Music festival season has officially begun! One of the highlights of Canadian summer is getting out into nature and enjoying some live music, but how does one decide which festival to commit to? There are hundreds of fests happening across the country over the next four months that come in all shapes and colors — from the country hoedown of Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alta., to the jack-of-all-trades cornucopia of Festival d’été in Quebec City. If you’re experiencing option overload trying to decide which festivals to check out this summer, we’ve got you covered with this handy list.
Check out the selections below, broken down by province, to find out where you can see Tate McRae, Lorde, Angine de Poitrine, Cameron Whitcomb, Nia Archives, Bambii, Weezer, The Beaches, Ruby Waters, Broken Social Scene, and many more unforgettable acts.
Alberta
Sled Island Music and Arts Festival
Where: Calgary.
When: June 17 to 21.
What to expect: For the past 19 years, Sled Island’s weird magic has swept across Calgary with an eclectic array of musical performances, comedy, film, and art installations at multiple venues.
Notable acts: Backxwash, Cartel Madras, clipping., Cris Derksen Quartet, DijahSB, Drezus, fanclubwallet, Homeshake, K-Riz and the Family, Laraaji.
Where: Calgary.
When: July 2 to 12.
What to expect: For 11 nights, some of the biggest names in dance music will perform under a big-top tent in downtown Calgary.
Notable acts: Alleycvt, Chris Lake, Crankdat, Disco Lines, Dom Dolla, Nia Archives, Notion, Uniiqu3.
Where: Calgary.
When: July 23 to 26.
What to expect: Prince’s Island Park has been home to the Folk Music Festival since 1980, focusing on delivering much more than folk, including experimental jazz and hip-hop.
Notable acts: Corb Lund, the East Pointers, Killer Mike, Of Monsters and Men, Thundercat.
Where: Camrose.
When: July 30 to Aug. 2.
What to expect: Camrose will be graced by country stars, old and new, for a long weekend celebration.
Notable acts: Cameron Whitcomb, Keith Urban, Old Dominion, Riley Green.
Where: Edmonton.
When: August 6 to 9.
What to expect: Reflecting the expansiveness of folk, this festival has a sustainability initiative to maintain Gallagher Park, where it’s held.
Notable acts: Cat Power, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Of Monsters and Men, Sister Ray, Thee Sacred Souls.
British Columbia
Where: Surrey.
When: July 3 and 4.
What to expect: The title says it all: expect bass so booming it reverberates through your bones and dance until you drop.
Notable acts: Adame Twins, Fisher, Nia Archives, Uniiqu3.
Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival
Where: Merritt.
When: July 10 to 13.
What to expect: This independent, artist-owned festival is in its 18th year, serving up a dose of earth-shaking acts that awaken the forest.
Notable acts: Addison Groove, Daphni, Skratch Bastid.
Where: Vancouver.
When: July 17 to 19.
What to expect: Enjoy folk styles from artists around the world in the seaside setting of Jericho Beach Park.
Notable acts: Aysanabee, Billy Bragg, Haley Blais, Ruby Waters.
Where: Salmo River.
When: July 24 to 27.
What to expect: A free-spirited festival staying true to its countercultural roots, showcasing underground electronic music performers.
Notable acts: A-Trak, Chromeo, Ganja White Night.
Sunfest Country Music Festival
Where: Lake Cowichan.
When: July 30 to Aug. 2.
What to expect: Surrounded by breathtaking nature, this country-focused festival welcomes artists from across North America.
Notable acts: Hannah McFarland, Jon Pardi, Nate Smith.
Manitoba
Where: Winnipeg.
When: July 9 to 12.
What to expect: Known for its intimate atmosphere set in Birds Hill Provincial Park, attendees should bring reusable water bottles as single-use ones are not sold.
Notable acts: Angine de Poitrine, Father John Misty, Kathleen Edwards, Wolf Parade.
Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa
Where: Minnedosa.
When: July 31 to Aug. 2.
What to expect: Classic rock lovers will enjoy a mix of nostalgic bands and new emerging artists.
