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2024 Canadian Music Festivals and Conferences

Artists and DJs are often contacting us for information about Canadian music festivals and conferences.

If you’ve decided you’re going to make a career out of music, music conferences are a great way to network and learn. Knowledge-sharing workshops, expert info panels and the opportunity to showcase your work make annual conferences like Canadian Music Week invaluable for people looking to grow in the scene. Plus, any opportunity to network with peers is an opportunity to spread your brand further and to find new people to build with.


Bass Coast Festival 2024

Where: Merritt, BC | When: July 12-15, 2024

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. Their 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.

“Bass Coast is as much about the people as it is about the music. It’s a place where like minded folks can express themselves side by side.”

Groundwerk Vancouver

BassCoast.ca | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Bass Coast Festival (Photo: BassCoast.ca)

Boots and Hearts Music Festival 2024

Where: Burl’s Creek, ON | When: August 8-11, 2024

From the creators of WayHome, and the Country Festival of the Year at this year’s Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, comes the annual 4-day Boots and Hearts Music Festival.

Since its inception in 2012, Boots and Hearts has quickly grown to become Canada’s largest country music festival and is considered the second largest music festival in North America behind only the CMA Music Festival. The festival offers an Emerging Artist Showcase, multiple stages, VIP offerings, with as many as 45,000+ festival-goers each day for the 4 days. Their line-ups have included acts like Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Eric Church, Tim McGraw and more.

“From first-timers to regulars, people have travelled to Oro-Medonte from all over for one of the biggest country music festivals in North America.”

Barrie Today

BootsandHearts.com | Instagram | Twitter

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Boots and Hearts Music Festival (Photo: BootsAndHearts.com)

BreakOut West

Where: Saskatoon, SK | When: September 24-29, 2024

BreakOut West is an annual music event that includes an immersive, music development conference, music festival hosted by the Western Canadian Music Alliance (WCMA). The WCMA is an organization created by the Music Industry Associations (MIA’s) of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, The Northwest Territories, and the Yukon Territory to promote and celebrate western Canadian music. Every year the event is held in a different western Canadian city on a rotational basis.

“BreakOut West, which is slated for this fall, won’t only be a music festival, it will act as an incubator for artists wanting to break into the industry, say those behind it.”

Yukon News

BreakOutWest.ca | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Boots and Hearts Music Festival (Photo: BreakOutWest.ca)

Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival

Where: Burnaby, BC | When: TBA

The Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary at their highly anticipated 2019 event. Now in its second decade, the family-friendly event will return to Deer Lake Park for another great musical experience.

“Mellow out in the sunshine with a cold beverage. Dance the evening away to high-energy tunes. Bring the whole family and enjoy all the kid-focused fun. Stock up on all kinds of foodie treats and eat yourself silly while you listen to the music.”

Burnaby Now

BurnabyBluesFestival.com | Twitter | Facebook

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival (Photo: Facebook)

Calgary Folk Music Festival 2024

Where: Calgary, AB | When: February 15-17, 2024

The Calgary Folk Festival is a genre-defying, continent-linking festival where fiercely independent, creative troubadours and master instrumentalists from Mauritania, Korea, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Ethiopia, the United States and Canada celebrate diverse traditions, deep roots and cool grooves.

They’re a non-profit charitable organization that produces music and cultural events all year: a summer festival, Calgary Folk Music Festival since 1980; a winter festival, Block Heater since 2016; educational programming, such as their annual Boot Camp; and concerts at their own venue, Festival Hall in Inglewood, as well as partner venues across Calgary.

“[…] the Calgary Folk Festival is also often a place for artists to come together, meet and collaborate with each other, often leading to big opportunities for them as their careers grow.”

Global News

CalgaryFolkFest.com | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Calgary Folk Music Festival (Photo: Mike Tan/Facebook)

Canadian Music Week 2024 / CMW 2024

Where: Toronto, ON | When: June 1-8, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

Now in its 42st year, the Canadian Music Week (CMW) conference is still the premier annual music business and networking event in Canada. CMW is an annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the country’s music, media and entertainment industries. Combining multifaceted information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; awards shows and the nation’s largest new music festival which spans a week of in-person and virtual performances with hundreds of bands.

