While we all know the big American festivals—Coachella, Bonnaroo, Sasquatch, Austin City Limits—you don’t need to travel south to enjoy the best of music, arts and food. Canada is home to some incredible festivals. Here are a few you might consider planning your vacation around.
Osheaga
Arguably Canada’s version of Coachella (minus the camping), Montreal’s Osheaga—typically an August festival—is known for bringing a strong lineup of musical talent, interactive art installations and delicious food to the city. Headliners typically include powerhouse voices and incredible talent, such as Florence and the Machine, The National, Arctic Monkeys, Tyler the Creator and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Boots and Hearts
If country music is your thing, then you’re probably already a regular at this summer staple. Set on a farm near Barrie, Ontario, this camping festival runs in mid-August, bringing talent like Alan Jackson, Florida Georgia Line and Dallas Smith to the stage.
Sled Island
Since 2007, Sled Island has been bringing the best music, arts, comedy and culture to Calgary every year. Taking place at the end of June, headliners usually include bands like Dirty Projecters, The Flaming Lips, Deerhoof, Cherry Glazerr and Polaris Prize winner Lido Pimienta, to name a few.
Rifflandia
Going strong since 2008, Rifflandia is Victoria BC’s beloved showcase of up and coming music taking place in 20 venues around the city in September. Catch some of the best Canadian musicians currently making music with a lineup that may include artists like Andy Shauf, Daniel Caeser, Jessie Reyez, The Zolas, METZ and many more.
Festival D’ete Quebec
Quebec City’s long running festival has arguably the strongest lineup of well-known international artists, from Lorde to the Foo Fighters, Neil Young to The Weeknd, Phoenix and Beck. Spread over 10 days, it’s not the kind of festival that you can pack into one weekend, but if you’re looking for a less intense festival schedule that allows you a little more freedom and a stellar lineup, this is it.
