Music festivals evoke a certain feeling that you just can’t get anywhere else. There's a giddy, carefree happiness that only comes from being surrounded by people you don’t know, coming together to enjoy incredible music, delicious food and drink, and exciting events.
Canadian music festivals are known for being some of the best in the world. They attract artists from just about every genre to venues in spectacular locations.
With events held in every territory throughout the summer season, knowing which ones to attend can be tricky. To help, we've rounded up a list of the top music festivals in Canada that you should attend if you want to be guaranteed good times!
The Best Music Festivals in Canada
1. Osheaga Music & Arts Festival - Montreal, Quebec
Get ready to dance your heart out at Osheaga Music and Arts Festival, one of Canada's premier music events. Held in the vibrant city of Montreal, Osheaga boasts an eclectic lineup of headliners spanning multiple genres, from indie rock to hip-hop and electronic.
Past performers have included the likes of Arcade Fire, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd. When you're not grooving to the music, explore the festival's art installations, indulge in delicious food from local vendors, or take a break in the shaded chill-out zones.
If you want to venture beyond the festival grounds, see our guide to the 10 best restaurants in Montreal.
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène
When: August 2 to August 4, 2024
Headliners: Noah Kahan, Green Day and SZA
2. Canadian Music Week - Toronto, Ontario
Get ready to immerse yourself in the diverse sounds of Canadian Music Week, Ontario's multi-day summer music festival and conference.
Held annually in the vibrant city of Toronto, this multi-day event showcases a wide range of musical talent from Canada and around the world across various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic.
From intimate club shows to large-scale concerts, Canadian Music Week offers something for every music lover. Past headliners have included both emerging artists and established stars, making it a must-visit event for music enthusiasts of all tastes.
We’ve created a separate blog dedicated to all things music festivals in Toronto. So if that takes your interest, head over to our blog - The 8 Best Music Festivals in Toronto.
Where: The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto
When: June 1 to June 8, 2024
Headliners: Charlotte Day Wilson, Testpilot and Walk Off The Earth
3. Shambhala Music Festival - Salmo, British Columbia
Prepare to embark on a musical journey like no other at Shambhala Music Festival, nestled in the stunning forests of British Columbia for three nights. This one-of-a-kind festival is renowned for its immersive experience and unparalleled lineup of electronic artists and DJs.
From bass-heavy beats to psychedelic sounds, Shambhala offers a diverse range of musical experiences and international artists that will leave you mesmerized.
When you need a break from the dance floor, explore the festival's art installations, participate in yoga and wellness workshops, or refuel with delicious organic cuisine from local vendors.
Where: Salmo River Ranch, Salmo, BC
When: July 26 to July 29, 2024
Headliners: Disclosure, CloZee, Dillon Francis, Excision, DJ Pee .Wee, Chromeo, Ganja White Night, James Blake, LSDREAM, San Holo, Subtronics
4. Boots and Hearts Music Festival - Oro-Medonte, Ontario
Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a boot-stomping good time at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Canada's largest country music festival.
Held on the rolling hills of Burl's Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, this multi-day music festival features an impressive lineup of country music's biggest stars, along with camping, line dancing, and other Western-themed activities.
When you're not singing along with your favourite artists, explore the festival grounds, indulge in mouthwatering barbecue and Southern comfort food, or kick back and relax in the campground.
Where: Burl's Creek Event Grounds, Oro-Medonte, Ontario
When: 8 August to 11 August, 2024
Headliners: Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett and Cody Johnson
5. Festival d'été de Québec - Quebec City, Quebec
Get ready to party like never before at Festival d'été de Québec, one of Canada's largest outdoor music festivals. Held in the historic city of Quebec City, this 11-day extravaganza features an incredible lineup of international and local artists across various genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic.
Previous headliners have included the likes of Foo Fighters, Kendrick Lamar, and Lorde. When you're not rocking out to the music, explore the charming streets of Old Quebec, indulge in delicious French-Canadian cuisine, or catch a fireworks show over the majestic St. Lawrence River.
Where: Quebec City
When: 4 July to 14 July, 2024
Headliners: Post Malone, Jonas Brothers, 50 Cent, J Balvin, Nickelback and Nas
6. Vancouver Folk Music Festival - Vancouver, British Columbia
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of folk music at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, held annually in the beautiful seaside city of Vancouver. This beloved event showcases a diverse lineup of folk, roots, and world music artists from around the globe, performing on multiple stages against the backdrop of stunning mountain and ocean views.
When you're not tapping your toes to the live music, explore the festival's artisan market, sample delicious food from local vendors, or participate in workshops and activities celebrating folk culture and traditions.
Fancy seeing more of Vancouver? Check out our helpful guide to 15 of the best things to do in Vancouver.
Where: Jericho Beach, Vancouver
When: 19 July to 21 July, 2024
Headliners: Iris DeMent, Barney Bentall, Jeremy Dutcher and Dobet Gnahoré
7. Ottawa Bluesfest - Ottawa, Ontario
Get ready to feel the rhythm and blues at Ottawa Bluesfest, one of Canada's premier music festivals celebrating the best in blues, rock, and roots music.
This multi-day event is held annually in the nation's capital, Ottawa, and features an eclectic lineup of world-class performers across various stages. From blues legends to emerging talent, Ottawa Bluesfest offers something for every music lover.
Beyond the live music, explore the festival's artisan market, indulge in delicious eats from local food vendors, or take a stroll along the scenic Rideau Canal.
Want to retreat to more luxury accommodations after a night of live music? See our guide to the 10 best resorts in Ontario here.
Where: Downtown Ottawa
When: 4 July to 14 July, 2024
Headliners: Nickelback, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Maroon 5, 50 Cent and Mötley Crüe
8. Festival International de Jazz de Montréal - Montreal, Quebec
Get ready to swing to the rhythm of jazz at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the largest jazz festival in the world.
Held in the vibrant city of Montreal, this iconic event features an impressive lineup of jazz legends, contemporary artists, and emerging talents from around the globe. From smooth melodies to fiery improvisations, the festival offers a diverse range of musical experiences that will delight jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.
Make time to explore the festival's outdoor stages, indulge in delicious food from local vendors, or take a stroll through the bustling streets of downtown Montreal.
Where: Quartier des Spectacles, Downtown Montreal
When: 27 June to 6 July, 2024
Headliners: André 3000, Norah Jones, Hiatus Kaiyote, Laufey, Robert Glasper and Orville Peck
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There you have it: whether your dream festival involves dancing in the soft grass to the sound of dreamy folk music or singing along at the top of your lungs with the world's biggest artists, Canada is the place to be.
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