25 Biggest Music Festivals In Canada | Amber

Music is a way of expressing feelings for many, and when your favorite band or artist performs. It is a feeling and a memory one can’t forget. Music festivals also attract many crowds. Where people bond and enjoy their favorite songs being played. Artists also have a surreal experience where they connect with people. Canada has produced many international artists, including The Weekend, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Bryan Adams. There are many music festivals in Canada that you can go to with your friends, as they are an immersive experience. So check out these 25 Biggest Music Festivals In Canada and mark your calendars to have an eventful year!

25 Biggest Music Festivals in Canada

From Montreal’s iconic jazz festivals to the folk gatherings in the western provinces, Canada plays host to a wide array of music festivals. These festivals not only celebrate the country’s musical talents but also serve as platforms for cultural exchange and community building. Starting our list of 25 biggest festivals in Canada with the most famous one.

1. Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ)

Where: Quebec City, Quebec
When: 4 Jul – 14 Jul 2024
Known For: A massive celebration of music with artists spanning genres like pop, electronic, hip-hop, and rock.
Ticket Price: $150

The Festival d’été de Québec is one of the biggest music festivals in Canada. It was started in 1968 and takes place in July every year. The music festival is held in Quebec City every year, where many amazing artists have played previously, like Green Day, Skrillex, Bryan Adams, Shawn Mendes, Maroon 5 and many more. The festival has artists from various genres like pop, electronic, hip-hop, rock and many more. 
Festival d’été de Québec Artist Line Up 2024: 

• Nickelback
• 50 Cent 
• Jonas Brothers
• The Offspring
• Alexandra Stréliski 
• Karkwa 
• Alan Walker 
• Zac Brown Band 

2. Osheaga Music & Art Festival 

Where: Island of Saint Helen, Montreal
When: 2 Aug – 4 Aug 2024
Known For: A multi-stage extravaganza featuring top international acts and an eclectic mix of music styles.
Ticket Price: CA$165 and weekend passes start at CA$399. 

There are plenty of things to do in Montreal and the Osheaga Music and Art Festival is a multi-day music festival held in Montreal every summer. The best part of this music festival is that it’s held on the Island of Saint Helen. There are 6 stages in this music festival in Canada, and huge sums of crowds are attracted to its star-studded lineup, which consists of artists like Snoop Dogg, Arctic Monkeys, The Weekend, Future, Rüfüs Du Sol and many more. 
Osheaga Music & Art Festival Artist Lineup 2024: 

• Brittany Howard
• Chappell Roan
• Denzel Curry
• Elderbrook
• Green Day
• Labrinth
• Lola Young
• Martin Garrix

3. Veld Music Festival

Where: Toronto, Ontario
When: 2 Aug – 4 Aug 2024
Known For: Canada’s largest electronic music festival with a mix of EDM and hip-hop genres across three stages.
Ticket Price: $577

VELD Music Festival, also called VELD shortly, is the largest electronic music festival in Canada. It is held annually in Toronto and offers three stages for participants to view and enjoy the music of their favorite artists. The range of musicians includes a number of hip-hop and EDM artists from the likes of Martin Garrix, Hardwell, Zedd, and many more. The festival mostly houses genres like bass house, tech house, hip-hop dubstep, trap and many more. VELD is one of the best music festivals in Canada that you should attend. 
VELD Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Martin Garrix
• Steve Aoki
• Alok
• Alesso
• Kaskade
• Jonas Blue
• Alan Walker

4. Rifflandia Music Festival

Where: Royal Athletic Park, Victoria, British Columbia
When: 13 Sept – 15 Sept 2024
Known For: A four-day festival with performances across multiple venues leading up to a main event.
Ticket Price: $339

Rifflandia Music Festival is a four-day festival held in the Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, British Columbia. It has no fixed date but is usually held between the last week of August and the last week of September. The festival is held at multiple venues leading up to the main event, which usually builds up hype for the main event. Rifflandia has hosted many popular names, such as the X Ambassadors and Youngblood. 
Rifflandia Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024 :

