46 music festivals you won't want to miss this summer

There are so many music festivals taking place across Canada this summer — hundreds, in fact — that it can be difficult to narrow down your options. Whether you like a quick day fest or a weekend-long camping situation, folky country or hard-hitting electronic music, we've compiled a list of must-attend festivals that appeals to all persuasions.

Check out the selections below, broken down by province, to find out where you can catch Feist, André 3000, Kaytranada, Carly Rae Jepsen, Aysanabee, Noah Kahan, Chromeo, SZA, Sum41 and many more acts. 

Alberta

Sled Island Music and Arts Festival
Where: Calgary.
When: June 19 to 23.
What to expect: For the past 17 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: Cherry Glazerr, Haleluya Hailu, Mick Jenkins, Myst Milano, Planet Giza, Show Me the Body. 

Badlands Music Festival
Where: Calgary.
When: July 4 to 14.
What to expect: For 11 nights some of the biggest names in dance music, from Canada and abroad, will perform under a big-top tent in downtown Calgary.
Notable acts: Chase and Status, Chris Lake, Loud Luxury, Kaytranada, Swedish House Mafia, Rezz. 

Big Valley Jamboree
Where: Camrose.
When: Aug. 1 to 4.
What to expect: Camrose will be graced by country stars, old and new, as they take the stage for a laidback celebration. Lean into the Canadiana with a lumberjack show and bull riding. 
Notable acts: Josh Ross, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, the Reklaws, Terri Clark.

Edmonton Folk Fest
Where: Edmonton.
When: Aug. 8 to 11.
What to expect: A folk festival that has reflected the expansiveness of the genre since its launch in 1980. It also has a sustainability initiative to help maintain the grounds of Gallagher Park, where the festival takes place. 
Notable acts: Alison Krauss, Elisapie, Black Pumas, Boy Golden, Leith Ross, Robert Plant, Wyatt C. Louis.

British Columbia

Westward Music Festival
Where: Vancouver.
When: June 22 and 23.
What to expect: Fans of left-field pop, alternative hip-hop and bold garage rock will all find something to love at this festival in the quaint neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant.
Notable acts: Cartel Madras, Cherry Glazer, Debby Friday, Haley Blais, Mick Jenkins.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Where: Vancouver.
When: July 19 to 21.
What to expect: Right by the water at Jericho Beach Park, this festival lets you enjoy folk stylings by artists from 15 different countries including Côte d'Ivoire, New Zealand, Mexico and, of course, Canada. 
Notable acts: James Vincent McMorrow, Jeremy Dutcher, Katie Tupper, Leif Vollebekk, Piqsiq.

Shambhala Music Festival
Where: Salmo.
When: July 26 to 29.
What to expect: The 25th anniversary of this free-spirited festival is sure to be a celebration of its countercultural roots. Bring your wildest outfits and be ready to dance. 
Notable acts: Anderson .Paak, Chromeo, Dillon Francis, Disclosure, James Blake, Lion Babe, Nia Archives.

Rifflandia
Where: Victoria.
When: Sept. 13 to 15.
What to expect: Rifflandia is a general interest fest with something for everyone, from old-school hip-hop to bass-heavy EDM.
Notable acts: Aysanabee, Broken Social Scene, k-os, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, the Beaches, Rezz, Tokyo Police Club. 

Manitoba

Winnipeg Folk Festival
Where: Winnipeg.
When: July 11 to 14.
What to expect: Known for its intimate atmosphere (despite the 20,000-person capacity), this festival takes place in the wilderness of Birds Hill Provincial Park is. Heads up: they don't sell single-use water bottles so be sure to bring a reusable one. 
Notable acts: Band of Horses, Elisapie, Leith Ross, Kaia Kater, Noah Cyrus, Orville Peck.

Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa
Where: Minnedosa.
When: Aug. 2 to 4.
What to expect: This festival is for the classic rock lovers who love their tried-and-true acts, while still curious about new, emerging artists. 
Notable acts: Amanda Marshall, JJ Wilde, Kim Mitchell, the Trews, Theory of a Deadman. 

