Looking for the best music festivals in Canada in 2024? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together what I think is the ultimate Canadian Music Festival Bucket list! From epic weekend-camping adventures, mega raves, and city-wide events, Canada is home to some truly spectacular festivals throughout the year that’ll keep all music fans entertained!
For international travelers, Canada is a must-visit destination famous for its unbeatable scenery, super friendly locals, delicious food and exciting cities – so planning a trip to Canada to attend one of these music festivals is a fantastic decision! I moved up to Seattle a few years ago, and plan on making tons of trips up to Canada in the coming years to check out a bunch of these special events!
Take a look at what I believe to be are the Top 30 Music Festivals in Canada!!
Also, if you’re planning on hitting up a camping festival this summer, make sure you check out The Ultimate Packing Guide To Camping Music Festivals and make sure you’re well prepared .
The 30 Best Canadian Music Festivals
1) Shambhala Music Festival 2024
Credit: Don Idio Visuals
When: July 26-29, 2024
Where: Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia
https://shambhalamusicfestival.com/
“This is Canada’s premiere Electronic Music Festival! Cutting edge Talent, Lights and Sound come together in Paradise to give life to a non-sponsored family run anomaly. Seeing it for yourself is the only way to understand exactly what is Shambhala.”
This has been at the top of my festival bucket list for years, and I’m thinking that 2024 is finally the year I make it to this infamous Canadian festival. Everyone I know who has been (and attend every year) say it’s truly spectacular, and is definitely one of their favorite times of the year. Complete with incredible camping, unbeatable Shambhala Fam vibes, massive stages, and insanely stacked line-ups – Shambhala is guaranteed to be a highlight of your summer!
Voted Best Festival in North America 2019 by the readers of DJ Mag
Join the Shambhala Music Festival Family Group
Fun Fact: During the festival, Shambhala Music Festival becomes the largest city in the West Kootenay.
2) Veld Music Festival 2024
Veld Music Festival | Credit: @paulignac.io
When: August, 2024
Where: Toronto, Ontario
https://veldmusicfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/VELDMusicFestival/
“The annual Veld Music Festival, presented by INK Entertainment, Canada’s leading lifestyle and entertainment company, will heat up the summer music lineup at Downsview Park in Toronto. Spanning across three days with over 45 internationally acclaimed Dance Music and Hip-Hop acts, this year’s Festival showcases some of the most revered names in the music industry. Prepare for Veld!”
3) Contact Winter Music Festival 2024
When: December, 2024 (TBC)
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia
https://www.facebook.com/contactfestival
Canada’s Largest Indoor Electronic Music Festival
“Contact Winter Music Festival is a dance music festival held each year in the Canadian city of Vancouver. The largest indoor party of its kind in Western Canada, Contact plays host to a number of the scene’s biggest names as the year approaches its final days. From big room house and EDM to trance, trap and rap, the lineup features established international DJs, rising stars and promising local talent, all tasked with filling the vast space of the BC Place stadium with their own take on dance music’s diverse sound.”
4) Osheaga Music & Art Festival 2024
Credit: Osheaga Music Festival
When: August 2-4, 2024
Where: Montreal, Quebec
https://www.facebook.com/OSHEAGA/
“Osheaga is a unique and eclectic music and arts festival staged in the breathtaking landscape of Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau.” Spread out over 3-days with a massive line-up, this is a festival that will please just about everyone! Since 2006, the OSHEAGA Music and Arts festival presented by Bell Alt TV, in collaboration with Coors Light has established itself as the most important festivals in Canada. With its numerous outdoor stages located at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Montreal’s Saint Helen’s Island, OSHEAGA attracts 135 000 music lovers from around the world.