• IRezz la Rule
• Channel Tres
• C&C Music Factory
• Tokyo Police Club
• Slayyyter
• Nostalgix

5. Shambhala Music Festival 

Where: Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia
When: 26 Jul – 29 Jul 2024
Known For: An immersive blend of music and art amidst nature at Canada’s longest-running electronic festival.
Ticket Price: $800

Shambhala Music Festival is one of the music festivals in Canada, which is held in British Columbia. It is held during the last week of July at the Salmo River Ranch. The festival lasts for four days and three nights. The festival was started in 1998 and has become the largest and longest-running electronic music festival in Canada. This music festival in Canada offers its participants an immersive mix of music and art in nature. It was also awarded The Best Music Festival in North America in 2019 by the DJ Mag.
Shambhala Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Excision
• James Blue
• Disclosure
• Subtronics
• Chromeo
• Dillon Francis
• Nia Archives

6. Chasing Summer

Where: Max Bell Centre, Calgary, Alberta
When: 3 Aug – 4 Aug 2024
Known For: A premier outdoor EDM festival with a star-studded lineup.
Ticket Price: $159.95

Chasing Summer is one of the largest outdoor EDM music festivals in Canada. It is held every year in August and offers some of the best artists in the game, from the Chainsmokers to James Hype and Martin Garrix. It is held in the Max Bell Centre in Calgary, Alberta. It is being held on the third and the fourth of August of 2024, and has already started selling tickets to this amazing music festival in Canada.
Chasing Summer Artist Lineup 2024: 

• Illenium
• Deadmau5
• DJ Snake
• ISOXO
• Tchami x Malaa
• Two Friends

7. Sound Of Music Festival 

Where: Burlington’s waterfront and downtown core, Ontario
When: 13 Jun – 16 Jun 2024
Known For: Canada’s largest free music festival with genres ranging from folk to pop rock.
Ticket Price: $275

The Sound of Music Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Canada for folk music. It is held in mid-June and usually falls on the Father’s Day Weekend. The best thing about this festival in Canada is that one does not require a ticket to attend this festival. It is spread widely through Burlington’s waterfront to the downtown core. There are multiple stages for attendees to view, which include many big names such as Carly Rae Jepsen, David Wilcox, Marianas Trench and many more.
Sound Of Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024: 

• Fin Wall/The Commune
• Brother Elsey
• Cal U2: The Joshua Tree
• Trooper
• Leash
• Born In The Eighties
• The Northern Pikes
• Strange Advance

8. North By Northeast (NXNE) Festival 

Where: Toronto, Ontario
When: 12 Jun – 16 Jun 2024
Known For: A celebration of emerging talent with music, comedy, and gaming events.
Ticket Price: $29

North By Northeast is known for being one of the most anticipated music festivals in Canada. It is held in June in Toronto and focuses on promoting emerging talent. This music festival in Canada has many other things than music, like a flea market, comedy fests, and an eSports gaming tournament. After North By Northeast started promoting upcoming artists, many new talents emerged, such as Lizzo, Daniel Caesar, Lumineers, and many more. The festival has also featured artists like Billy Talent, Post Malone, Vince Staples, and many more.
North By Northeast (NXNE) Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• 4sante (Toronto, ON, Canada)
• Aaron Ball Band (Pocatello, ID, USA)
• Abroad (Sydney, NSW, Australia)
• AIKO TOMI (Toronto, ON, Canada)
• Anaïs & The Hoops (Brooklyn, NY, USA)
• Andy Colonico (Welland, ON, Canada)
• Blue Monday (Toronto, ON, Canada)
• Chris Pierce (Savannah, GA, USA)

9. Contact Winter Music Festival 

Where: Vancouver, British Columbia
When: 27 Dec – 28 Dec 2024
Known For: A vibrant EDM festival at the end of the year, featuring some of the best DJs.
Ticket Price: $150