“Over 170,000 fans were in attendance at CMW 2018, with over 2,100 delegates taking part in keynotes and panels with 550 conference speakers, over 650 artists showcased in over 50 venues at the Music Festival, and 300 music industry reporters present to spread the word across Canada and the Globe.”

CMW

CMW.net | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Promotional image for Canadian Music Week 2024 with the dates June 1-8, 2024 and location Toronto, ON listed.

CBC Music Festival 2024

Where: Toronto, ON | When: TBD
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

CBC Music festival is the largest all-Canadian music event in the country showcasing diverse acts of many music genres. CBC Music Festival offers a blend of big-name Canadian artists and emerging musicians. In addition to music, there is plenty of entertainment: a CBC Kids’ Zone, Food Truck Fair, meetings with local CBC hosts and more. Past headliners included July Talk, A Tribe Called Red, Charlotte Day Wilson, Serena Ryder, Walk Off The Earth, Whitehorse, Tanya Tagaq, Maestro Fresh Wes and more.

“Our all-Canadian lineup is guaranteed to entertain audiences — in person and via live-stream for those who can’t attend.”

CBC

CBCMusic.ca

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
CBC Music Festival (Photo: CBC)

Cavendish Beach Music Festival 2024

Where: Cavendish, PEI | When: July 5-7, 2024

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!

The next Cavendish Beach Music Festival will take place from July 5 to 7, 2024.

“If you like big names and big crowds, this festival is for you. It generally draws more than 20,000 country music fans a day, though police estimated 27,000 attended last year’s performance by Luke Bryan.”

CBC

CavendishBeachMusic.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

An aerial view of Canadian Music Festival Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Cavendish Beach Music Festival (Photo: CavendishBeachMusic.com)

CityFolk Festival 2024

Where: Ottawa, ON | When: Sept. 11-15, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

Located at Lansdowne Park, CityFolk is a multi-day celebration of music, dance, and community featuring an eclectic mix of musical performances on various stages. The BSOMA KidZone offers special children’s and family performances on Saturday and Sunday.

“A neo-soul star, a country-rock legend, a trio of 1990s alternative powerhouses and the frontman for Led Zeppelin are the headliners for the 2019 edition of CityFolk.”

CBC

CityFolkFestival.com | Twitter | Instagram


Dawson City Music Festival 2024

Where: Dawson City, YT | When: July 19-21, 2024

The Dawson City Music Festival will remain “Canada’s tiny, perfect festival” by consistently and collaboratively delivering high-quality, diverse musical experiences. The Dawson City Music Festival Association celebrates and supports its local environment by presenting world-class grassroots musical programming in Dawson, including but not limited to the annual Dawson City Music Festival.

DCMF.com | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
CityFolk Festival (Photo: Melissa Naef / Facebook)

2024 East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference

Where: Charlottetown, PE | When: May 1-5, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

The East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference (ECMA) is a five-day, non-stop musical celebration showcasing and recognizing the best of East Coast artists and music. This year, ECMA is heading back to Prince Edward Island for their 36th year, bringing hundreds of Atlantic Canadian artists, industry professionals, Canadian and international delegates, and music fans together for an exciting week of events including their flagship award show, festival showcases, conference sessions, a fan fest, and more.

ECMA.com | Facebook

ECMA logo

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2024

Where: Edmonton, AB | When: August 8-11, 2024

Beginning in 1980 with one staff and 300 volunteers, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival has grown and matured to become one of the leading folk festivals in the world. Now boasting a volunteer force of over 2000, the festival in a not-for-profit society dedicated to bringing in the best of folk music from around the world.

EdmontonFolkFest.org | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Edmonton Folk Music Festival (Photo: Eric Kozakiewicz/EFMF)

Festival d’été de Québec 2024 / FEQ 2024

Where: Québec City, QC | When: July 4-14, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

Festival d’été de Québec usually takes place in July in downtown Québec City and has featured artists like the Rolling Stones, the Black Keys, Iron Maiden, Foo Fighters and even the Backstreet Boys.