A huge celebration dedicated to music and visual arts, OSHEAGA has given itself the objective of championing the discovery of local and national emerging talent offering them the opportunity to play alongside some of the biggest international artists in the business including: Coldplay, Arcade Fire, Eminem, Mumford and Sons, The Black Keys, Krendrick Lamar, Florence + The Machine, Radiohead, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Muse, Travis Scott, Artic Monkeys The Lumineers, The Chemical Brothers and Childish Gambino. Over the course of several days, over 100 bands will take to the various stages at Parc Jean-Drapeau and across the city in the festive ambiance that only a Montreal summer can provide. OSHEAGA also holds a series of concerts and exhibitions in several locations around the city during the week leading up to the main event.”
5) North by Northeast (NXNE) Festival 2024
When: June 12-16, 2024
Where: Toronto, Ontario
5 days and nights of live music. Over 200 bands and performers. 18 of Toronto’s best clubs. Hundreds of gigs.
“NXNE is Canada’s most important discovery music festival, presenting thousands of essential emerging artists , often just before they break, from across Canada and around the world – since 1995. Over 20 of Toronto’s best live music venues will again come alive with great new music! NXNE makes great music accessible and inclusive to all with its low cost FULL FESTIVAL PASS (all nights, all venues, all bands) – and SINGLE ADMISSION TICKET. Musicians and live music fans are welcome at NX HQ, festival headquarters – a busy artist and festival hub – featuring performance, lounge, panels, parties, band merch and more. Located at It’s OK in the heart of Toronto’s live music district.”
6) Quebec City Summer Festival 2024
Image via FEQ
When: July 4-14, 2024
Where: Toronto, Quebec
https://www.infofestival.com/en/
https://www.facebook.com/FestivaldetedeQuebec
Every year, the Festival d’été de Québec attracts over one million festival-goers to Québec City’s historical district for concerts by international superstars and top new talent. Colourful street performers also bring their special magic to the Festival, not to mention the great program of shows and activities for the whole family.
“300 shows, 10 venues and 11 days of music make the Festival d’été de Québec one of Canada’s biggest music festivals. Past headliners includes artists like, Sting and Peter Gabriel, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brad Paisley, Duran Duran, The Lumineers, Ice Cube, Selena Gomez, Flo Rida, Half Moon Run, Hedley and Rammstein.”
7) Pop Montreal 2024
Credit: Pop Montreal/ Louis Long
When: September 25-29, 2024
Where: Montreal, Quebec
https://www.facebook.com/popmontreal/
“POP Montreal International Music Festival is a non-profit community organization that supports independent art forms, showcasing emerging and celebrated artistic talents worldwide. Now entering its 20th year, POP Montreal’s main event is a five-day long festival of music and art, which takes place in early fall, presenting more than 450 bands.”
9) Chasing Summer 2024
When: August 3-4, 2024
Where: Calgary, Alberta
http://www.chasingsummerfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/chasingsummerfestival
“The largest EDM event in Western Canada returns to Calgary for two epic days! Living in the prairies of Canada is the pursuit of the fleeting. Winter dominates the calendar, while the most desired season of them all – summer – is heartbreakingly short by comparison. It becomes an obsessive pursuit for all, eager to grab what they can before the leaves change to herald the impending harvest and snowy landscape to come. This is the reason why Canadians love summer so desperately. CHASING SUMMER is a celebration of this passion.”
10) Meme Festival 2024
Photo via MEME Facebook
When: June, 2024
Where: Winnipeg, Canada
“The Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition (MEME) is the only annual event in Western Canada that highlights local and international electronic musicians at such a high profile and free public venue (The Cube). MEME is a festival that presents refined cutting edge electronic music performed using the latest in new creative technologies. MEME is a combination of 21st century artistic exploration and a collective celebration of human creativity expressed through a symbiotic relationship with technology. MEME is an experience that delivers a wide array of eclectic sonic soundscapes that are intellectually stimulating and also beckoning to the dancefloor. Some of the musical styles you can expect to hear at MEME include a broad spectrum of house, techno, deep dub, psychedelic, world, nu-jazz, ambient and experimental sounds.”