The Contact Winter Music Festival is a music festival held in Vancouver at the end of December every year. It is one of the most interesting things to do in Vancouver, among other things. This festival in Canada has been running since 2012 and has many celebrities attending it. Many popular artists play at this music festival in Canada, such as James Hype, Loud Luxury, The Chainsmokers, and many more. 
Contact Winter Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024: To be announced, refer to this website

10. Winnipeg Folk Festival 

Where: Birds Hill Provincial Park, Winnipeg, Manitoba
When: 11 Jul – 14 Jul 2024
Known For: A celebration of folk music with genres like blues, Celtic, indie folk, and more in a scenic park setting.
Ticket Price: $90-$100

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is one of the most popular folk music festivals in Canada. It is held every summer in Birds Hill Provincial Park near Winnipeg. It was started in 1974 and has been growing ever since. Many genres of music play here, including Blues, Folk Rock, Celtic, Indie Folk, and more. Many artists play at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, including John Hiatt, Odetta, Passenger, and more, making it one of the most exciting music festivals in Canada. 
Winnipeg Folk Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Mt. Joy
• Noah Cyrus
• The War And Treaty
• Orville Peck
• Band of Horses
• Lucinda Williams
• Tom Paxton and the Don Juans
• Bonny Light Horseman
• Cowboy Junkies
• Joy Oladokun

11. Montreal International Jazz Festival

Where: Montreal, Quebec
When: 27 Jun – 6 Jul 2024
Known For: A world-renowned jazz festival featuring diverse genres from traditional to fusion jazz.
Ticket Price: $50-$200

The Montreal International Jazz Festival is one of the most popular music festivals in Canada and a renowned event in the world of jazz. Held annually in the vibrant city of Montreal, this Canadian music festival has been a staple for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike since its inception in 1980. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, making it one of the biggest and most celebrated jazz festivals in the country. Throughout its 10-day run, the Montreal International Jazz Festival showcases a diverse range of jazz genres, from traditional and contemporary to fusion and experimental. 
Montreal International Jazz Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Herbie Hancock
• Esperanza Spalding
• Robert Glasper
• Cécile McLorin Salvant
• Makaya McCraven
• Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
• Melissa Aldana
• Avishai Cohen Trio
• Ravi Coltrane

12. Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Where: Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver, British Columbia
When: 13 Jul – 16 Jul 2024
Known For: A vibrant hub for folk, roots, and world music amidst a beautiful beachside setting.
Ticket Price: $100-$250

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a renowned folk festival in Canada, celebrated for its diverse lineup and commitment to showcasing the best in folk, roots, and world music. Held annually in the picturesque Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, this music festival in Canada has been a beloved tradition since its inception in 1978. Over four days, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival transforms the park into a vibrant hub of music, cultural exchange, and community spirit. 
Vancouver Folk Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Rhiannon Giddens
• Punch Brothers
• Bokante
• Anda Union
• The East Pointers
• Allison Russell
• Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
• Leyla McCalla
• The Slocan Ramblers

13. Ottawa Bluesfest

Where: Ottawa, Ontario
When: 4 Jul – 14 Jul 2024
Known For: A multigenre extravaganza with blues, rock, hip-hop, and pop at its core.
Ticket Price: $250

Dubbed the “Canadian Coachella,” the Ottawa Bluesfest is one of the most highly anticipated music festivals in Canada. This multigenre extravaganza takes place annually in the heart of Ottawa, transforming the city into a vibrant epicenter of music and entertainment. Spanning over 10 days, the Ottawa Bluesfest showcases an eclectic mix of genres, from blues and rock to hip-hop, pop, and everything in between, which makes it one of the best music festivals in Canada. 
Ottawa Bluesfest Artist Lineup 2024:

• Imagine Dragons
• Shawn Mendes
• The Black Keys
• Alanis Morissette
• Khalid
• Lil Baby
• Jack Johnson
• Nickelback
• Tash Sultana

14. Calgary Folk Music Festival

Where: Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Alberta
When: 25 Jul – 28 Jul 2024
Known For: A blend of indie, folk, and world music in a relaxed riverside venue.
Ticket Price: $180-$250