Notable acts: 54.40, Cheap Trick, Smash Mouth.
New Brunswick
Where: Saint John.
When: July 30 to Aug. 2.
What to expect: Cozy and laid-back, this festival focuses on rock while also featuring some folk selections.
Notable acts: The Glorious Sons, Kathleen Edwards, Marianas Trench.
Where: Sackville.
When: July 31 to Aug. 2.
What to expect: Celebrating independent music, art, and creativity, the lineup is full of both indie stalwarts and newcomers.
Notable acts: Bibi Club, Eliza Niemi, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.
Where: Fredericton.
When: Aug. 6 to 10.
What to expect: An off-grid celebration of art and electronic music nestled within a forest atmosphere.
Notable acts: Aspen King, Chimp It, Pvrple.
Where: Fredericton.
When: Sept. 15 to 20.
What to expect: As the go-to summer send-off for 36 years, Harvest takes over six city blocks with beloved acts across various genres.
Notable acts: Barenaked Ladies, Matt Andersen, The Strumbellas.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Where: St. John’s.
When: June 3 to 6.
What to expect: This nonprofit festival focuses on new and independent music, known for its diverse and exploratory lineups.
Notable acts: Absolute Losers, Tanya Tagaq.
Where: St. John’s.
When: Multiple dates between July 17 and 25.
What to expect: Focused on country with some pop and rock sprinkled in, this festival transforms Churchill Park into a music haven.
Notable acts: The Chicks, Dallas Smith, Keith Urban.
Northwest Territories
Where: Inuvik.
When: July 8 to 13.
What to expect: Featuring Inuit and First Nations artists, this festival celebrates community creativity with various performances and activities.
Notable acts: Cassie Noble, Caleb Tomlinson.
Where: Yellowknife.
When: July 17 to 19.
What to expect: Six stages packed with artists from the Northwest Territories and across Canada representing a mix of genres.
Notable acts: Braden Lam, Great Lake Swimmers, Mae Martin.
Nova Scotia
Ultramarine Music & Arts Festival
Where: Yarmouth.
When: June 19 and 20.
What to expect: Blending music with visual and literary arts, Ultramarine aims to provide a platform for local talent.
Notable acts: Dusted, Mo Kenney.
Where: Halifax.
When: June 26 and 27.
What to expect: Near the iconic Citadel Hill, attendees can expect two days of rock heavy with touches of pop and country.
Notable acts: The Barr Brothers, Jimmy Eat World, Weezer.
Where: Halifax.
When: July 7 to 12.
What to expect: As one of Atlantic Canada’s biggest festivals, it attracts a diverse lineup across multiple genres.
Notable acts: Broken Social Scene, Men I Trust.
Where: New Glasgow.
When: July 31 to Aug. 2.
What to expect: Enjoy Canadian and folk rock under the stars at this outdoor amphitheater.
Notable acts: Begonia, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Tanika Charles.
Nunavut
Where: Iqaluit.
When: June 18 to 21.
What to expect: With nearly 24 hours of summer sunshine, this festival showcases Inuit and Indigenous artists alongside global performers.
Notable acts: Lineup TBA.
Ontario
Where: Toronto.
When: June 3 to 28.
What to expect: This fusion of visual art, dance, and stellar musical performances has been captivating audiences since 2007.
Notable acts: Aysanabee, Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Toronto.
When: June 6 and 7.
What to expect: Featuring a predominantly female lineup, this festival celebrates pop and rock artists.
Notable acts: Lorde, Kesha, The Beaches.
Where: Uxbridge.
When: June 11 to 13.
What to expect: A mix of local performers and national acts across multiple venues in Uxbridge.
Notable acts: Dan Mangan, Mia Kelly.
Where: Toronto.
When: June 19 and 20.
What to expect: Celebrating South Asian music, Desifest is a vibrant annual event in Sankofa Square.
Notable acts: Ben Parag, Rup Magon.
Where: Peterborough.
When: Multiple dates between June 27 and Aug. 19.
