Best Music Festivals Ontario: A Guide to Enjoyable Summer Music Events

Summer in Ontario is a time for enjoying warm weather, refreshing drinks, and most importantly, music festivals. Whether you are a fan of country, rock, electronic, or any other type of music, there is a festival in Ontario that will cater to your musical preferences. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best music festivals in Ontario. From small, intimate events to large-scale festivals featuring world-renowned musicians, we have covered it all.

1. 🎶 Boots and Hearts Music Festival

Boots and Hearts is the largest country music festival in Canada and has been held annually since 2012. It takes place over four days in August and attracts thousands of fans from around the world. The festival features top country artists such as Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and Keith Urban. With 5 stages, an on-site camping experience, and a variety of food and drink vendors, Boots and Hearts is an unforgettable experience for country music lovers.

2. 🎶 WayHome Music and Arts Festival

WayHome is a relatively new festival in Ontario, having only started in 2015. It is a multi-genre event that takes place over three days in July and features popular artists such as Arcade Fire, The Killers, and Imagine Dragons. In addition to the music, the festival also includes an art village, food trucks, and onsite camping options.

3. 🎶 Canadian Music Week

Since 1981, Canadian Music Week has been a staple in the Ontario music scene. This festival takes place over five days in May and features a variety of genres, including rock, hip hop, and electronic. The festival includes showcases, concerts, and industry panels, making it a must-attend event for music industry professionals and fans.

4. 🎶 Electric Island

Electric Island is an electronic music festival that takes place in Toronto on the Toronto Islands. The festival takes place over four days during the summer months, with each day featuring different electronic acts. With its beautiful waterfront location and top-notch sound system, Electric Island is the perfect place to dance the night away.

5. 🎶 Field Trip Music and Arts Festival

Field Trip is a family-friendly music festival that takes place over two days in Toronto’s Fort York and Garrison Common. The festival features a variety of genres, including indie rock, pop, and electronic, as well as a selection of Canadian food and drink vendors. With activities for kids and adults alike, Field Trip is a great option for families looking to enjoy some live music under the sun.

6. 🎶 River & Sky Music/Camping Festival

River & Sky is a music and camping festival that takes place in July in Northeastern Ontario. It is a small, intimate event that features indie rock, folk, and electronic acts. With a focus on sustainability and community, River & Sky is the perfect festival for those looking for a more relaxed and eco-friendly experience.

7. 🎶 Hillside Festival

Hillside Festival is a three-day event that takes place in July in Guelph, Ontario. It is a non-profit festival that features a variety of genres, including folk, indie, and world music. With an emphasis on environmental sustainability and social justice, Hillside Festival is more than just a music festival; it is a celebration of community and activism.

8. 🎶 OVO Fest

OVO Fest is a hip hop festival that takes place annually in Toronto. The festival is curated by rapper Drake and features some of the biggest names in hip hop. With surprise guest appearances and a high-energy atmosphere, OVO Fest is a must-attend event for hip hop fans in Ontario.

9. 🎶 Sound of Music Festival

Sound of Music Festival is a free event that takes place annually in Burlington, Ontario. The festival features a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and country. With over 100 acts and multiple stages, Sound of Music Festival is a great option for those looking for a fun and affordable music festival experience.

10. 🎶 Northern Lights Festival Boréal

For over 40 years, Northern Lights Festival Boréal has been a staple in Sudbury, Ontario’s music scene. The festival features a variety of genres, including folk, blues, and world music. With a focus on community and environmental sustainability, Northern Lights Festival Boréal is a great option for those looking for a family-friendly music festival experience.

11. 🎶 Festival of Friends

Festival of Friends is a free event that takes place annually in Hamilton, Ontario. The festival features a variety of genres, including rock, blues, and world music. With over 30 acts and multiple stages, Festival of Friends is a great option for those looking for a fun and affordable music festival experience.

12. 🎶 TD Niagara Jazz Festival

TD Niagara Jazz Festival is a four-day event that takes place in July in the Niagara region of Ontario. The festival features jazz artists from around the world and includes a variety of events such as concerts, wine tastings, and jazz brunches. With its beautiful location and world-class jazz performances, TD Niagara Jazz Festival is a must-attend event for jazz fans.

13. 🎶 Festival of Small Halls

Festival of Small Halls is a unique music festival that takes place in small, intimate venues across Ontario. The festival features a variety of genres, including folk, country, and bluegrass. With its focus on community and small-scale performances, Festival of Small Halls is the perfect festival for those looking for a more intimate music experience.

Best Music Festivals Ontario: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I purchase tickets for these festivals?

Tickets can be purchased on the festival’s website or through a trusted ticket vendor.

2. What should I bring to a music festival?

Items to bring include sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and cash.

3. Can I bring my own food and drinks?

It depends on the festival. Check with the festival’s website or social media pages for their specific policies.

4. Are these festivals family-friendly?

Some festivals are more family-friendly than others. Check with the festival’s website for more information.

5. Can I camp at these festivals?

Most festivals offer camping options. Check with the festival’s website for more information.

6. What kind of music can I expect at these festivals?

Each festival features a different variety of genres. Check with the festival’s website for their specific lineup.

7. How early should I arrive to the festival?

Check with the festival’s website for their specific gate opening times and arrive accordingly.

8. What happens if it rains during the festival?

Most festivals have a rain plan in place and will provide updates via their website or social media pages.

9. Can I bring my pets to the festival?

Most festivals do not allow pets. Check with the festival’s website for their specific policies.

10. What happens if I lose my ticket?

Most festivals have a ticket replacement policy in place. Check with the festival’s website for their specific policies.

11. Are there any age restrictions for these festivals?

Each festival has different age restrictions. Check with the festival’s website for their specific policies.

12. What kind of food and drink options will be available?

Each festival has different food and drink vendors. Check with the festival’s website for their specific offerings.

13. What kind of activities are available besides the music?

Each festival has different activities available, including art installations, workshops, and games. Check with the festival’s website for their specific offerings.

Conclusion

With so many music festivals to choose from in Ontario, there is something for everyone. From country to electronic, and from large-scale festivals to small, intimate events, Ontario’s music scene is thriving. So grab your sunscreen, your friends, and your dancing shoes, and enjoy the best that Ontario’s music festivals have to offer.

And always remember to check the festival’s website for updated information on tickets, lineups, and policies.

Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoy your festival experience.