Music festival season is in full swing! Canadians are gearing up to enjoy live music in the great outdoors this summer. With a wide array of festivals happening across the country over the next four months, ranging from country-themed events like Big Valley Jamboree in Alberta to the diverse offerings of Festival d’été in Quebec City, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to attend. To help you navigate the options, here is a breakdown of some notable festivals by province featuring artists like Tate McRae, Lorde, Angine de Poitrine, and many more.
In Alberta, music enthusiasts can look forward to the Sled Island Music and Arts Festival in Calgary from June 17 to 21, featuring acts such as Backxwash, Cartel Madras, and Homeshake. Another highlight is the Badlands Music Festival in Calgary, running from July 2 to 12, showcasing performers like Chris Lake and Nia Archives. Additionally, the Calgary Folk Music Festival from July 23 to 26 promises a diverse lineup including Corb Lund and Thundercat. Country music fans can head to Camrose for the Big Valley Jamboree from July 30 to Aug. 2, with artists like Keith Urban and Old Dominion taking the stage.
Edmonton will host the Edmonton Folk Fest from August 6 to 9, featuring acts such as Cat Power and Hurray For the Riff Raff. In British Columbia, music lovers can enjoy the FVDED In the Park festival in Surrey on July 3 and 4, showcasing artists like Dom Dolla and Nia Archives. Merritt will host the Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival from July 10 to 13 with performers including Christian Löffler and Skratch Bastid. Vancouver will host the Vancouver Folk Music Festival from July 17 to 19, featuring artists like Billy Bragg and Ruby Waters. Salmo River will be the venue for the Shambhala Music Festival from July 24 to 27, with acts such as Chromeo and Louis the Child.
The Winnipeg Folk Festival in Manitoba from July 9 to 12 will offer performances from artists like Father John Misty and Sylvan Esso. For classic rock enthusiasts, the Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa festival in Minnedosa from July 31 to Aug. 2 will feature acts such as Collective Soul and Quiet Riot. New Brunswick will host the Area 506 festival in Saint John from July 30 to Aug. 2, showcasing artists like Marianas Trench and Valley. Sackville will be the venue for the Sappyfest from July 31 to Aug. 2, featuring indie acts like Boyhood and Status/Non-Status. Fredericton will host the Future Forest festival from Aug. 6 to 10, with artists like Aspen King and Contra set to perform. Additionally, the Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton from Sept. 15 to 20 will feature acts like Barenaked Ladies and the Strumbellas.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Lawnya Vawnya festival in St. John’s from June 3 to 6 will showcase diverse acts including Cartel Madras and Tanya Tagaq. St. John’s will also host the Churchill Park Music Festival on multiple dates between July 17 and 25, with performers such as the Chicks and Keith Urban. In the Northwest Territories, attendees can enjoy the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik from July 8 to 13, featuring local artists like Tanya Tagaq and Caleb Tomlinson. Yellowknife will host the Folk on the Rocks festival from July 17 to 19, showcasing a mix of genres with artists like Cadence Weapon and Great Lake Swimmers.
These are just a few of the exciting music festivals happening across Canada this summer, offering a diverse range of musical experiences for all tastes.