Music festival season has kicked off in Canada! Summer in Canada offers a plethora of music festivals to choose from, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From the country vibes of Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alta., to the eclectic mix at Festival d’été in Quebec City, there is something for everyone.
To help you navigate the festival scene this summer, we’ve compiled a list of must-visit festivals across the provinces, featuring performances by Tate McRae, Lorde, Angine de Poitrine, Cameron Whitcomb, Nia Archives, Bambii, Weezer, the Beaches, Ruby Waters, Broken Social Scene, and many more.
In Alberta, music enthusiasts can enjoy the Sled Island Music and Arts Festival in Calgary from June 17 to 21, featuring acts like Backxwash, Cartel Madras, and Homeshake. The Badlands Music Festival in Calgary from July 2 to 12 will showcase renowned artists such as Chris Lake and Dom Dolla.
Calgary will also host the Calgary Folk Music Festival from July 23 to 26, with a diverse lineup including Corb Lund and Thundercat. In Camrose, the Big Valley Jamboree will take place from July 30 to August 2, featuring country stars like Keith Urban and Old Dominion.
Edmonton will host the Edmonton Folk Fest from August 6 to 9, where attendees can enjoy performances by artists like Cat Power and Hurray For the Riff Raff.
Moving to British Columbia, music lovers can attend the FVDED In the Park festival in Surrey on July 3 and 4, featuring acts such as Fisher and LSDXOXO. The Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival in Merritt from July 10 to 13 will present artists like Christian Löffler and Skratch Bastid.
At the Vancouver Folk Music Festival from July 17 to 19, attendees can enjoy performances by artists from various countries, including Billy Bragg and Ruby Waters. The Shambhala Music Festival in Salmo River from July 24 to 27 will offer a lineup that includes Chromeo and Louis the Child.
In Manitoba, the Winnipeg Folk Festival will take place from July 9 to 12, featuring artists like Father John Misty and Sylvan Esso. Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa from July 31 to August 2 will showcase acts like Collective Soul and Quiet Riot.
In New Brunswick, the Area 506 festival in Saint John from July 30 to August 2 will feature artists such as the Glorious Sons and Marianas Trench. Sappyfest in Sackville from July 31 to August 2 will offer a lineup with indie stalwarts like Boyhood and Les Hay Babies.
Future Forest in Fredericton from August 6 to 10 will present artists like Aspen King and Freewill. The Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton from September 15 to 20 will feature performances by Barenaked Ladies and the Strumbellas.
This summer, music enthusiasts in Newfoundland and Labrador can attend the Lawnya Vawnya festival in St. John’s from June 3 to 6, showcasing diverse acts like Cartel Madras and Tanya Tagaq. The Churchill Park Music Festival in St. John’s from July 17 to 25 will feature artists like Dallas Smith and Keith Urban.
The Dawson City Music Festival in Dawson from July 17 to 19 will offer performances by artists like Dan Mangan and Jane Siberry. Paradise Music Festival in Kettley’s Canyon near Whitehorse from August 7 to 9 will feature acts such as Handsome Tiger and Justin Hamilton.
For a memorable music-filled summer, music enthusiasts across Canada have a wide array of festivals to choose from, promising an unforgettable experience for fans of all genres and tastes.