There’s a good chance you can catch one of your favourite acts over the course of the 11 day event. It normally starts on the first Thursday of July. Every year, the Festival d’été attracts over an average of 325,000 festival goers to Québec City’s historic district for concerts by international superstars and top new talent. 250 shows, 10 venues and 11 days of music make the Festival d’été de Québec one of Canada’s biggest music festivals.

FEQ.ca | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Snapchat

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Jazz Cartier at the Festival d’été de Québec (Photo: Vladymir PH/HipHopCanada)

Folk On The Rocks Music Festival

Where: Long Lake, NT | When: July 19-21, 2024

Folk on the Rocks (FOTR) Annual Music Festival has come a long way since founder Rod Russell and his band of folkie go-getters re-booted a small outdoor gig on the shores of Frame Lake, and transported it over to Long Lake in the summer in 1980. FOTR is one of Canada’s top summertime music and cultural festivals, drawing performers from the NWT, Nunavut and all across Canada for the North’s biggest party under the midnight sun.

More than 24 hours of programming on five stages, including a children’s area and a beer garden, promises fun and enjoyment for all ages. Along with the music, crowds can savour international and traditional cuisine at the food fair, buy Northern creative works, and check out other non-profit groups and activities in the artisan tent.

Come delight in this musical offering and be a part of the magic as performers from all over Canada and the world create and collaborate in the biggest artistic jam in the North.

FolkOnTheRocks.com

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Folk On The Rocks Music Festival (Photo: Angela Gzowski Photography/Facebook)

FVDED In The Park 2024

Where: Surrey, BC | When: Summer 2024

FVDED In The Park is an annual 2-day festival that takes place in July at Holland Park, Surrey, B.C. The all-ages event features world-class artists from a variety of genres, performing across two outdoor stages.

“What has become the largest outdoor music festival in Western Canada, in just a short time, FVDED in the Park returned to Holland Park to celebrate its fifth anniversary.”

DMNW

FVDEDInThePark.com | Twitter | Facebook

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
FVDED In The Park (Photo: Facebook)

Hillside Inside / Hillside Summer Festival

Where: Guelph, ON | When: February 2-4, 2024 (Hillside Inside)

The Hillside Summer Festival and Hillside Inside are three-day, multi-stage events with a broad artistic vision that emphasizes diversity: of culture, of musical heritage and style, of age, geography and influence.

“Aided by the serious skill of DJ Yung Kamaji, Contra and Eboshi were dripping with swag — a perfect hype-up session for the Snotty Nose Rez Kids, whose set directly followed Cartel Madras’s.”

Exclaim!

HillsideFestival.ca | Twitter | Facebook

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Hillside Festival (Photo: Facebook)

House of PainT Festival of Urban Arts and Culture 2024

Where: Ottawa, ON | When: TBD
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

The House of PainT Festival of Arts and Culture celebrates and elevates the culture that connects and nurtures the roots of the community. Each year the festival offers concerts, competitions, workshops and academic talks around the four pillars of hip-hop… DJing, MCing, graffiti art and dance.

“Three days of poets, rappers, MCs, DJs, graffiti and mural artists, street dancers, and more! House of PainT puts the spotlight on the many talented artists that make up the urban arts community.”

Ottawa Tourism

Hip-hop began as an expression of cultural defence and reclamation for marginalized communities. Continuing with this tradition, House of PainT is committed to supporting communities in fostering safe, respectful, anti-oppressive and empowering spaces.

More than 200 graffiti artists, urban dancers, hip-hop artists and DJs of all levels gather underneath Dunbar Bridge to celebrate and elevate hip-hop culture. While thousands flock to House of PainT’s breaking competitions, live concerts, artisan booths and outdoor food from local vendors, the festival is bringing the DMC DJ Competition (Turntablism) back to Ottawa every year.

Website | Twitter

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
House of PainT Festival of Urban Arts and Culture (Photo: HouseofPainT.ca)

Islands Folk Festival 2024

Where: Duncan, BC | When: July 19-21, 2024

“We’ve just completed the Islands Folk Festival, which never fails to please with its easy ambience at wonderful Providence Farm, its galaxy of worldwide performers and its air of a backyard party with your best friends.”