What to expect: This festival transforms Little Lake into a musical celebration with multiple free showcases.
Notable acts: Good Lovelies, Dwayne Gretzky.
Where: Orillia.
When: July 3 to 5.
What to expect: One of Canada’s longest-running folk festivals, attendees can camp out and enjoy performances by the water.
Notable acts: Father John Misty, Sharon Van Etten.
Where: Ottawa.
When: July 9 to 19.
What to expect: This festival promises something for every music lover, from hip-hop to rock and folk.
Notable acts: Gwen Stefani, Limp Bizkit, The Lumineers.
Boots and Hearts Music Festival
Where: Oro-Medonte.
When: Aug. 7 to 9.
What to expect: As Canada’s leading country music festival, it features major names and an emerging artist showcase.
Where: Paris.
When: Aug. 14 and 15.
What to expect: A fusion of craft beer, food, and live music, perfect for summer fun.
Notable acts: July Talk, The Strumbellas.
Where: Thunder Bay.
When: Sept. 12.
What to expect: Spurred by Indigenous cultural awareness, this festival aims to create an inclusive community space.
Notable acts: Lov, Tia Wood.
Prince Edward Island
Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Where: Cavendish.
When: July 9 to 11.
What to expect: With an idyllic beach backdrop, enjoy a range of country and folk artists from both Canada and the U.S.
Notable acts: Ashley McBryde, Jake Vaadeland.
Where: Cavendish.
When: Sept. 11 and 12.
What to expect: A multi-genre farewell to summer, showcasing both emerging and established artists.
Notable acts: Jade LeMac, Twenty One Pilots.
Saskatchewan
Long Day’s Night Music Festival
Where: Swift Current.
When: June 18 to 20.
What to expect: Occurring around the summer solstice, this festival offers magical long days packed with great tunes.
Notable acts: Hutsul Drive, Lemon Bucket Orkestra.
Where: Saskatoon.
When: July 5 to 11.
What to expect: Jazz greats and legends gather in Saskatoon for a week of inspired performances.
Notable acts: Modest Mouse, Noah Cyrus.
Quebec
Where: Montreal.
When: June 4 to 14.
What to expect: A fusion of visual and musical arts, with lively performances to accompany stunning murals throughout Montreal.
Notable acts: More to be announced.
Festival de Jazz International de Montréal
Where: Montreal.
When: June 25 to July 4.
What to expect: Downtown Montreal transforms into a playground for music lovers during this 10-day festival.
Notable acts: Angine de Poitrine, Diana Krall.
Where: Chicoutimi.
When: July 2 to 4.
What to expect: A community-driven festival essential to the region, with a focus on local artists alongside a quirky wedding theme.
Notable acts: Angine de Poitrine, Klô Pelgag.
Where: Quebec City.
When: July 9 to 19.
What to expect: A vast and varied lineup featuring international acts and beloved local artists throughout 11 days of music.
Notable acts: Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Muse.
Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts
Where: Montreal.
When: July 31 to Aug. 2.
What to expect: One of the most popular festivals, Osheaga offers a diverse lineup from major headliners to niche acts.
Notable acts: Lorde, Tate McRae, Twenty One Pilots.
Where: Nunavik.
When: August 11 to 14.
What to expect: A unique festival that coincides with the harvest of the aqpik berry, blending music and cultural celebrations.
Notable acts: Lineup TBA.
Where: Montreal.
When: August 25 to 30.
What to expect: Celebrating 27 years of electronic music, Mutek features live performances, panels, and discussions.
Notable acts: Ben UFO, Honeydrip.
Yukon
Where: Dawson.
When: July 17 to 19.
What to expect: A grassroots festival with a focus on discovering new artists in a laid-back, fun atmosphere.
Notable acts: Celeigh Cardinal, Daniel Romano’s Outfit.
Where: Kettley’s Canyon (near Whitehorse).
When: August 7 to 9.
What to expect: An electronic music festival known as “the littlest biggest festival north of 60” set in the breathtaking boreal forest.
Notable acts: Fort Knox Five, Justin Hamilton.
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