11) Mutek Montreal Festival 2024
When: August 20-25, 2024
Where: Montreal, Quebec
MUTEK Montréal is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a unique Anniversary Edition from August 20th to 25th, 2024!
“A beacon signaling the beginning of the summer festival, MUTEK returns to the heart of the Quartier des spectacles and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Montreal (MAC) for 5 days and nights of carefully curated performances. Emphasizing live and original expressions of contemporary electronic music and audiovisual arts, the festivities run at a breakneck pace at various indoor and outdoor downtown locations.”
Organizing festivals across Mexico, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Dubai, San Francisco, and Tokyo – it’s safe to say that MUTEK is making a massive global splash in the international festival scene!
12) Escapade Music Festival 2024
Credit: Escapade Music Festival
When: June 21-23, 2024
Where: Ottawa, Canada
“Dedicated to the development of the electronic music scene, the event to be held in the nation’s capital will be presented on 4 distinct stages: the main stage, the bass stage, the trance stage, and the Dreambox stage, which will be devoted to local and emerging artists. The 13th-anniversary line-up will be undoubtedly the most impressive ever to be presented by Escapade. It’ll include a wide range of artists, covering musical genres such as electronic, bass, house, trance and trap and artists including Kill The Noise, Seven Lions, Cosmic Gate, Kaskkade, and many more! We want to continue providing an exceptional experience for festival-goers.”
13) Field Trip Festival
Image via Fieldtrip Facebook
When: July, 2024
Where: Toronto, Ontario
“Since its launch in 2013, we have proudly grown Field Trip Music & Arts Festival into a multi-disciplinary, cross-generational event unlike any other. Thanks to the timeless performances of each artist, our partners, supporters, and most of all, our fans, Field Trip has become the distinctive start of summertime in Downtown Toronto, and our favourite weekend of the year.”
“Field Trip is about so much more than just great, world-class music. Food, art, comedy, family, fashion and a spirit of discovery are among our many inspirations and each year’s Field Trip is dedicated to collaborative explorations of these themes.”
14) Bass Coast Festival 2024
Credit: Bass Coast Festival Canada
When: Merritt, British Columbia
Where: July 12-15, 2024
https://www.facebook.com/BassCoastFestival
Bass Coast Festival is a thoughtfully curated boutique music and art festival.
“Bass Coast Festival is an independent international exhibition of electronic music and art. Founded in 2009 by Andrea Graham and Liz Thomson, the artist owned and operated event is a distinguished platform for Canadian artists and a destination for innovative international talent. The natural beauty of British Columbia is a quintessential element of the Bass Coast experience. Our festival site, located outside the city of Merritt, in the picturesque Nicola Valley, invites attendees to be present with nature. Bass Coast prides itself in being an inclusive gathering that brings together people from diverse backgrounds and inspires them to participate to the fullest.”
““A DIY endeavour founded and run by women with no sponsors or corporate presence whatsoever, it’s a unique fixture in a region already known for its plethora of festivals…” –Resident Advisor
15) Canadian Music Week Festival 2024
Credit: Canadian Music Week Festival
When: June 2-8, 2024
Where: Toronto, Ontario
https://www.facebook.com/canadianmusicweek/
“Canadian Music Week Festival is the premier annual showcasing event in Canada. Over the years, Canadian Music Week has featured some of the top headliners in the business alongside thousands of rising new artists! With seminars, keynotes/celebrity interviews, international match-making, mentoring sessions, networking & Canada’s largest new music festival – 1000+ artists, 40+ countries, 60 venues and 9 days – it is the official meeting ground for those leading and shaping our industries. For artists, it is a chance to learn and network with pros from all sectors of the industry who are at your disposal with the tools and knowledge to build your career in music.”
16) Bomfest 2024
When: June, 2024
Where: Edmonton, Alberta
This epic two-day mega rave brings one of the biggest EDM line-ups over the Canadian summer! With an amazing venue, lovely PLUR vibes, and top notch tunes – this is a must experience electronic music festival in Canada! With past headliners like The Chainsmokers (who always throw it down), Diplo, and Louis the Child – you better not miss this one!
