Although summer is flying by, there’s no need to mourn its end just yet. Festival season is just starting to heat up with many of the summer’s biggest and most anticipated festivals right around the corner. From folk to electronic festivals, here’s a breakdown of some of the most exciting Canadian music festivals that music lovers can look forward to.
July 25-28, 2024
Calgary, AB
Starting as a modest two-day event in 1980, the Calgary Folk Music Festival has transformed into a four-day celebration of folk icons and emerging artists from around the world. Now featuring eight stages and a lineup of over 70 artists, the festival hosts an array of concerts and collaborative sessions that showcase the diverse and evolving world of folk music.
JUNO-affiliated artists: Celeigh Cardinal, Cowboy Junkies, Elliot Brood, Leif Vollebekk, Leith Ross, Luna Li, Mama’s Broke, Nimkii and the Niniis, Wild Rivers
August 2-4, 2024
Montreal, QC
Osheaga, Canada’s largest arts and music festival, returns this year with yet another incredible lineup. Held annually in the stunning Parc Jean-Drapeau’s Espace 67, just steps from downtown Montreal, the festival transforms the city into a mecca for music lovers. Showcasing top local and international talent, the highly-anticiapted festival presents a wide range of genres, featuring some of the biggest names in the music.
JUNO-affiliated artists: Alvvays, Cadence Weapon, CRi, New West, Nonso Amadi, TALK, The Blue Stones, Wild Rivers
August 2-4, 2024
Toronto, ON
VELD is an electronic dance music festival like no other, earning its reputation as the biggest EDM festival in the nation. Taking place in Toronto’s Downsview Park, the festival is aptly described as a “neon paradise home to green fields, earth-rattling bass and enchanting lights.” Aiming to be the highlight of your summer, VELD features an incredible lineup of top-tier DJs and unforgettable performances.
JUNO-affiliated artists: Frank Walker
August 8-11, 2024
Oro-Medonte, ON
Boots and Hearts, Canada’s largest country music festival, is an annual celebration that transforms Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, into a country music lover’s paradise. With festival-goers camping on the grounds, fans of the genre can immerse themselves in a weekend-long celebration filled with top country music artists, fun activities, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
JUNO-affiliated artists: Hunter Brothers, Jess Moskaluke, Nate Haller*
*2023 Allan Slaight JUNO Masterclass participant
August 8-11, 2024
Edmonton, ON
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival at Gallagher Hill has become a beloved summer tradition in the city. Over four days, this family-friendly event showcases an eclectic lineup of bands from around the world. With jam sessions, smaller acts on intimate stages, and epic performances from big-time bands, the Edmonton Folk Festival promises to be a weekend well spent.
JUNO-affiliated artists: Abigail Lapell*, Blue Rodeo, Elisapie, Good Lovelies, Leith Ross, Pharis & Jason Romero, Rose Cousins, Sultans of String, Wild Rivers
*2021 Allan Slaight JUNO Masterclass longlist
August 23-24, 2024
Oro-Medonte, ON
The creators of the Boots and Hearts Music Festival are back with a brand-new event: the pop-punk and alternative rock festival, All Your Friends. This two-day festival, hosted at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, offers a complete festival experience with camping and RV options. Festival attendees can get ready to rock out with over 20 head-banging acts.
JUNO-affiliated artists: Billy Talent, Fefe Dobson, gob, grandson, Lights, Stereos, Silverstein
June 28-30, 2024
Victoria, BC
Hailed as Vancouver Island’s longest-standing and largest premier multi-genre music festival, Rifflandia continues to thrill West Coast music enthusiasts each year. Since its inception in 2008, the festival has played host to thousands of artists across various stages, including global superstars. This year’s lineup maintains that tradition, presenting an exceptional roster of talent of all genres.
JUNO-affiliated artists: Aysanabee, Bensley, Born Ruffians, Broken Social Scene, Crash Test Dummies, Feist, K-OS, Kyle Brownrigg, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, Rascalz, Rezz, Skratch Bastid, The Beaches, Tokyo Police Club
Feature image: Talk @ JUNO Block Party (Day 2) Presented by FACTOR. Halifax, NS. March 22, 2024. PHOTO CREDIT:CARAS/Stephanie Montani