Biggest Music Festivals In Ontario: A Comprehensive Guide

Ontario is not just home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and amazing cities in Canada; it is also a hub for some of the biggest music festivals in the country. Whether you are a fan of rock, country, indie or electronic music, there is a festival for everyone. Get ready to mark your calendars for the biggest music festivals in Ontario. In this article, we will give you an inside look at the top music festivals in Ontario, so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!

🎶 The Ultimate Guide to Ontario’s Music Festivals 🎶

With so many festivals to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick just one. However, we’ve got you covered with our list of the biggest and most popular music festivals in Ontario. From Bluesfest to Boots and Hearts, you are sure to have a great time listening to the biggest names in music at these events. Here are the top music festivals in Ontario:

1. Ottawa Bluesfest 🎤

Every year, the city of Ottawa comes alive with the sounds of blues, rock, and country music during the Ottawa Bluesfest. With over 200 acts performing on multiple stages, this festival is perfect for music lovers. You can expect to hear some of the biggest names in music, including Snoop Dogg, Kanye West and Foo Fighters. There is also food, drinks, and carnival rides to enjoy, making it perfect for families too.

2. Boots and Hearts 🎸

Boots and Hearts is Canada’s largest country music festival and takes place annually in late August. Country music fans flock to the Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte to see some of the biggest stars in the industry. Past performers include Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Urban. This festival also includes camping and tailgating, making it a weekend-long event.

3. VELD Music Festival 🎶

For electronic music fans, the VELD Music Festival is a must-see event. This two-day festival takes place in August and features some of the biggest names in electronic music, including Martin Garrix, Deadmau5, and The Chainsmokers. The festival takes place at Downsview Park in Toronto and has multiple stages to keep the party going all weekend long.

4. Canadian Music Week 🎧

Canadian Music Week is a six-day event that takes place in May in Toronto. This festival features a variety of music genres, including rock, pop, and hip hop, making it a great option for anyone who loves music. Over 800 bands perform at more than 40 venues across the city. In addition to the music, there are also industry panels and networking events for music professionals.

5. Festival of Friends 🎵

The Festival of Friends is a free outdoor music festival that takes place in August in Hamilton. This festival has been running for over 40 years and features a variety of genres, including rock, blues, and country. Past performers have included the Barenaked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, and The Tragically Hip.

6. WayHome Music & Arts 🌅

WayHome Music & Arts is a three-day festival that takes place in July in Oro-Medonte, Ontario. The festival features a variety of music genres, including indie, rock, and electronic. In addition to the music, there are also art installations and food vendors. Past performers include Imagine Dragons, Arcade Fire, and Kendrick Lamar.

7. Field Trip Music & Arts Festival 🎨

The Field Trip Music & Arts Festival takes place in June in Toronto. This festival features a variety of music genres, including indie, rock, and electronic. In addition to the music, there are also art installations, food vendors, and a craft beer garden. Past performers include the National, Broken Social Scene, and Metric.

8. Sound of Music Festival 🎸

The Sound of Music Festival takes place in June in Burlington and is one of the largest free music festivals in the country. The festival features a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and country. In addition to the music, there are also food vendors, carnival rides, and a marketplace.

9. Northern Lights Festival Boréal 🌟

The Northern Lights Festival Boréal takes place annually in July in Sudbury. This festival features a variety of genres, including folk, blues, and world music. In addition to the music, there are also art exhibits, craft vendors, and food vendors. Past performers include Buffy Sainte-Marie, The Sheepdogs, and David Wilcox.

10. River & Sky Music/Camping Festival 🏕️

The River & Sky Music/Camping Festival takes place in July in Sturgeon Falls. This festival features a variety of genres, including indie, rock, and folk. In addition to the music, there are also camping, swimming, and hiking opportunities. Past performers include Timber Timbre, The Weather Station, and The Strumbellas.

11. Mariposa Folk Festival 🌺

The Mariposa Folk Festival takes place annually in July in Orillia. This festival features a variety of genres, including folk, blues, and world music. In addition to the music, there are also art exhibits, craft vendors, and food vendors. Past performers include Sarah Harmer, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Joni Mitchell.

12. Hillside Festival 🏞️

The Hillside Festival takes place annually in July in Guelph. This festival features a variety of genres, including indie, folk, and world music. In addition to the music, there are also art exhibits, craft vendors, and food vendors. Past performers include Feist, The Skydiggers, and Ani DiFranco.

13. Electric Island 🌴

The Electric Island music festival takes place in Toronto on the weekends of Victoria Day and Labour Day. This festival features electronic music and takes place on Toronto Island. Past performers include Richie Hawtin, Nina Kraviz, and Sven Vath.

🎶 Frequently Asked Questions 🎶

1. What is the biggest music festival in Ontario?

Boots and Hearts is the biggest country music festival in Ontario, while Ottawa Bluesfest is the biggest overall music festival in the province.

2. What is the most popular music festival in Ontario?

The most popular music festival in Ontario is Ottawa Bluesfest, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

3. How much do music festival tickets cost?

Ticket prices for music festivals in Ontario vary depending on the festival, the number of days, and the type of ticket. Prices can range from $50 for a single day to $500 for a weekend pass with camping.

4. Can I bring my own food and drinks to a music festival?

Most music festivals in Ontario do not allow outside food and drinks. However, many festivals have food vendors and beverage stations where you can purchase refreshments.

5. Are there age restrictions for music festivals in Ontario?

Most music festivals in Ontario are all-ages events, but some festivals may have age restrictions for certain areas or events. Be sure to check the festival’s website for details.

6. Do I need to bring my own camping gear to music festivals?

Most music festivals in Ontario that offer camping have options to rent camping gear or purchase pre-set up camping packages. Be sure to check the festival’s website for information on camping options.

7. Can I leave and re-enter a music festival?

Many music festivals in Ontario allow re-entry, but some may have restrictions or require a new ticket for re-entry. Be sure to check the festival’s website for details.

8. What should I bring to a music festival?

Essential items to bring to a music festival include sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a portable charger. Some festivals may also have restrictions on what you can bring, so be sure to check the festival’s website for details.

9. What is the security like at music festivals?

Music festivals in Ontario typically have a heavy police and security presence to ensure the safety and security of attendees.

10. Can I bring my pets to a music festival?

Most music festivals in Ontario do not allow pets, but some may have designated pet areas or allow service animals with proper documentation. Be sure to check the festival’s website for details.

11. Can I use my phone at a music festival?

Most music festivals in Ontario have charging stations or portable chargers available for purchase. However, cell phone reception can be spotty at festivals with large crowds.

12. Are there accommodations near music festivals?

Many music festivals in Ontario offer on-site camping or have camping options nearby. Some festivals may also offer hotel or Airbnb discounts