The Calgary Folk Music Festival, held at Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, Alberta, is a haven for folk music lovers. Since its inception in 1980, this festival has drawn attendees with its blend of indie, folk, and world music. With multiple stages, a laid-back vibe, and a picturesque riverside venue, it’s a must-visit for festival-goers.
Calgary Folk Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
• Feist
• Lido Pimienta
• The Barr Brothers
• Aysanabee
• Valerie June

15. Cavendish Beach Music Festival

Where: Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
When: 4 Jul – 7 Jul 2024
Known For: A premier country music event set against a stunning beachside backdrop.
Ticket Price: $99

Held in Prince Edward Island, the Cavendish Beach Music Festival is a premier country music event. Over four days, attendees can enjoy the biggest names in country music while basking in the stunning beachside setting.
Cavendish Beach Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Luke Bryan
• Morgan Wallen
• Carrie Underwood
• Brett Kissel
• Tenille Townes

16. Boots and Hearts Music Festival

Where: Oro-Medonte, Ontario
When: 8 Aug – 11 Aug 2024
Known For: Canada’s largest country music festival with camping-friendly vibes.
Ticket Price: $250

Boots and Hearts Music Festival, held in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, is Canada’s largest country music festival. Known for its camping-friendly setup and incredible lineup of country music stars, this festival is a dream for country fans.
Boots and Hearts Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Blake Shelton
• Dan + Shay
• Miranda Lambert
• Chris Stapleton
• Tim Hicks

17. Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival

Where: Fredericton, New Brunswick
When: 10 Sep – 15 Sep 2024
Known For: A rich lineup of jazz, blues, and roots music in intimate and outdoor venues.
Ticket Price: $100-$300

Taking place in Fredericton, New Brunswick, the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival is the East Coast’s signature event for blues, jazz, and roots music. With intimate venues and outdoor performances, it’s a cultural feast for attendees.
Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Snarky Puppy
• Buddy Guy
• Norah Jones
• Joss Stone
• Matt Andersen

18. Toronto International BuskerFest

Where: Downtown Toronto, Ontario
When: 29 Aug – 1 Sep 2024
Known For: A lively mix of street performances, art, and music from various genres.
Ticket Price: Donation to Epilepsy 

While primarily a celebration of street performances, Toronto’s BuskerFest includes a stellar lineup of musicians from across genres. Held in downtown Toronto, it’s a mix of art, music, and live performances.
Toronto International BuskerFest Artist Lineup 2024:

• Various Street Performers & Emerging Artists

19. Escapade Music Festival

Where: Ottawa, Ontario
When: 21 Jun – 23 Jun 2024
Known For: A high-energy EDM festival with cutting-edge production and world-class DJs.
Ticket Price: $225

Ottawa’s Escapade Music Festival is a massive event for EDM fans. This high-energy festival is known for its cutting-edge production and massive DJ lineups.
Escapade Music Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Tiësto
• Marshmello
• David Guetta
• REZZ
• Illenium

20. Festival International de Jazz de Rimouski

Where: Rimouski, Quebec
When: 3 Sep – 8 Sep 2024
Known For: Intimate jazz performances in a cozy setting by the Saint Lawrence River.
Ticket Price: $150
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Located in Quebec, this festival brings jazz enthusiasts together to enjoy world-class performances in an intimate setting. It has grown steadily as a must-attend event for jazz lovers.
Festival International de Jazz de Rimouski Artist Lineup 2024:

• Sophie Milman
• Robi Botos
• Jean-Michel Pilc

21. Festival Métis-sur-Mer

Where: Métis-sur-Mer, Quebec
When: 30 Aug – 1 Sep 2024
Known For: A small, eco-conscious festival featuring folk and traditional music by the river.
Ticket Price: $220

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, this small but vibrant festival features folk and traditional music with an eco-conscious twist.
Festival Métis-sur-Mer Artist Lineup 2024:

• The Once
• Madison Violet
• Sarah Harmer

22. CMW (Canadian Music Week)

Where: Toronto, Ontario
When: 6 May – 11 May 2024
Known For: A platform for emerging artists with live performances, conferences, and networking.
Ticket Price: $150-$175

Canadian Music Week in Toronto is a platform for emerging artists. With live performances, conferences, and networking events, it’s a hub for music discovery and industry connections.
CMW Artist Lineup 2024:

• Over 1,000 Emerging Artists Across Genres

23. Interstellar Rodeo

Where: Edmonton, Alberta
When: 19 Jul – 21 Jul 2024
Known For: A boutique festival combining music with gourmet food and wine experiences.
Ticket Price: $130-$150

Held in Edmonton, Alberta, Interstellar Rodeo blends top-notch music with an incredible food and wine experience. This boutique festival is known for its curated vibe and cozy atmosphere.
Interstellar Rodeo Artist Lineup 2024:

• Rufus Wainwright
• Brandi Carlile
• A Tribe Called Red

24. Festival of Small Halls

Where: Rural Ontario (various towns)
When: Oct 2024 (Exact Dates TBD)
Known For: Live music in intimate, charming rural venues for a cozy experience.
Ticket Price: $250

Scattered across Ontario’s rural towns, this unique festival celebrates live music in intimate settings. Each venue offers a cozy, up-close experience with the performers.
Festival of Small Halls Artist Lineup 2024:

• Local Artists and Touring Acts

25. PEI Jazz and Blues Festival

Where: Prince Edward Island
When: 9 Aug – 11 Aug 2024
Known For: A mix of local and international talent celebrating jazz, blues, and island culture.
Ticket Price: $150-$220

This festival showcases local talent and international stars in various venues across Prince Edward Island. It’s a celebration of jazz, blues, and island culture.
PEI Jazz and Blues Festival Artist Lineup 2024:

• Measha Brueggergosman
• Michael Kaeshammer
• Molly Johnson

Precautions to Take During a Festival in Canada

There are many precautions one should take while being at a music festival in Canada, which include staying cool and hydrated. As you are partying and presumably even consuming alcohol, you need to stay hydrated as you are usually under the Canadian summer sun and can also be dehydrated. You can stay cool by wearing a toque (Canadian term for a knit cap), sunscreen, and sunglasses, and you can also cool down with frequent breaks in shaded areas or beer gardens. You should also make sure you get protective earbuds, as the vocals and bass sounds can damage your ears, and if you are someone who is standing right in front of the speakers, it is important to use earplugs. Make sure you are also paired up with a buddy or a member of your crew, and they can look out for you, and you can do the same. You can also set up meeting points at the festival grounds if you get lost in the crowd, so you don’t panic and can easily reunite with your friends or family.

Essential Items to Carry During a Music Festival in Canada

It is important to carry essential things to a music festival in Canada as you may not leave the grounds for long hours, and having essentials helps you in times of need. You may need things like:

• 1. Backpack or a fanny pack
• 2. Portable power bank and a phone charger
• 3. A government-issued ID (driver’s license or Canadian passport)
• 4. Deodorant (a small travel-sized one)
• 5. A basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain medication
• 6. Any allergy medication or prescribed medications you regularly take
• 7. Sunscreen (a high SPF is recommended for the Canadian sun)
• 8. Tampons, sanitary pads, or menstrual cups
• 9. Wet wipes and toilet paper (festival porta-potties can run out of supplies)
• 10. A lighter, and if you smoke, carry your own smoking accessories (or a vape pen if allowed)
• 11. Canadian snacks and candy like Smarties, Coffee Crisp, or maple candies to have if you get dehydrated

These are the top 25 music festivals in Canada where you can have a ton of fun with your friends and create everlasting memories. There are many popular festivals in Canada, so shortlist your favorite or book all, as we only live once. Always remember to party safely and drink responsibly, as this will help you in your own well-being. If you’ve checked off this entire list and want to do more, you can start with these things to do in Canada and start exploring today!