Cowichan Valley Citizen

Music lovers from all over Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are invited to join this celebration of music, featuring all the best elements of a homegrown folk festival.

IslandsFolkFestival.ca | Facebook

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Islands Folk Festival (Photo: Facebook)

Manifesto Festival of Community and Culture 2024

Where: Toronto, ON | When: TBD
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

Founded in 2007, the award-winning Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture is one of Canada’s biggest celebrations of hip-hop culture and beyond – a multi-disciplinary, world-class festival with a positive social and economic impact.

“After throwing a series of town hall meetings attended by artists and community organizers, co-founders Che Kothari and Ryan Paterson established Manifesto in 2007 as Toronto’s largest – and only – hip-hop festival, with an emphasis on showcasing local talent not readily supported by the scene.”

NOW Toronto

But they’re more than just a festival. Manifesto is a non-profit, youth-powered platform designed to put local artists on the map and unite, inspire and empower diverse communities of young people through arts and culture, year-round.

Their programs aim to cultivate multi-disciplinary artistic and professional development for young people and artists across mediums. Building careers, fostering community connections and fuelling civic pride – all while contributing to the vitality of the city they love.

MNFSTO.ca | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

A large crowd at a festival.
Photo: MNFSTO.ca

Mission Folk Music Festival 2024

Where: Mission, BC | When: July 26-28, 2024

The Mission Folk Music Festival was formed in 1988 by founding artistic director Francis Xavier Edwards and some musical friends who wanted more opportunities to play music for an audience. The first festival was a one-day event and featured Shari Ulrich, Cotton Street Band, John McLachlan and others (see Archives for complete list.) Since then, it has grown into one of the finest performing arts festivals in the country, showcasing emerging local and BC musicians and bringing both popular and rarely-heard world artists to the Fraser Valley, sometimes for their only North American performance.

“One of the Fraser Valley’s top cultural events is the Mission Folk Music Festival.”

Vancouver Sun

MissionFolkMusicFestival.ca | Twitter | Facebook

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Mission Folk Music Festival (Photo: Facebook)

Nanaimo Blues Festival 2024

Where: Nanaimo, BC | When: August 8-11, 2024

The Nanaimo Blues Society (the Society) is a BC registered non-profit society that was founded in October 2004 and is led by a committed volunteer board with a passion for Blues music and a desire to add to the culture and vitality of Nanaimo.

The Society’s aims are to: Establish, promote and maintain Summertime Blues! a world-class Blues Festival in downtown Nanaimo, BC drawing from the wealth of fine blues musicians in BC, across the country and around the world; develop and present other musical events that will provide enjoyment for the community, showcase Nanaimo and area musical talent, build understanding of and appreciation for the Blues and stimulate the local economy; develop ways to engage youth in music, and provide youth with opportunities for musical education and development; foster and encourage mentorship among musicians and create opportunities (workshops, jams etc) for education, networking and exchange of knowledge; and build lasting partnerships with Nanaimo area businesses and organizations in support of the Society’s objectives.

NanaimoBlues.ca


Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival 2024

Where: St. John’s, NL | When: July 12-14, 2024

The Annual Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival is an incredible weekend of entertainment for the whole family. Spread out over three exciting days, the Festival is the coming together of community and culture. Our province is renowned for its contributions to the musical fabric of Canada and we do all we can to wave that flag high and proud.

“Some say it wouldn’t be the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival without at least a sprinkling of rain. Friday night, festival-goers danced to music, peeping out from plastic ponchos, tents and umbrellas.”

The Telegram

Presented by The Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society with a host of volunteers, sponsors and partners, the Festival is a summertime tradition that has been shared by thousands.

Come and enjoy a weekend of celebrating Newfoundland & Labrador’s unique culture with great traditional music, interactive workshops, local art work and craft and plenty to eat, drink, see and do. This is a friendly festival that attracts people from all over the world, and it is heralded as one of the province’s premiere cultural events.

