Summer’s almost here, and that means it’s time to enjoy your favourite brand of outdoor live music. Some of Canada’s most acclaimed music festivals are happening here at home or a short road trip away. Whether it’s rock, blues, traditional or experimental, we’re fortunate to access great performers with a rich diversity of talent.
Open Ears Music and Sound Festival
openears.ca
VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO REGION
MAY 29 TO JUNE 1
This festival strives to create unique concert experiences and disrupt audiences’ conceptions of what “music” is, or what it can be. Open your ears to an eclectic range of festival events from indie classical music to electroacoustic to sound installations.
NXNE
nxne.com
VARIOUS VENUES, TORONTO
JUNE 11 TO 15
North by Northeast (NXNE) is considered Canada’s most important festival of emerging music. This year’s program features over 300 of the world’s best new bands in more than 20 of Toronto’s top live music venues.
Sound of Music Festival
soundofmusicfestival.ca
SPENCER SMITH PARK, BURLINGTON
JUNE 12 TO 15
Canada’s largest free music festival returns with a stellar lineup, including headliners Big Wreck, David Wilcox, and Tebey. Enjoy four days of live performances across multiple stages, the Grande Festival Parade, a midway, craft vendors, food trucks, and more.
Concerts In The Park
burlington.ca/en/news/festivals-and-events
CENTRAL PARK BANDSHELL, BURLINGTON
JUNE 15 TO AUGUST 24, SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 7 TO 8:30 PM
Take in free concerts featuring concert bands, big bands, brass bands, jazz, dixieland, folk and blues.
Bronte Lake Notes
bronte-village.ca
BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK, 2340 ONTARIO STREET, OAKVILLE
THURSDAYS AT 7 PM, STARTING JUNE 19TH
Bronte Lake Notes is returning to the sails stage with contemporary music from hot local bands. These FREE concerts are for everyone to dance and sing along to while enjoying gorgeous views of the Bronte Harbour.
Toronto Jazz Fest
torontojazz.com
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, TORONTO
JUNE 20 TO 29
This showcase of jazz attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days as more than 1,500 musicians entertain all across Toronto.
Lighthouse Blues Festival
lighthousebluesfestival.com
750 QUEEN STREET, KINCARDINE
JULY 11 TO 13
The “Best Little Blues Festival Around” has a lineup of 35+ artists and a Sunday Morning Gospel Revival, all in beautiful lakeside Downtown Kincardine.
Oakville Latino Festival
oakvillelatinofestival.com
BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK, 2340 ONTARIO STREET, OAKVILLE
JULY 27, 10 AM – 10 PM
For the fourth consecutive year, Oakville Latino Festival is back with Latin American foods, artisans and music. Join the fiesta and enjoy live bands, international singers, dance performances, zumba, artisans, exhibitors, and more.
Hillside Festival
hillsidefestival.ca
GUELPH LAKE CONSERVATION AREA, 7743 CONSERVATION ROAD, GUELPH
JULY 18 TO 20
Hillside Festival is a unique eco-friendly festival, featuring great live music, traditional Indigenous drum artists as well as children’s entertainment and environmental learning.
