46 music festivals you won't want to miss this summer
From coast to coast to coast, we've got you covered with the best festivals happening across Canada
Summer is on the horizon and that means music festival season is knocking at the door.
There are hundreds of fests happening across the country over the next four months that come in all shapes and colours — from the bright psychedelia of Victoria's Rifflandia to the laid-back forest vibe of Riverfest Elora. 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 catch Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, Kaytranada, Charlotte Cardin, City and Colour, Disclosure, Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, Snotty Nose Rez Kids and more.
Alberta
Sled Island Music & Arts Festival
Where: Calgary.
When: June 18 to 22.
What to expect: For the past 18 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: Baths, Bibi Club, Kimmortal, Otoboke Beaver, Tops, Yaya Bey, Zola Jesus.
Badlands Music Festival
Where: Calgary.
When: July 3 to 13.
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. This year's fest includes a special co-pro with U.K. party series Boiler Room.
Notable acts: Chippy Nonstop, Disclosure, Green Velvet, Horsegirl, RL Grime, Subtronics, Zedd, Zeds Dead.
Big Valley Jamboree
Where: Camrose.
When: July 31 to Aug. 3.
What to expect: Camrose will be graced by country stars old and new as they take the stage for a long-weekend celebration. Lean into the Canadiana with a lumberjack show and bull riding.
Notable acts: Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Lindsey Ell, Savannah Jade.
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Where: Edmonton.
When: Aug. 8 to 11.
What to expect: Edmonton Folk Music Festival 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: 2025 lineup to be announced at the end of May, but previous performers included Alison Krauss and Robert Plant.
British Columbia
5X Festival
Where: Vancouver.
When: June 12 to 14.
What to expect: In honour of 20 years of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration, 5X Fest is shining a spotlight on Punjabi music and culture, with a block party and art activations spanning three days.
Notable acts: Gminxr, G. Sidhu, Panjabi Hit Squad, Sahil Cheema, Talwiinder.
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 several different countries including Haiti, Australia, Mexico, France and, of course, Canada.
Notable acts: Blue Moon Marquee, Elisapie, the Heavy Heavy, Julian Taylor, Kellie Loder, Lennie Gallant, Nico Paulo, Ocie Elliot, Teke::Teke.
Shambhala Music Festival
Where: Salmo.
When: July 25 to 28.
What to expect: This free-spirited festival stays true to its countercultural roots with a mix of underground and left-field electronic music performers. Bring your most psychedelic outfits and be ready to dance.
Notable acts: Channel Tres, Chris Lake, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Flying Lotus, Mura Masa, Salute, Sofi Tukker, Whipped Cream.
Rifflandia
Where: Victoria.
When: Sept. 11 to 14.
What to expect: Rifflandia is a general interest fest with something for everyone, from pristine pop to gritty hip-hop to nostalgic neo soul.
Notable acts: Alessia Cara, Billianne, Charlotte Cardin, JP Saxe, Macy Gray, NxWorries, Ombiigizi, Public Enemy, Sleater-Kinney, Walk Off the Earth.
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. Heads up: they don't sell single-use water bottles so be sure to bring a reusable one.
Notable acts: Allison Russell, Basia Bulat, Begonia, Jake Vaadeland, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mavis Staples, Ombiigizi, Peach Pit, Waxahatchee.
Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa
Where: Minnedosa.
When: Aug. 1 to 3.
What to expect: This festival is for the classic-rock lovers dedicated to their tried-and-true acts, while still curious about new, emerging artists.
Notable acts: Bif Naked, Glass Tiger, Headstones, Loverboy, Trooper.
New Brunswick
Area 506
Where: Saint John.
When: Aug. 1 to 3.
What to expect: This cozy festival on the water is celebrating a 10-year anniversary, with lots of picks for fans of rock in all its forms.
Notable acts: Alexisonfire, Arkells, Broken Social Scene, Cancer Bats, Half Moon Run, Maggie Andrew, Ria Mae.