New Brunswick

Area 506
Where: Saint John.
When: Aug. 2 to 4.
What to expect: Area 506 is a cozy festival on the water, with lots of picks for fans of rock in all its forms. 
Notable acts: Alvvays, Aysanabee, Devon Cole, Our Lady Peace, Pup, Sum 41, Tokyo Police Club. 

Future Forest
Where: Fredericton.
When: Aug. 8 to 12.
What to expect: For those who like to go off the grid, Future Forest is an art and electronic music festival in a forest hideaway, with sets and stages made from salvaged material. 
Notable acts: Bensley, Kyle Watson, Me Time, Myst Milano.

Harvest Music Festival
Where: Fredericton.
When: Sept. 10 to 15.
What to expect: Harvest is an annual send-off to summer that takes over six city blocks with 27 stages. Say your goodbyes to the season with some beloved Canadian acts. 
Notable acts: Broken Social Scene, Feist, Jim Cuddy Band, Julian Taylor, July Talk, Spoon, Wolf Castle.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Lawnya Vanya
Where: St. John's. 
When: June 5 to 8. 
What to expect: Lawnya Vawnya is a non-profit organization that focuses on new and independent music, so their namesake festival is known for its diverse and exploratory lineups. 
Notable acts: Ash Park, Aquakulture, Debby Friday, Myst Milano, Stacey Sexton, Willie Thrasher and Linda Saddleback. 

Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival
Where: St. John's.
When: July 12 to 14.
What to expect: Over three nights, folk greats meet new-age voices for an intimate festival at Bannerman Park. 
Notable acts: Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, the Ennis Sisters, William Prince.

Northwest Territories

Great Northern Arts Festival
Where: Inuvik.
When: July 10 to 15.
What to expect: Over the years, performers including Tanya Tagaq and Leela Gilday got their start at the Great Northern Arts Festival, and organizers continue to highlight Inuit and First Nations artists from the North. 
Notable acts: Louie Goose, Willie Thrasher. 

Folk on the Rocks
Where: Yellowknife.
When: July 19 to 21.
What to expect: Six stages jam packed with artists from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and across Canada. From rootsy reggae to pop ballads, there's a nice mix of genres represented. 
Notable acts: Ammoye, Aurora Fiddle Society, Beatrice Deer, Begonia, Wyatt C. Louis. 

Nova Scotia

IngoBeach Pride
Where: Cape Breton.
When: June 28 to 30.
What to expect: In its second year, IngoBeach Pride continues to bring a 2SLGBTQ+ celebration to the idyllic shores of Ingonish Beach.
Notable acts: Mo Kenney, Ralph, Rêve, Ria Mae, Pillow Fite.  

Halifax Jazz Festival
Where: Halifax.
When: July 9 to 14.
What to expect: Attracting up to 65,000 attendees per year, this festival is one of the biggest in Atlantic Canada and includes neo-soul, indie pop, jazz and conscious rap artists. 
Notable acts: Charlotte Day Wilson, Emmylou Harris, Fitz and the Tantrums, Jill Barber, Killer Mike, Tachichi and Lxvndr.

The Jubilee
Where: New Glasgow.
When: Aug. 2 to 4.
What to expect: Catch legendary rock and buzzy country acts at the outdoor amphitheatre on the New Glasgow waterfront. 
Notable acts: Sum 41, Tenille Arts, the Trews, Trooper.

Congrès mondial acadien
Where: Southwestern Nova Scotia.
When: Aug. 10 to 18.
What to expect: The 20th anniversary of Le Congrès mondial acadien will bring together the Acadian diaspora from around the world. In the middle of the conference, on National Acadian Day, there will be a free concert at the Yarmouth airport to celebrate Acadian music. 
Notable acts: Édith Butler, Lisa LeBlanc, Morgan Toney, P'tit Belliveau, Salebarbes, Zachary Richard. 

Rock the Harbour
Where: Dartmouth.
When: Aug. 16 to 18.
What to expect: Rock the Harbour joins the ranks of festivals across the country that prove that classic rock is still kicking — and for those partial to an early night, all headliners are scheduled to start their sets by 9 p.m.
Notable acts: Aldo Nova, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, the Stampeders. 