17) IleSoniq Music Festival 2024
Credit: IleSoniq Music Festival
When: August 10-11, 2024
Where: Montreal, Quebec
https://www.facebook.com/ilesoniqfestival
“ÎLESONIQ takes place at Parc Jean-Drapeau, located on the island of Île Saint-Hélène just minutes away from downtown Montreal. Created in 2014, îleSoniq settled into the heart of Montreal, at Parc Jean-Drapeau. For two complete days, the island is transformed into an urban oasis which springs forth and allows the public to live and groove to the rhythms of EDM and urban music’s biggest stars. IleSoniq has welcomed some of the industry’s biggest artists including Skrillex, Iggy Azalea, Adventure Club, Deadmau5, Die Antwoord, Above & Beyond and many more. With its exotic décor, only steps away from downtown Montreal, îleSoniq transports fans into a playful and colorful universe, offering them a unique festival experience.”
18) RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest 2024
Credit: RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest
When: July 4-14, 2024
Where: Lebreton Flats, Ottawa
https://www.facebook.com/ottawabluesfest
Ottawa’s Hottest Summer Music Festival!
“Ottawa Bluesfest has been ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the top-10 most successful outdoor music festivals in the world. People travel from far and wide to attend the ‘fest, and music fans in Ottawa look forward to opening night with mounting anticipation, year after year. This award winning, multi-staged music extravaganza is the biggest outdoor music festival in Canada and is considered one of the most important music events in North America. Thousands of national and international performers are featured annually at LeBreton Flats Park, in downtown Ottawa.”
19) Sound of Music Festival 2024
When: June, 2024
Where: Burlington, Ontario
https://www.facebook.com/soundofmusicfest
“Sound of Music has exploded in size since it’s modest beginnings in 1980 as a marching band parade. Operating as a not-for-profit corporation, the organization stages Canada’s Largest Free Music Festival every year in June. Due to the passion, love and commitment of hundreds of volunteers, a small staff, and a roster of generous sponsors and suppliers music takes over Burlington Downtown and Waterfront. As the region’s largest music event we support an eclectic combination of new and emerging artists, past favourites and some of today’s most popular performers. Music can be heard throughout our downtown for nine days straight. From our ticketed Kick-off Concert, to our Sound of Music Club Series that brings local talent to the spotlight one show at a time, and of course our Grande Festival Parade, an ongoing tradition since 1980, there’s no shortage of entertainment on every corner. The Downtown Streetfest, Children’s Village, carnival, vendors and FREE concerts on Father’s Day Weekend never cease draws crowds of all ages, from near and far.”
20) Forge Fest
When: July, 2024
Where: Tillsonburg, Ontario
“In 1825 George Tillson erected a forge and sawmill 50km southeast of London, Ontario. Around these two indispensable buildings, a community was established called Dereham Forge, now known as Tillsonburg, Ontario. It’s 195 years later and here we are still shaping our community and doing our best to make a scene.”
Previous lineups including Kevin Seconds (7Seconds), Jonah Matranga (onelinedrawing, Far) Danber NoBacon (Chumbawamba), The Matadors, K-Man and more!
21) Boots and Hearts Music Festival 2024
Credit: Boots and Hearts Music Festival
When: August 8-11, 2024
Where: Barrie, Ontario
https://www.facebook.com/BootsandHearts
Canada’s largest camping country music festival!
“Work Hard, Play Harder! Its the Canadian Way. We love our families, friends, and country. When there’s work to be done, no one does it better. We know when its time to buckle-down, roll up our sleeves, and take care of business. And most importantly, we know when the job is done, its time to celebrate.
The Boots & Hearts Music Festival, Canada’s largest camping and country music festival. Come and camp under the stars at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in stunning Oro-Medonte and listen to your favourite country stars.”
