The music festival season has kicked off in Canada! Summer in Canada offers a variety of music festivals, each with its unique charm and lineup, making it a tough choice for music enthusiasts. From the country vibes of Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alta., to the diverse offerings of Festival d’été in Quebec City, there is something for everyone.
For those overwhelmed by the options, here is a breakdown of some of the top festivals happening across the provinces:
**Alberta**
– **Sled Island Music and Arts Festival**
– **Where:** Calgary
– **When:** June 17 to 21
– **Notable Acts:** Backxwash, Cartel Madras, clipping., Homeshake
– **Badlands Music Festival**
– **Where:** Calgary
– **When:** July 2 to 12
– **Notable Acts:** Chris Lake, Dom Dolla, Nia Archives, Notion
– **Calgary Folk Music Festival**
– **Where:** Calgary
– **When:** July 23 to 26
– **Notable Acts:** Corb Lund, Of Monsters and Men, Thundercat
– **Big Valley Jamboree**
– **Where:** Camrose
– **When:** July 30 to Aug. 2
– **Notable Acts:** Keith Urban, Old Dominion, Riley Green
– **Edmonton Folk Fest**
– **Where:** Edmonton
– **When:** August 6 to 9
– **Notable Acts:** Cat Power, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Thee Sacred Souls
**British Columbia**
– **FVDED In the Park**
– **Where:** Surrey
– **When:** July 3 and 4
– **Notable Acts:** Fisher, LSDXOXO, TSHA, VTSS
– **Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival**
– **Where:** Merritt
– **When:** July 10 to 13
– **Notable Acts:** Christian Löffler, Skratch Bastid
– **Vancouver Folk Music Festival**
– **Where:** Vancouver
– **When:** July 17 to 19
– **Notable Acts:** Billy Bragg, Ruby Waters, Valerie June
– **Shambhala Music Festival**
– **Where:** Salmo River
– **When:** July 24 to 27
– **Notable Acts:** A-Trak, Chromeo, Louis the Child
– **Sunfest Country Music Festival**
– **Where:** Lake Cowichan
– **When:** July 30 to Aug. 2
– **Notable Acts:** James Barker Band, Jon Pardi, Teigen Gayse
These festivals offer a mix of genres and showcase both emerging and established artists, promising an unforgettable musical experience for attendees.