Where: Sackville.
When: Aug. 1 to 3.
What to expect: Sappyfest will celebrate its 20th anniversary this August, staying true to its ethos of uplifting independent music, art and creativity with a lineup full of indie stalwarts and exciting newcomers.
Notable acts: Alan Syliboy & the Thundermakers, Ghostkeeper, Hello Crows, Jah'Mila, Lido Pimienta, Mama's Broke, Niko Stratis, Penny & the Pits, Teke::Teke.
Future Forest
Where: Fredericton.
When: Aug. 7 to 11.
What to expect: For those who like to go off the grid, Future Forest is an arts and electronic music festival in a forest hideaway, with sets and stages made from salvaged material.
Notable acts: Dot, Häana, Machinedrum, Moontricks, Rumpus, Zen Selekta.
Harvest Music Festival
Where: Fredericton
When: Sept. 9 to 14.
What to expect: Thirty-five years in and Harvest is still the go-to send-off to summer, taking over six city blocks. Say your goodbyes to the season with some beloved folk, blues and rock acts.
Notable acts: Eddie 9V, Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, Portugal. the Man, the Head and the Heart, the Revivalists.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Lawnya Vawnya
Where: St. John's.
When: June 4 to 7.
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: Absolute Losers, Beverly and Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland, Cartel Madras, Fraud Perry, Penny & the Pits, Tanya Tagaq.
Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival
Where: St. John's.
When: July 11 to 13.
What to expect: Over three nights, folk greats meet new-age voices for an intimate festival at Bannerman Park.
Notable acts: Matt Andersen, the Irish Descendants, the Once, Serena Ryder, Tanika Charles.
Northwest Territories
Great Northern Arts Festival
Where: Inuvik.
When: July 9 to 14.
What to expect: Over the years, performers including Tanya Tagaq and Leela Gilday got their start at the Great Northern Arts Festival, and the organizers continue to highlight Inuit and First Nations artists from the North. This year's theme, Tales of the Taiga, is an ode to the boreal forests of the region.
Notable acts: Lineup will be announced later in May.
Folk on the Rocks
Where: Yellowknife.
When: July 19 to 21.
What to expect: Folk on the Rocks consists of six stages jam packed with artists from Northwest Territories, Nunavut and across Canada. From rolling country to fiery rock, there's a nice mix of genres represented.
Notable acts: Arielle Soucy, Hendrika, Jeremie Albino, Moonbean, Peter Dreams, Yellowknives Dene Drummers.
Nova Scotia
Halifax Music Fest
Where: Halifax.
When: June 27 to 29.
What to expect: In the heart of the city, on Citadel Hill's Garrison Grounds, this festival promises three days and nights of international and local delights. The rock-heavy lineup includes a sprinkling of pop and country.
Notable acts: Alvvays, Big Wreck, Lights, Nickelback, Said the Whale, Tenille Townes, the Killers and more to be announced.
Halifax Jazz Festival
Where: Halifax.
When: July 15 to 20.
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: Big Boy, Christine Jenkins, Endea Owens, Iron & Wine, St. Vincent, Sarah Harmer, the Decemberists.
The Jubilee
Where: New Glasgow.
When: Aug. 1 to 3.
What to expect: Catch Canadian rock stalwarts and emerging acts at the outdoor amphitheatre on the New Glasgow waterfront.
Notable acts: Arkells, Fefe Dobson, JJ Wilde, Loviet, Wintersleep.
Nunavut
Alianait Arts Festival
Where: Iqaluit.
When: June 19 to 22.
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 up musicians, dancers, storytellers, filmmakers and visual artists from around the world.
Notable acts: Sauwestari, with more to be announced.
Ontario
Spring Reverb
Where: Kingston.
When: May 29 to June 1.