NLFolk.com

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival (Photo: Zach Bonnell/NLFolk.com)

NXNE 2024

Where: Toronto, ON | When: June 12-16, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

Toronto has one of the greatest live music scenes in the world and NXNE works with the city’s remarkable music venues to showcase top emerging Canadian and international acts throughout Festival Week. The Festival also features secret shows by top artists. Discovery is at the core of NXNE and artists including: Billy Talent, The Arkells, Daniel Caesar, Feist, the Weeknd, Sam Roberts, Knaan, Lizzo, the Lumineers and thousands more all played intimate, NXNE gigs early in their careers. Using a model developed through our partnership with SXSW, NXNE runs tightly produced shows that run on a strict schedule designed to encourage confidant club hopping, certain artists will appear when advertised.

NXNE.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
KILLY at NXNE (Photo: Facebook)

Ottawa Bluesfest 2024

Where: Ottawa, ON | When: July 4-14, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

Over the years, Bluesfest has grown to become the landmark event of the Ottawa summer and one of the top-ten music festivals in the world, according to Billboard Magazine.

“Starting in a small town in Ontario to becoming an internationally renown Producer/DJ, Murda Beatz was not the one to miss at this year’s Ottawa Bluesfest; with crowds still coming out in droves despite weather postponing some shows.

HipHopCanada

The ongoing love affair between the ‘fest and its fans continues to this day. The mandate of the Ottawa Bluesfest organization is to provide a world-class event that showcases local, regional, national and international musicians.

OttawaBluesfest.ca | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
BLAKDENIM performs at Ottawa Bluesfest 2019 (Photo: Flee Normality/HipHopCanada)

Osheaga Music and Arts Festival 2024

Where: Montréal, QC | When: August 2-4, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

The Osheaga Music and Arts Festival is a multi-day indie music festival in Montreal, Quebec, that is held annually at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène every summer. The festival takes place on six stages with various audience capacities.

“The internationally renowned Montreal festival’s original site has been overhauled, and will host a lineup headed by Childish Gambino, the Lumineers and the Chemical Brothers from Aug. 2 to 4.”

Montreal Gazette

Osheaga takes great pride in presenting various renowned and emerging artists who create a series of installations, enhancing the public experience year after year. The festival promises a ton of fun activities as you walk from stage to stage whether you’re looking for fun games or to kick back and unwind.

Every year Osheaga brings a variety of different food vendors to suit all tastes, located throughout the festival site, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Osheaga.com | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (Photo: Osheaga.com)

POP Montreal 2024

Where: Montreal, QC | When: September 25-29, 2024

POP Montreal International Music Festival is an annual not-for-profit curated cultural event that champions independence in the arts by presenting emerging and celebrated artistic talents from around the world. Launched by friends and colleagues in 2002 from the collective impulse to create a meaningful and vibrant cultural festival, POP Montreal is now entering its 23rd year as a permanent fixture on the Montreal festival map and the international music circuit. Each year, the five-day festival presents more than 400 artists to audiences of over 60,000.

POPMontreal.com

POP Montreal (Photo: PopMontreal.com)

Rifflandia Festival 2024

Where: Vancouver Island, BC | When: TBD

Established in 2008, Rifflandia Festival is one of the longest running large-scale music and arts festivals in Western Canada. The Festival continues to grow and now includes six days over two full weekends in September. A unique combination of an urban decentralised festival at Electric Avenue, with the traditional grassy field festival experience at The Park, Rifflandia welcomes over 40,000 music lovers to Victoria for performances by top international and national acts alongside new and emerging artists. As a beloved staple in the Province’s Capital City, Rifflandia compliments the city’s culture of supporting locals by featuring Victoria based businesses such as food & beverage entrepreneurs and creative artisans.

Rifflandia.com

Rifflandia promo image

River & Sky Festival 2024

Where: Field, ON | When: July 17-21, 2024

Since their inception in 2009, River & Sky has strived to support regional emerging artists from Northeastern Ontario, and to showcase their talents alongside amazing artists from across Canada and beyond.

“River & Sky Music/Camping Festival is a multi-day music festival rooted in the camping culture of Northeastern Ontario.”

