Music festival season has kicked off! Enjoying live music in the great outdoors is a highlight of Canadian summers. With numerous festivals happening across the country in the next few months, the choice 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 something for everyone. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of festivals by province featuring artists like Tate McRae, Lorde, Angine de Poitrine, Cameron Whitcomb, Nia Archives, Bambii, Weezer, and many more.
In Alberta, the Sled Island Music and Arts Festival in Calgary promises a mix of music, comedy, film, and art from June 17 to 21. Notable acts include Backxwash, Cartel Madras, and Homeshake. The Badlands Music Festival in Calgary from July 2 to 12 will feature artists like Chris Lake and Notion. The Calgary Folk Music Festival from July 23 to 26 at Prince’s Island Park boasts a diverse lineup including Corb Lund and Killer Mike. In Camrose, the Big Valley Jamboree from July 30 to Aug. 2 will showcase country stars like Keith Urban and Old Dominion. Wrapping up the season in Edmonton is the Edmonton Folk Fest from August 6 to 9 with acts like Cat Power and Of Monsters and Men.
British Columbia offers the FVDED In the Park electronic music festival in Surrey on July 3 and 4 with artists like Fisher and LSDXOXO. The Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival in Merritt from July 10 to 13 will feature acts like Christian Löffler and Skratch Bastid. Vancouver Folk Music Festival at Jericho Beach Park from July 17 to 19 will host artists such as Billy Bragg and Ruby Waters. The Shambhala Music Festival in Salmo River from July 24 to 27 will bring underground electronic music performers like A-Trak and Louis the Child. In Lake Cowichan, the Sunfest Country Music Festival from July 30 to Aug. 2 will feature artists such as James Barker Band and Jon Pardi.
Manitoba’s Winnipeg Folk Festival in Winnipeg from July 9 to 12 will offer performances by artists like Father John Misty and Sylvan Esso. Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa in Minnedosa from July 31 to Aug. 2 will feature classic rock acts including Cheap Trick and Quiet Riot.
In New Brunswick, the Area 506 festival in Saint John from July 30 to Aug. 2 will showcase acts like the Glorious Sons and Valley. Sappyfest in Sackville from July 31 to Aug. 2 will present indie musicians such as Eliza Niemi and Ribbon Skirt. Future Forest in Fredericton from Aug. 6 to 10 is an art and electronic music festival with acts like Atticus and Pvrple. The Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton from Sept. 15 to 20 will feature artists such as the Beaches and the Strumbellas.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Lawnya Vawnya festival in St. John’s from June 3 to 6 will offer diverse lineups including Cartel Madras and Tanya Tagaq. The Churchill Park Music Festival in St. John’s from July 17 to 25 will feature country, pop, and rock acts like Amanda Marshall and Matchbox Twenty. Sappyfest in Sackville from July 31 to Aug. 2 will present indie musicians such as Eliza Niemi and Ribbon Skirt. The Future Forest in Fredericton from Aug. 6 to 10 is an art and electronic music festival with acts like Atticus and Pvrple. The Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton from Sept. 15 to 20 will feature artists such as the Beaches and the Strumbellas.