The music festival season is now in full swing! As summer rolls in, Canadians are gearing up to enjoy live music in natural settings. With a plethora of festivals happening all around the country over the next four months, deciding which one to attend can be overwhelming. From the country vibes of Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alta., to the diverse offerings of Festival d’été in Quebec City, there’s a festival for everyone.
To help you navigate the summer festival scene, we have compiled a list of must-see festivals broken down by province. In Alberta, music enthusiasts can groove to artists like Backxwash and Homeshake at the Sled Island Music and Arts Festival in Calgary, while the Badlands Music Festival promises 11 nights of dance music extravagance featuring acts like Chris Lake and Dom Dolla.
In British Columbia, electronic music lovers can head to FVDED In the Park in Surrey for booming bass and energetic performances by artists like Fisher and LSDXOXO. Meanwhile, the Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival in Merritt offers a dose of earth-shaking acts like Christian Löffler and Skratch Bastid.
For a folk-filled experience, Vancouver Folk Music Festival at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver boasts an international lineup with acts such as Billy Bragg and Valerie June. In Salmo River, the Shambhala Music Festival invites attendees to embrace counterculture with underground electronic music performances by artists like Chromeo and Louis the Child.
In Manitoba, the Winnipeg Folk Festival at Birds Hill Provincial Park promises intimate performances by artists such as Cat Clyde and Sylvan Esso, while Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa in Minnedosa caters to classic rock enthusiasts with acts like Collective Soul and Quiet Riot.
In New Brunswick, Area 506 in Saint John offers a rock-focused lineup featuring artists like the Glorious Sons and Valley, while Sappyfest in Sackville upholds its tradition of championing independent music with acts like Boyhood and Les Hay Babies. Future Forest in Fredericton provides a unique forest hideaway experience with electronic acts like Pvrple and Contra.
Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador, the Lawnya Vawnya festival in St. John’s showcases diverse and independent music talents, including names like Tanya Tagaq and Cartel Madras. The Churchill Park Music Festival in St. John’s offers a mix of country, pop, and rock acts like Dallas Smith and Elle King for a vibrant musical experience.
In the Northwest Territories, the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik celebrates Indigenous artists with performances by talents like Tanya Tagaq and Leela Gilday. Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife features a diverse lineup with artists such as Cadence Weapon and Yellowknives Dene Drummers.
These are just a few of the exciting festivals happening across Canada this summer, offering a wide range of musical experiences for all tastes and preferences. Get ready to immerse yourself in the sounds of summer at these vibrant events!