From rock to blues, indie to pop, electronic to jazz, and everything in between, make experiencing epic music fests in Ontario your summer squad goal.
IN TORONTO
Field Trip: Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeah, Damian Marley, Alvvays and more bring the energy to Fort York.
June 2-3, food, art, comedy & family day camp
Luminato: transforms the city into a surreal, multi-day, multi-sensory experience.
June 6-24, loads of hands on programs
NXNE: Ontario’s answer to SXSW, a music extravaganza based in Yonge-Dundas Square (YDS).
June 8-17, gameland in YDS plus film, comedy, art & more
Bud Light Dreams Festival: two days, three stages, one luxury electronic experience in East Island, Ontario Place.
June 23-24, 19+, VIP passes available
Beaches International Jazz Festival: celebrating its 30th anniversary, jazz takes centre stage at this summer staple.
July 6-29, food, family-friendly streetfest
Toronto Caribbean Carnival: North America’s largest street festival – a month-long celebration of Caribbean music, food and culture.
July 7-August 12, family-friendly Grande Parade on Aug 4
OVO Fest: performances by Drake and a roster of his closest friends in The 6ix.
Dates are still TBD, but don’t be surprised if it coincides with the grande finale of Toronto Caribbean Carnival
VELD Music Festival: DJ Snake, Marshmello, Martin Garrix, Migos – some of the best in electronic dance and hip-hop at Downsview Park.
August 4-5, all ages event, cool merch for sale
Camp Wavelength: at historic Fort York, Garrison Common, line-up includes Chad VanGaalen, SUUNS and TOPS.
August 18-19, brought to you by Wavelength Music, TO’s community hub for indie music
NEAR TORONTO
KITCHENER, Ever After Music Festival: high energy electronic event featuring some of the biggest names in EDM.
June 8-10, camping & hotel shuttle available
LONDON, Rock The Park: Boyz II Men, Shaggy, Naughty by Nature, Coolio, Montell Jordan, Sisqo and more big names at the 15th annual, two-day music event.
July 11-14, all ages event, 19+ in beer garden
GUELPH, Hillside Summer Festival: a multi-genre, multi-day, musical celebration at Guelph Lake.
July 13-15, camping, food vendors & kid-friendly programs, crafts workshops, fully accessible
MINDEN HILLS, Minden Hills Bluegrass Festival: world-class bluegrass acts pick their way to this idyllic village.
July 20-22, camping & RVing available at Minden Hills Fairgrounds
ORO-MEDONTE, Boots & Hearts: Canada’s annual largest country music mash-up at Burl’s Creek.
August 9-12, camping & RVing, all-ages event, no alcohol in main entertainment area
HAVELOCK, Havelock Country Jamboree: the 29th annual music and camping festival presents Toby Keith, Tanya Tucker and over 25 other country artists.
August 16-19, camping, RVing, vendors & food
ELORA, RiverFest: The Flaming Lips, Blue Rodeo, Carly Rae Jepsen, July Talk and many more, plus craft beer, food trucks and camping in Bissell Park.
August 17-19, camping available, official hotel is the Delta Hotel in Guelph
HAMILTON, Supercrawl: this annual arts and indie music event takes over James Street North, featuring an evening with Daniel Lanois.
September 14-16, sign-up for email updates on events & shows
IN OTTAWA
Westfest: 15th annual three-day music and art celebration with over 100 Canadian artists.
June 8-10, free, family programming at Youth & Community Stage
Escapade Music Festival: annual electronic dance scene with superstar DJs and up-and-coming local talent booming in Canada’s capital.
June 23-24, 19+, check out Escapade House for exclusive accommodations
RBC Bluesfest: blues, pop and rock fans and aficionados converge on LeBreton Flats for this annual tradition, lineup includes Beck, Bryan Adams, Jethro Tull, Foo Fighters and Dave Matthew’s Band.
July 5-15, check back for kid-friendly events
IN THE CITIES OF THE NORTH
TIMMINS, Stars and Thunder: Bryan Adams, Blue Rodeo, Our Lady Peace, Colin James, The Beach Boys and more music legends packed into eight nights, plus four fireworks shows.
June 24-July 1, some daytime family programming
SUDBURY, Northern Lights Festival Boréal: line-up includes Montreal’s Lisa LeBlanc, as well as Jane’s Parks, Mama’s Broke, Sheesham & Lotus.
July 6-9, workshops & family entertainment
ST. JOSEPH ISLAND, Go North Music Festival: celebrates a variety of genres including new music, folk, roots, bluegrass, rock and pop.
July 14, craft beer, food vendors & camping
WEST NIPISSING, River and Sky: combine camping, hiking, swimming and amazing music.
July 19-22, camping & family-friendly activities
MATTAWA, Mattawa Voyageur Days: three days of country, rock and folk.
July 27-29, crafts, tournaments & more
KENORA, Harbourfest: join fellow ‘Harbourites’ for two nights of epic performances on the shores of Lake of the Woods for Northwestern Ontario’s biggest summer party.
August 4-5, daytime family entertainment, merch & food trucks
RED ROCK, Live From The Rock Folk Festival: annual grassroots gathering of over 2,000 music lovers on Lake Superior’s North Shore.
August 10-12, onsite camping
For even more info on Ontario’s live music scene this summer, check out OntarioLiveMusic.ca and ontariotravel.net.
Photo credit:
“In Ottawa” image – courtesy Escapade Music Festival