The summer music festival season has kicked off with a bang in Canada! For many, enjoying live music outdoors in the midst of nature is a quintessential Canadian summer experience. With a plethora of festivals taking place across the country over the next few months, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to attend. From country hoedowns like the 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 festival scene this summer, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list below.
**Alberta**
– **Sled Island Music and Arts Festival**
– **Where:** Calgary
– **When:** June 17 to 21
– **Highlights:** Eclectic musical performances, comedy, film, and art installations at various venues
– **Notable Acts:** Backxwash, Cartel Madras, clipping., Cris Derksen Quartet, DijahSB, and more.
– **Badlands Music Festival**
– **Where:** Calgary
– **When:** July 2 to 12
– **Highlights:** Dance music extravaganza with top Canadian and international artists
– **Notable Acts:** Alleycvt, Chris Lake, Crankdat, Disco Lines, and more.
– **Calgary Folk Music Festival**
– **Where:** Calgary
– **When:** July 23 to 26
– **Highlights:** Diverse musical genres from experimental jazz to hip-hop
– **Notable Acts:** Corb Lund, the East Pointers, the Free Label, and many more.
– **Big Valley Jamboree**
– **Where:** Camrose
– **When:** July 30 to Aug. 2
– **Highlights:** Country music stars performing over a long weekend
– **Notable Acts:** Cameron Whitcomb, the Dead South, Keith Urban, and more.
– **Edmonton Folk Fest**
– **Where:** Edmonton
– **When:** August 6 to 9
– **Highlights:** Celebrating folk music diversity with a focus on sustainability
– **Notable Acts:** Cat Power, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Joel Plaskett Emergency, and many more.
**British Columbia**
– **FVDED In the Park**
– **Where:** Surrey
– **When:** July 3 and 4
– **Highlights:** Electronic music festival with booming bass and energetic performances
– **Notable Acts:** Adame Twins, Alleycvt, Baalti, Bambii, and more.
– **Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival**
– **Where:** Merritt
– **When:** July 10 to 13
– **Highlights:** Independent artist-owned festival featuring earth-shaking musical acts
– **Notable Acts:** Addison Groove, Christian Löffler, Daphni, and more.
– **Vancouver Folk Music Festival**
– **Where:** Vancouver
– **When:** July 17 to 19
– **Highlights:** Folk music by international and local artists in a scenic beach setting
– **Notable Acts:** Aysanabee, Billy Bragg, Haley Blais, and more.
– **Shambhala Music Festival**
– **Where:** Salmo River
– **When:** July 24 to 27
– **Highlights:** Countercultural festival with underground electronic music acts
– **Notable Acts:** A-Trak, Chromeo, Conducta, Earthgang, and more.
– **Sunfest Country Music Festival**
– **Where:** Lake Cowichan
– **When:** July 30 to Aug. 2
– **Highlights:** Country-focused festival featuring artists from North America
– **Notable Acts:** Hannah McFarland, James Barker Band, Jon Pardi, and many more.
