Departure Festival Toronto 2025: Dave Chappelle, Quavo, and More Join Massive Lineup

The countdown is on. With just a few days to go, the Departure Festival Toronto 2025 just dropped its full lineup—and it’s packed with major names in music, comedy, art, and tech. From Dave Chappelle’s exclusive stand-up set to Quavo closing the festival with Murda Beatz, this reimagined multi-venue experience is making serious waves across the city.

Running May 6–11, Departure will take over 40+ venues across Toronto and host 3,000+ creative professionals.

Dave Chappelle Headlines the Comedy Expansion

Comedy gets a major boost this year with Dave Chappelle performing a rare set on May 7 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. He leads a lineup that also features:

• Trevor Wallace
• Pete Holmes
• Caroline Rhea
• Harland Williams
• Leslie Liao
• How Did This Get Made? – Live
• Elvira Kurt
• Jamie Kennedy

Toronto’s local comics get a big spotlight too with curated showcases like Canadian Headliner Series, New Arrivals, and Don’t Tell Comedy tapings.

Quavo, Jessie Reyez, Tegan and Sara, Felix Cartal Join the Party

The music programming blends global names with emerging Canadian talent. Highlights include:

• Quavo + Murda Beatz closing the fest May 11
• Tegan and Sara
• Jessie Reyez (also receiving the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award)
• Shaggy, Jully Black, Max Kerman
• Felix Cartal DJ set at Hotel X
• DijahSB, Sully Burrows, Planet Giza, Noeline Hofmann, and many more

Plus, a SiriusXM Spotlight Series at Lee’s Palace celebrates its 40th anniversary with Death From Above 1979, Papooz, and Rural Alberta Advantage.

Rick and Morty Season 8 Premiere, Film Screenings, and Awards

Fans will also get access to:

• The world premiere of Rick and Morty Season 8, presented by StackTV
• An early screening of Harland Williams’ Wingman (with Jamie Kennedy and Russell Peters)
• Cultural Innovator Award presentation to Matty Matheson

Conference Panels: Big Names, Big Ideas

Conference sessions will be held at Hotel X Toronto, featuring:

• Bryan Adams, Dallas Green, Fefe Dobson
• Bob Lefsetz & Merck Mercuriadis fireside chat
• Vivek Shraya, Autumn Peltier, Julia Brevetti
• Notorious Cree, Sinead Bovell, Lauren Toyota
• Bobby Carter (NPR’s Tiny Desk) via Radiodays North America

Sessions will explore topics from music industry trends and mental health in entertainment to the evolving landscape of digital media and technology.

Passes: Limited Priority and Conference Passes Remain

• Priority Pass: $1,199 (premium access + perks)
• Conference Pass: $699
• Comedy & Culture Pass: $149
• Music Pass: $80

Prices increase May 5. Visit departureto.com to buy now.

Departure Festival Toronto 2025 is supported by Ontario Creates, Scotiabank Arena, Air Canada, ArtHaus, Canada’s Walk of Fame, and more. If you want to see the future of music, comedy, and culture unfold in real time—this is the place.

More…

• https://news.pollstar.com/2025/04/16/torontos-departure-festival-and-conference-unveils-full-schedule-with-additional-speakers-and-awards
• https://www.instagram.com/departurefest
• https://www.departureto.com