Northeastern Ontario

Another amazing festival centered around the camping experience with great music and food. Along with that, they put a large focus on their sustainability program.

RiverAndSky.ca

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
River & Sky Festival (Photo: RiverAndSky.ca)

Riverfest Elora

Where: Bissell Park, Elora, ON, | When: August 16-18, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

Camping, good food and music… what more could you ask for. Riverfest Elora is the town of Elora, Ontario’s annual celebration of community and music.

Over the years, Riverfest Elora has brought an impressive array of musicians to the small town. Past artists include The Flaming Lips, Carly Rae Jepsen, MGMT, July Talk, Gogol Bordello, Chromeo, Metric, Blue Rodeo, Walk Off The Earth, Serena Rider, Sam Roberts Band, Wolf Parade, The Sheepdogs, Monster Truck, Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Bruce Cockburn, Hey Rosetta!, DJ Jazzy Jeff, The New Pornographers, Mother Mother, Shakey Graves, 54 40, Matthew Good, K.Flay, Bahamas, Hollerado, Operators, Sloan, Elliott Brood, Young Galaxy, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Tokyo Police Club, Ashley MacIsaac, Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Yukon Blonde, Born Ruffians, Weaves, Rich Aucoin, Kardinal Offishall, Alan Doyle, Cuff the Duke, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Wintersleep, Shad, The Wooden Sky, Rawlins Cross, Kevin Breit, The Slackers, Prairie Oyster, Dala, Danny Michel, Odd Years, Lowlands, Alanna Gurr and many more.

The festival was founded by Elora artist Marilyn Koop in 2009. Koop passed away in 2012 and the festival continues in her memory. Look for the giant green “M” canvas on the grounds throughout the festival.

RiverfestElora.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Riverfest Elora (Photo: RiverfestElora.com)

The Jubilee: East Coast Music Festival

Where: New Glasgow, NS | When: August 2-4, 2024

The Jubilee has been host to East Coast Music Association, Music Nova Scotia and JUNO Award winners and nominees. The distinctive setting and outdoor amphitheatre provides music lovers one of the most engaging and in your face music experiences of its kind.

“‘This festival is amazing. So much community spirit,’ said veteran Jubilee volunteer, Shaun Bond. Bond has been volunteering with the Riverfront Jubilee for 21 years, and can’t choose which year he’s liked best. ‘It’s really hard to pick one that’s been my favourite.'”

Truro News

It is an event with a flavour all its own, featuring rock and the best East Coast music. The event was built on a proud tradition of opening its stage for the region’s rising stars to perform alongside seasoned national and international acts, and turning music lovers onto the rich talent that flourishes here.

TheJubilee.ca | Facebook

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
The Jubilee (Photo: Facebook)

Shambhala Music Festival 2024

Where: Salmo River Ranch, BC | When: July 26-29, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

The Shambhala Music Festival was born from a vision as grassroots as it gets. On a sunny Labour Day weekend back 1998, some 500 people gathered at the Salmo River Ranch for a party that showcased local art and music. Since those early, heady days, Shambhala grew with enthusiasm by word of mouth, quickly becoming a staple event for the West Coast underground electronic music scene. Today it attracts world renowned DJs and artists and some of the most eclectic, energetic fans in the universe. The festival is built on Shambhalove which shines bright to this day.

“What started as a small gathering of 500 people at Salmo River Ranch has since grown into one of the most renowned electronic festivals on the West Coast, attracting some of the worlds best DJs and electronic artists, as well as over 17,000 attendees each year.”

Daily Hive

By 2010, fueled by what festival goers call “Shambhalove,” 15,000 guests, artists and crew were coming to dance and be free in the wilds of interior British Columbia. Today, people come to enjoy the festival’s focus of providing amazing art, music and organic food supplied through the festival’s own venues; Night Owl (locally roasted coffee from Oso Negro), Farm Fresh (fresh, organic ingredients made into smoothies) and Blaze Burgers (meat produced from happy cows raised on the Salmo River Ranch). For 2017, their 20th anniversary – the journey continues to grow and evolve, with some new stage developments that are sure to blow minds.