What to expect: Hop around downtown Kingston and check out local acts and up-and-comers from across the nation playing at neighbourhood venues during Spring Reverb. For those with early bedtimes, there are a number of daytime shows.
Notable acts: Ash Molloy, Menno Versteeg, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Terra Lightfoot.
International Indigenous Music Summit
Where: Toronto.
When: June 2 to 6.
What to expect: This festival not only celebrates Indigenous music from all over the world, but it also provides opportunities for musicians to grow their networks and exchange knowledge. Check out live performances at seven venues across Toronto.
Notable acts: Anachnid, Asko, Jade Turner, Lady Shaka, Mattmac, Northern Cree, Tanya Tagaq, Wolf Castle.
Luminato Festival
Where: Toronto.
When: June 4 to 22.
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: Divine Brown, DJ Kimiwan, Faris Shafi, Larnell Lewis, Kirk Diamond, Tala Qureshi, Tica, Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Springtide Music Festival
Where: Uxbridge.
When: June 12 to 14.
What to expect: Eight 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 Music Declares Emergency to run initiatives throughout the weekend dedicated to addressing climate concern.
Notable acts: Braden Lam, Casper Skulls, Reuben and the Dark, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Status/Non-Status, the East Pointers, Wyatt C. Louis.
Sound of Music Festival
Where: Burlington.
When: June 12 to 15.
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: Big Wreck, Born Ruffians, David Wilcox, Georgia Harmer, Harm & Ease, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Julian Taylor.
Niagara Jazz Festival
Where: St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.
When: June 20 to 29.
What to expect: This festival mixes music with good eats and great wine, something the Niagara region is known for. Check out live jazz at venues throughout the area including Henry of Pelham Winery.
Notable acts: Heavyweights Brass Band, Joel Parisien, Quincy Bullen Band, the Sonny Balcones.
All Your Friends Fest
Where: Oro-Medonte.
When: June 28 to 29.
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: Avril Lavigne, Boys Like Girls, IllScarlett, Rise Against, Simple Plan, the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, the Veronicas.
Ottawa Bluesfest
Where: Ottawa.
When: July 10 to 20.
What to expect: Ottawa Bluesfest attendees are always spoiled for choice, and this year there's something to appeal to any music listener, from twangy country to brash hardcore to jazzy electronic.
Notable acts: Alicia Moffet, Badbadnotgood, Big Freedia, Charlotte Day Wilson, Father John Misty, Green Day, Hozier, Kaytranada, Lainey Wilson, Lou Phelps, Men I Trust, Peach Pit, Sean Paul, Turnstile, Wild Rivers.
Mariposa Folk Festival
Where: Orillia.
When: July 4 to 6.
What to expect: Camp out and enjoy a weekend by water at one of the most established folk festivals in the country.
Notable acts: Born Ruffians, Elisapie, Goldie Boutilier, Iron & Wine, Julian Taylor, Martha Wainwright, Serena Ryder, the Sheepdogs, Waxahatchee.
Sojourn Festival
Where: Toronto.
When: July 25 to 27.
What to expect: Sojourn is a two-year-old electronic music festival started by three Toronto collectives, bringing in international producers and DJs while championing local talent.
Notable acts: Bambii, Bianca Oblivion, Chippy Nonstop, Conducta, Karim Olen Ash, Nino Brown, Vadim Khan, Young Teesh.
Riverfest Elora
Where: Elora.
When: Aug. 15 to 17.
What to expect: Although it's expanded in size over the past 16 years, Riverfest still feels like the backyard gathering started by its late founder, Marilyn Koop.
Notable acts: City and Colour, Dear Rouge, Fitz and the Tantrums, Grae, Michie Mee, Rich Aucoin, Tune-Yards, Yukon Blonde.
Wake the Giant Music Festival
Where: Thunder Bay.
When: Sept. 6.
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 youth.
Notable acts: Black Eyed Peas, Crystal Shawanda, Neon Dreams, Prozzak, Walking Bear Drum Group, Wyatt C. Louis.