22) Winnipeg Folk Festival 2024
When: July 11-14, 2024
Where: Bird’s Hill Provincial Park, Winnipeg
https://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/
The Winnipeg Folk Festival is a year-round arts organization that presents one of Canada’s premier outdoor music festivals each July.
“It’s the moment you walk down the forested path and see Snowberry Stage. It’s dancing with your toes in the soft grass. It’s kicking back on your tarp with your hat tipped over your eyes, listening to the music while the sun warms your cheeks. It’s running into old friends and making new ones. It’s discussing the music, in-depth and openly. It’s taking the time to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate the things that are truly important in life. The Winnipeg Folk Fest is the culmination of everything great about our local folk community. For four days every July, we gather at Bird’s Hill Park to celebrate and enjoy exceptional music with our friends and family. You’re home at the Winnipeg Folk Fest. We have evolved from a one-weekend event in July to a year-round arts organization with folk music at our heart. We present dozens of concerts and events throughout the year and support our community with education and outreach programs. We are also a not-for-profit charitable organization.”
23) Sled Island Music & Arts Festival 2024
When: June 19-23, 2024
Where: Sled Island, Calgary, Alberta
“Since 2007, Sled Island’s thoughtful, eclectic programming and independent spirit have produced a one-of-a-kind festival experience. Each June, the five-day music and arts festival brings together a community of music, comedy, film and art as well as over 40,000 attendees in 30 venues, earning rave reviews from attendees, artists and media across the globe.”
24) Cavendish Beach Music Festival 2024
When: July 5-7, 2024
Where: Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
https://cavendishbeachmusic.com/
“What was once a cow pasture in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, is now the home of the largest multi-day outdoor music festival in Atlantic Canada – the Cavendish Beach Music Festival. More than 60,000 visitors annually flock to the festival for the biggest names in country music, camping, dining, the warmest waters north of the Carolina’s and to create memories that last a lifetime. Country festivals in Canada are becoming more and more popular- so come on down to the East Coast and join the fun! Two-time winner of the CCMA for Festival / Event of The Year, with past performances by Past performers have included: Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Eric Church, Steve Earle, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Hunter Hayes, Brantley Gilbert, Rascal Flatts, country legends Ricky Skaggs, Billy Ray Cyrus, Alabama and Reba and pop sensation, Shawn Mendes.”
25) Big Valley Jamboree 2024
Credit: Big Valley Jamboree Festival
When: August 1-4, 2024
Where: Camrose, Alberta
https://www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bigvalleyjamboree/
5 Time CCMA Award Winner – Country Music Event of the Year
“Big Valley Jamboree is Canada’s premiere camping music festival, bringing some of the biggest country superstars to Camrose, Alberta every August.”
26) Friendzy Fest 2024
When: August, 2024 (dates TBC)
Where: Rangeton Park, Alberta
https://www.facebook.com/friendzyfestmf/
“Where friends become family.”
“What started as a group of 50 friends that wanted to get away from reality has now turned into a sensation amongst artists and fans all over western Canada. Nestled along the scenic and serene Pembina River, Alberta’s Rangeton Park will host this year’s Friendzy Fest: The Year Of The Mushroom. As a local treasured event just under 1.5 hours from Edmonton, Friendzy Fest will celebrate in proper fashion, hosting a collection of talented artists both in the local and national markets. This year’s second installment will see increased production, including a wide array of performances on its classic 60-foot stage as well as a second beach stage, 70,000+ watts of bass, projection mapping, a visual light show, themed days, food trucks, free on-site water refill stations, and more.”
27) Inter.Sect Art & Music Festival 2024
When: June 27-30, 2024
Where: High Prairie, Alberta
https://www.facebook.com/Inter.SectAMF
“Explore the fantasy world of the ill-fated starship: “Inter.Sect” -who’s wreckage on a new and uninhabited planet fleshes out an exciting new experience to be enjoyed every year.