Nunavut

Alianait Arts Festival 
Where: Iqaluit.
When: July 6 to 9.
What to expect: The sun never sets on Alianait, since Iqaluit experiences almost 24-hour sunshine during the summer months.The festival has a primary focus on Inuit and other circumpolar and Indigenous artists but also brings in musicians, dancers, storytellers, filmmakers and visual artists from around the world. 
Notable acts: Lineup to be announced. 

Jammin' on the Bay Tribute Fest
Where: Rankin Inlet.
When: Aug. 2 to 4.
What to expect: The first Jammin' on the Bay took place in 2001, now 23 years later they're bringing round two. The family-oriented event will have lots of interactive activities in addition to the performances. 
Notable acts: Northern Haze, Sam Tutanuak, throat singers, Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi and ACDC tribute bands. 

Ontario

Luminato Festival
Where: Toronto.
When: June 5 to 16.
What to expect: If you like your art with a side of music, Luminato is the festival for you. Since 2007 it has paired visual art, dance and more with stellar performances from international and local musical artists. 
Notable acts: Big Freedia, Classic Roots, Jeremy Dutcher, Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Me Time, Mother Tongues, Natasha Noorani.

Springtide Music Festival
Where: Uxbridge.
When: June 6 to 8.
What to expect: Six venues across Uxbridge will have a mix of local performers (including a youth stage) and folk, pop, roots and rock acts from across the country. They have partnered with non-profit Music Declares Emergency to run initiatives throughout the weekend dedicated to addressing climate concern. 
Notable acts: Begonia, Good Lovelies, Julian Taylor. 

Sound of Music Festival
Where: Burlington.
When: June 13 to 16.
What to expect: This festival kicks off with a grand parade of marching bands from all over the world, and then a range of performers will take to the stages during the four-day festival. 
Notable acts: Jim Cuddy Band, Kathleen Edwards, Rêve, Priyanka, Trooper, Tyler Shaw.

Ottawa Bluesfest
Where: Ottawa.
When: July 4 to 14.
What to expect: Attendees of the 30th Ottawa Bluesfest are spoiled for choice, as some of the biggest names in pop, rock and hip-hop will be performing over the course of 11 days.
Notable acts: Bahamas, Britanny Kennell, Carly Rae Jepsen, Corb Lund, Nas, Neil Young, Motley Crue, Nickelback, Priyanka, Mother Mother. 

Mariposa Folk Festival 
Where: Orillia.
When: July 5 to 7.
What to expect: Camp out and enjoy a weekend by water at one of the most established folk festivals in the country.  
Notable acts: Amanda Rheaume, Bahamas, Billianne, Cat Clyde, Maestro Fresh Wes, Mattmac, Shad, Shawnee Kish. 

Sojourn Festival
Where: Toronto.
When: July 26 to 28.
What to expect: Sojourn is a new electronic music festival started by three Toronto collectives, bringing in international producers and DJs while championing local talent. 
Notable acts: Chippy Nonstop, Hudson Mohawke, Jayemkayem, Karim Olen Ash, Kuruza. 

Riverfest Elora
Where: Elora.
When: Aug. 16 to 18.
What to expect: Although it's expanded in size over the past 15 years, Riverfest still feels like the backyard gathering started by its late founder, Marilyn Koop. 
Notable acts: Josh Ross, Fleet Foxes, Sudan Archives, Violent Femmes, Wild Rivers. 

Aurorapalooza
Where: Aurora.
When: Aug. 17.
What to expect: In its fifth year, Aurorapalooza continues to bring high-energy acts for a day-long festival on the scenic grounds of Town Park.
Notable acts: Boy Wonder, Katie Tupper, the Free Label.

All Your Friends Fest
Where: Oro-Medonte.
When: Aug. 23 to 24.
What to expect: Calling all pop punk aficionados: the nostalgia hit of your dreams has arrived. All Your Friends Fest brings the peak of mid-aughts band culture back to life for two days only. 
Notable acts: Billy Talent, Fall Out Boy, Fefe Dobson, Jimmy Eat World, Lights. 

Wake the Giant Music Festival
Where: Thunder Bay.
When: Sept. 14.
What to expect: This festival is an offshoot of the Wake the Giant cultural awareness project that began in 2019 in Thunder Bay to make it a more welcoming, inclusive city for Indigenous peoples. 
Notable acts: Arkells, Chester Knight, Coleman Hell, Drives the Common Man, DJ Shub, Walk Off the Earth. 