Prince Edward Island
Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Where: Cavendish.
When: July 10 to 12.
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: Adrien Nunez, Amanda Rheaume, Josh Ross, Lainey Wilson, Sacha, Shania Twain, Tyler Hubbard.
Sommo Festival
Where: Cavendish.
When: Sept. 13 and 14.
What to expect: Sommo is put on by the same organization that runs the Cavendish Festival, but with a more multi-genre focus. Attendees can expect a spirited goodbye to summer at Cavendish Beach.
Notable acts: Alanis Morissette, Alex Warren, Alice Merton, Ducks Ltd., Hozier, Pvris.
Saskatchewan
Long Day's Night Music Festival
Where: Swift Current.
When: June 19 to 21.
What to expect: This festival occurs around the summer solstice during some of the longest days of the year, which can feel especially magical when paired with great tunes.
Notable acts: The Denim Daddies with Wolf Willow, the Paper Boys, Young Friend.
Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
Where: Saskatoon.
When: July 3 to 12.
What to expect: Jazz greats, singer-songwriters and roots legends from around the world will come together in Saskatoon for four evenings of inspired performances.
Notable acts: Allison Russell, Chantal Kreviazuk, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Jill Barber, Katie Tupper, Lake Street Drive, William Prince.
Quebec
Mural Festival
Where: Montreal.
When: June 5 to 15.
What to expect: Montreal gets colourful as murals and art exhibitions pop up throughout the 11 days of this free festival. At night, musical acts keep the energy going with lively performances.
Notable acts: Moonshine, Caribbean Block Party, Fléau Dicaprio, and more to be announced.
Festival de Jazz International de Montréal
Where: Montreal.
When: June 26 to July 5.
What to expect: This festival shuts down part of the downtown core of Montreal for 10 days, as the city is transformed into a playground for music lovers.
Notable acts: Allison Russell, Ayra Starr, Dylan Sinclair, Elisapie, Jean-Michel Blais, Mavis Staples, Men I Trust, Nas, Thundercat, Wynton Marsalis.
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: Alessia Cara, Avril Lavigne, Benson Boone, Hozier, Ice Spice, Katie Tupper, Kygo, Les Hay Babies, Matt Andersen, Remi Wolf, Roch Voisine, Sarahmée, Sean Paul, Shania Twain, Simple Plan, Thundercat.
Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts
Where: Montreal.
When: Aug. 1 to 3.
What to expect: One of Canada's most popular festivals, Osheaga is a giant wonderland for people of all tastes, from big headliners to niche acts.
Notable acts: Aqyila, bbno$, Begonia, Debby Friday, Doechii, Ekkstacy, Jamie xx, Jorja Smith, Lucy Dacus, Olivia Rodrigo, Ruby Waters, Shaboozey, the Beaches, the Killers, Tyler the Creator.
Aqpik Jam Music Festival
Where: Nunavik.
When: Aug. 12 to 15.
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. 19 to 24.
What to expect: Mutek has championed electronic music's underground for the past 26 years. The festival includes live shows, panel discussions and lectures.
Notable acts: Aurora Halal, Gayance, Martyn Bootyspoon, Nicola Cruz, Ouri, Raf Reza, Tush.
Yukon
Dawson City Music Festival
Where: Dawson.
When: July 18 to 20.
What to expect: This is a grassroots festival with a non-fussy vibe that is perfect for discovering new artists.
Notable acts: Devours, Jeremy Dutcher, Julianna Riolino, Mama's Broke, Rich Aucoin, Shad, Shabason & Krgovich.
Paradise Music Festival
Where: Kettley's Canyon (near Whitehorse).
When: Aug. 8 to 10.
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 go to let loose in the boreal forest.
Notable acts: Fort Knox 5, Handsome Tiger, Joanna Magik, Mayvn, Skiitour.
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