Getting There
Parc Jean-Drapeau, 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, QC, H3C 1A9.
The yellow line of the STM’s metro system is the best way to reach the festival. Take the metro from the Berri-UQAM station to the Jean-Drapeau station, which is located right next to the festival site. Parking is extremely limited, so public transit is strongly recommended.
🎵 The Lineup – Who’s Performing and When
The festival features a massive roster of talent across four stages: the Bell LASSO stage, the Coors Original PRAIRIE stage, the Coca-Cola RANCH stage, and the Sirius XM Backyard sessions. Here is a breakdown of the schedule and what to expect from the key performers.
Saturday, August 15
Headliner: Thomas Rhett (9:20 PM – 10:50 PM, Bell LASSO stage)
One of the biggest names in modern country music, Thomas Rhett headlines Saturday night. With seven albums and more No. 1 hits than he can count on two hands, his set is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Known for blending traditional country with pop and R&B influences, his live show is high-energy and deeply personal. Hits include “Die a Happy Man,” “It Goes Like This,” “Craving You,” “Marry Me,” and “What Could Go Right.” Expect a set filled with love songs, nostalgic anthems, and moments of pure joy.
Jon Pardi (8:10 PM – 9:10 PM, Coors Original PRAIRIE stage)
If you’re looking for authentic, old-school country, Jon Pardi is your man. With a sound rooted in traditional honky-tonk and Bakersfield country, Pardi brings a throwback vibe with modern energy. His breakthrough album, California Sunrise, and its hits “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt on my Boots” made him a star. His latest single, “Boots Off,” is already making waves. Pardi is a master of the beer-drinking, dancefloor-filling country anthem.
Koe Wetzel (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Bell LASSO stage)
A multi-platinum country superstar who has taken the genre by storm, Koe Wetzel is known for his gritty, unfiltered storytelling and high-octane live shows. His music sits at the intersection of country and rock, with a rebellious edge that has earned him a devoted following. Hits include “High Road” (his biggest radio single to date), “Drunk Driving,” and songs like “The Man” that reckon with his mythic past.
The Band Perry (5:10 PM – 5:55 PM, Bell LASSO stage)
Siblings Kimberly, Reid, and Neil Perry—together known as The Band Perry—burst onto the country scene with their self-titled debut in 2010, blending country twang with rock stomp. Their breakout hit “If I Die Young” became a global smash, topping charts and winning over fans everywhere. With a sound that has evolved to embrace more pop and Americana influences, their live show is a masterclass in harmony and emotional delivery.
James Barker Band (4:20 PM – 5:05 PM, Coors Original PRAIRIE stage)
This Canadian country band has been a festival favourite across the country, bringing a polished, high-energy sound that has earned them multiple awards and chart-topping singles. Hits include “Chills,” “Keep It Simple,” and “Over All Over Again.”
Chance Peña (3:45 PM – 4:15 PM, Bell LASSO stage)
A rising star with a soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Chance Peña is one to watch. His music blends folk, pop, and country, and his heartfelt performances have earned him a rapidly growing fanbase. Catch him early in the day for an intimate set.
Shawnee Kish (3:40 PM – 4:10 PM, Coca-Cola RANCH stage)
A powerful Indigenous singer-songwriter, Shawnee Kish delivers music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her songs blend rock, pop, and soul with a message of empowerment. A performance not to be missed.
Sunday, August 16
Headliner: Mumford & Sons (9:00 PM, Bell LASSO stage)
Closing out the festival is British folk-rock sensation Mumford & Sons. The band, known for their banjo-driven, anthemic sound, has sold out arenas worldwide. With a catalog that includes global hits like “Little Lion Man,” “I Will Wait,” and “The Cave,” their live show is a communal, sing-along experience.
Old Dominion (7:55 PM, Coors Original PRAIRIE stage)
Nashville’s hottest band, Old Dominion, has notched nine No. 1 singles, surpassing five billion streams, and are the reigning 8x ACM and 7x CMA Group of the Year. Their clever lyrics and hook-heavy songwriting have made them one of the most popular live groups in country music. Hits include “Break Up with Him,” “Hotel Key,” and “Memory Lane.”
Turnpike Troubadours (6:50 PM, Bell LASSO stage)
A gritty country-rock band with a gift for vivid storytelling, the Turnpike Troubadours are instrumental in bringing the Red Dirt sound to the mainstream. Their live shows are legendary, and their catalog is packed with fan favourites like “Long Hot Summer Day,” “The Housefire,” and “7 & 7.”
Carly Pearce (5:10 PM, Bell LASSO stage)
Carly Pearce is one of country music’s most authentic and defining voices. A GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter, her critically acclaimed album hummingbird earned her a GRAMMY nomination for the hit “we don’t fight anymore” with Chris Stapleton. Her live show is a masterclass in emotional honesty and powerhouse vocals.
Jonah Kagen (4:20 PM, Coors Original PRAIRIE stage)
A fast-rising singer-songwriter, Jonah Kagen has been making waves with his folk-pop sound and relatable lyrics. His song “The Roads” has garnered millions of streams, and his live performances are intimate and captivating.
🎟️ Tickets & Passes
Tickets for LASSO Montréal are on sale now. Options include single-day and weekend passes, as well as premium experiences. Check the official website for full details and availability.
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