Prince Edward Island

Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Where: Cavendish.
When: July 5 to 7.
What to expect: Cavendish is a country and folk-centred festival on the beach, with acts from across Canada and the U.S. 
Notable acts: Brothers Osborne, Corb Lund, Mackenzie Porter, Owen Riegling, Shantaia, Zac Brown Band. 

Sommo Festival
Where: Cavendish.
When: Sept. 13 and 14.
What to expect: Attendees of this festival can expect a multi-genre goodbye to summer at Cavendish Beach, with a fun culinary element. 
Notable acts: Greta Van Fleet, Half Moon Run, Noah Kahan, the Beaches, Talk, Terra Lightfoot, Tobi. 

Saskatchewan

Long Day's Night Music Festival
Where: Swift Current.
When: June 20 to 22.
What to expect: This festival occurs around the summer solstice — some of the longest days of the year — which can feel especially magical when paired with great tunes. 
Notable acts: Terra Lightfoot, the Commoners, the Dirty Catfish Band. 

Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
Where: Saskatoon.
When: July 10 to 13.
What to expect: Jazz greats from around the world will come together in Saskatoon for four evenings of inspired performances.
Notable acts: Alex Cuba, Arturo Sandoval, Johnny Reid, Melissa Etheridge, Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra, Shakey Graves. 

Quebec

Mural Festival
Where: Montreal.
When: June 6 to 16.
What to expect: Montreal gets colourful as murals and art exhibitions pop up throughout the 11 days of this festival. At night, musical acts keep the energy going with lively performances. 
Notable acts: Aluna, Amaal Nuux, Channel Tres, Moonshine, Ouri, Pierre Kwenders, Sadboi, Rick Ross. 

Festival de Jazz International de Montréal
Where: Montreal.
When: June 27 to July 6.
What to expect: This festival shuts down the downtown core of Montreal for 10 days, as the city is transformed into a playground for music lovers. 
Notable acts: André 3000, Charlotte Day Wilson, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Elisapie, Jeremy Dutcher, Killer Mike, Norah Jones, Orville Peck.

Festival d'été de Québec
Where: Quebec City.
When: July 4 to 14.
What to expect: With perhaps the most extensive and varied lineup of all the Canadian summer festivals, Festival d'été truly has something for everyone. Over 11 days, big names from around the world, and beloved local acts converge. 
Notable acts: Arkells, Cam Kahin, Calamine, Carly Rae Jepsen, Elisapie, Fleet Foxes, Les Hay Babies, Loud Luxury, Nickelback, Ouri, Tobi, Valley, 50 Cent.

Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts
Where: Montreal.
When: Aug. 2 to 4.
What to expect: One of Canada's most popular festivals, Osheaga is a giant wonderland for people of all tastes, from the big headliners to the niche acts. 
Notable acts: Alvvays, Billianne, Cri, Hozier, Green Day, Noah Kahan, Nonso Amadi, SZA.

Aqpik Jam Music Festival
Where: Nunavik.
When: Aug. 13 to 16.
What to expect: This festival coincides with the harvest of a wild berry grown in Nunavik called aqpik. Musicians and singers from across the North show off their skills at night, while in the day there are berry-picking competitions and canoe races.
Notable acts: Lineup to be announced. 

Mutek Festival
Where: Montreal
When: Aug. 20 to 25.
What to expect: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Mutek continues to be at the forefront of championing electronic music's underground. 
Notable acts: Bored Lord, Ciel, Korea Town Acid, Marie Davidson, Nosaj Thing and Jacques Greene.

Yukon

Dawson City Music Festival
Where: Dawson
When: July 19 to 21.
What to expect: This is a grassroots festival with a non-fussy vibe that is perfect for discovering new artists. 
Notable acts: Boy Golden, Ombiigizi, Status/Non-Status, Super Duty Tough Work, U.S. Girls. 

Paradise Music Festival
Where: Kettley's Canyon (near Whitehorse)
When: Aug. 9 to 11.
What to expect: Paradise Music Festival is referred to by its organizers as "the littlest biggest festival north of 60." It's the only electronic music festival held that far north: people got to let loose in the boreal forest.
Notable acts: Balkan Bump, Dirtwire, Shawna.