ShambhalaMusicFestival.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Shambhala Music Festival (Photo: ShambhalaMusicFestival.com)

Sled Island Music & Arts Festival 2024

Where: Calgary, AB | When: June 19-23, 2024

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 30,000 attendees across multiple venues, earning rave reviews from attendees, artists and media across the globe.

SledIsland.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Sled Island Music & Arts Festival (Photo: SledIsland.com)

Song & Surf Music Festival 2024

Where: Port Renfrew, BC | When: February 16-18, 2024
Press: HipHopCanada Coverage

Song & Surf Music Festival, one of B.C.’s premier winter music festivals, combines Canadian art, music, and culture with community alliance. Hosted throughout the picturesque town of Port Renfrew, the multi-venue festival is nestled between multiple venues, easy walking or biking distance from each other.

“Along with the music, the Song & Surf Music Festival also gives back to the community with donations made to area trail-building ventures, a youth music program and the Ancient Forest Alliance.”

Victoria News

SongAndSurf.com

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Sled Island (Photo: SongAndSurf.com)

Sound of Music Festival 2024

Where: Burlington, ON | When: June 13-16, 2024

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.

“Get ready to jam out to some tunes again soon, because the Sound of Music Festival is returning to Burlington for another year of incredible music.”In Halton

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, the Sound of Music Festival supports an eclectic combination of new and emerging artists, past favourites and some of today’s most popular performers.

SoundOfMusic.ca | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Sound of Music Festival (Photo: Facebook)

TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival 2024

Where: Vancouver, BC | When: TBD

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is an annual summer event in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The festival grew out of a local jazz scene that centred on Vancouver Co-op Radio, a community radio station, in the early 1980s.

“The scope of music offered at the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival is what you would expect at any well-curated, multi-day event of its type.”Vancouver Sun

The the annual TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival is produced and presented by the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, who are also responsible for the Bright Moments series, and year-round concerts, as well as presenting local, national, and international artists five nights a week at Frankie’s Jazz Club.

The Society is also a significant part of Vancouver and BC’s economic engine and tourism industry, attracting over half a million people to the annual jazz festival and generating over $43 million in economic activity.

CoastalJazz.ca | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival (Photo: Facebook)

Veld Music Festival 2024

Where: Toronto, ON | When: August 4-6, 2024

Veld is the definitive Canadian electronic music festival experience. A neon paradise home to green fields, earth-rattling bass and enchanting lights, year-by-year Velders are hypnotized by fireworks, the best music and dancefloor emotions. Veld is ever-evolving and always striving to be the highlight of your summer.

VeldMusicFestival.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Veld Music Festival (Photo: Nicole De Khors/Facebook)

Wavelength 2024

Where: Toronto, ON | When: February 29 – March 2, 2024 (Wavelength Winter Festival 2024)

Wavelength Music is a non-profit arts platform that presents concerts, festivals, and conversations about music and city-building in the Toronto area. Established in 2000 by a collective of indie musicians, Wavelength supports emerging and under-recognized artists across diverse genres, curates immersive event experiences, and leads transformative research and development projects.

WavelengthMusic.ca | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Wavelength Summer Music & Arts Festival (Photo: Facebook)

Winnipeg Folk Festival

Where: Birds Hill Provincial Park, St. Clements, MB | When: July 11-14, 2024

The Winnipeg Folk Fest is the culmination of everything great about the local folk community. For four days every July, the community gathers at Birds Hill Park to celebrate and enjoy exceptional music with friends and family. You’re home at the Winnipeg Folk Fest. The festival has a little something for everyone with a range of roots, indie-rock, electronic, country, Celtic, Americana and genres from around the globe. As is usually the case with the Winnipeg Folk Festival, many of the artists they add to their lineups are playing in Manitoba for the very first time.

“Folk Fest executive director Lynne Skromeda told 680 CJOB that from the heatwave that covered the weekend, to the all-star lineup of performers, to the sold-out campground, this year’s festival was a memorable one.”Global News

WinnipegFolkFestival.ca | Instagram

Conferences and Festivals in Canada
Winnipeg Folk Festival (Photo: Facebook)

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