“Created by Dropaganda Productions, the vision has been to create a safe & inclusive music festival experience that does not exclude based on age, musical taste, or artistic medium. This means that we curate music from genres such as electronic dance music and hip hop, all the way to rock and country music, and many varying sounds in between. By building our event on the Elks Rodeo Grounds, we have access a lot of unique benefits that we cherish. City water and electricity, ease of access to emergency services and personnel, as well as permanent professional infrastructure such as: an auditorium, industrial kitchen, corrals, common areas, workstations and, most importantly, the on-going support of The Elks Association & the local community. This festival was created by veterans of the live music and festival community who felt many festivals are lacking the appropriate core principles and priorities necessary to deliver a fun and safe experience.”
28) Country Thunder Alberta 2024
When: July 12-14, 2024 (Craven) & August 16-18, 2024 (Calgary)
Where: Calgary, Alberta & Craven, Saskatchewan (two events)
https://www.countrythunder.com/ab
https://www.facebook.com/countrythunder
For over 23 years, Country Thunder Music Festivals has brought fans the best artists Country Music has to offer!
Country Thunder is a leader in country music festivals in both the USA and Canada, and for country music fans in the Great White North, this epic festival is a summer must! The 2024 instalment is coming to both Alberta and Saskatchewan, and both events are guaranteed to be a ton of fun!
29) Igloofest Festival 2024
When: January 18-February 10, 2024
Where: Montreal, Quebec
The coldest music festival in the world!
“Igloofest is an annual outdoor music festival which takes place at the Old Port of Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Co-produced by Piknic Electronik and the Quays of the Old Port, it began in January 2007 and now draws crowds in the tens of thousands every year. ”
30) Le FestiVoix de Trois-Rivières 2024
When: June 27-July 12, 2024
Where: Trois-Rivières, Quebec
https://festivoix.com/english/
“The FestiVoix is a major music festival in the Mauricie region held from June 27 to July 7, 2024, that kicks off the summer!”
Am I missing any epic music festivals in Canada?
There really are an incredible amount of festivals up in Canada, so i’m sure I missed some good ones! If you think I need to add any specific Canadian music festivals or city-wide event, please do let me know! I’d love to keep this list as up-to-date as possible :-) .
Looking for more music festivals around the world?
My travel blog is filled with articles jus like this discussing the best international events, global parties, and epic music festivals. Check out a few of my favorite posts below, and feel free to reach out with any suggestions/ questions!
- Top 20 Vancouver Music Festivals For Your Bucket List
- The 50 Best Music Festivals in the U.S.A | US Festival Bucket List
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I’m always on the hunt for my next favorite music festival. If you’re new to this site, check out my Facebook & Instagram to follow along on my international adventures.
Ottawa Bluesfest, the biggest festival of the Canadian lot. Everyone’s invited!!
https://soundofmusic.ca/ … Not what it used to be, but still a fun fathers day weekend … Burlington Sound of Music.
Three major Folk Festivals: Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg. Also Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta.
Come to Alberta in the summer, we have lots of music festivals as well as The Edmonton Fringe Festival, the largest Fringe Festival outside of Edinburgh!
IleSoniq in Montreal is a big one you missed for sure!
You forgot Bomfest: Edmonton Alberta June 19,20
Ever after in kitchener
Heavy MTL Montebello Rock are great ones!
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I would suggest adding festivals from Newfoundland and Labrador. While a little further to go, well worth the trip!
Canada Day on George Street
Halloween Mardi Gras on George St.
George Street Fest-August
Iceberg Alley Festival- June
Salmon Fest- July
NL Folk Fest- July
The Gathering in Burlington, NL
Plus every town has their own local summer festivals or winter carnivals
You need to add the Kitchener Blues Festival August 4-7 – its one of Canada’s largest Blues festivals. See http://www.kitchenerbluesfestival.com for details
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I’m so excited for the music festivals in Canada in 2023! I can’t wait to see which ones are included!
I’m sorry folks, but the biggest music festival in Canada is the Quebec summer festival. In fact, after coachella, it’s the second music festival in America.