There are endless things to explore this summer and for music fans, there’s no shortage of amazing stages to visit. From forests in British Columbia to Toronto’s Downsview Park. Your favorite artists are coming to Canada and here’s where you can see them live in action.
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Field Trip
Where: Toronto
When: June 6 – 7, 2015
fieldtriplife.com
Field Trip kicks off our list. It’s just around the corner and you might be one of those lucky enough to have a ticket. This year’s lineup includes The War On Drugs, local heroes Arkells , R&B duo Rhye, and big names like My Morning Jacket. Things will get crazy at Fort York and Garrison Common.
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NXNE
Where: Toronto, ON
When: June 17 – 21, 2015
nxne.com
Toronto’s NXNE continues its run of excellence with headliners like indie darlings New Pornographers, rising stars Rae Sremmurd, and the hook-driven Ty Dolla $ign. Venues are located all over the downtown core, allowing festival-goers to experience Toronto’s unique and hip neighbourhoods.
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Calgary Stampede
Where: Calgary, AB
When: July 3 – 12, 2015
calgarystampede.com
With a plethora of cool things to check out, The Calgary Stampede is already a Canadian staple.. If you’re a country fan you didn’t start planning around the event’s music, but when you find out Blake Shelton is stopping by, you’ll probably want to book your tickets.
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Ottawa Blues Fest
Where: Ottawa, ON
When: July 8 – 19, 2015
ottawabluesfest.ca
Don’t get it confused; Blues Fest isn’t just about blues. Fans of Kanye West will make the trek to see their Yeezus perform with opening act Chance The Rapper. Other favorites include METZ, Randy Bachman, Blue Rodeo, De La Soul, and master of parody Weird Al. Lebreton Flats will be packed with all sorts of music fans. Go reserve your ticket while you still can.
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Le Festival d’Ete de Quebec
Where: Quebec City, QC
When: July 9 – 19, 2015
infofestival.com
The Foo Fighters, Iggy Azalea, Interpol, Boston and yes, The Rolling Stones. I mean, there are some great bands performing, but The Rolling Stones, you guys? Come on now, that’s not fair for everyone else.
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WayHome
Where: Oro-Medonte, ON
When: July 24 – 26, 2015
wayhome.com
Oro-Medonte is the lucky township to snag the legendary Neil Young for July’s WayHome. The Canadian icon seems out of place when you factor in guests like Hozier, Sam Smith, and rap hybrid Danny Brown. Regardless, the festival is ideal for spending time outside of the concrete confines of nearby cities.
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Osheaga
Where: Montreal, QC
When: July 31, August 1 – 2, 2015
osheaga.com
It’ll be hot in August and not just because of the weather. Osheaga’s lineup this year is stacked as Florence + the Machine, Weezer, Kendrick Lamar, Alt-J, Nas and more are all set to crash the stage. If you can visit Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau this summer, make sure it’s for Osheaga.
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Veld
Where: Toronto, ON
When: August 1 – 2, 2015
veldmusicfestival.com
Veld is one of the country’s premier EDM festivals. This year is no different as Deadmau5, Hardwell, The Chainsmokers and more take over Downsview Park. Pack your tank tops, this one will get sticky.
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Squamish Valley Music Festival
Where: Squamish, BC
When: August 7 – 9, 2015
squamishfestival.com
SVMF’s lineup is pretty damn eclectic. Drake joins a stellar homegrown list including Alvvays, Death From Above 1979, and k-os. If you ever needed more incentive to visit the beautiful Squamish, British Columbia, this is it.
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Shambhala
Where: Salmo, BC
When: August 7 – 10, 2015
shambhalamusicfestival.com
If you’re tired of corporate sponsors plastering their logo everywhere and ruining the immersiveness of your music experience, then you’re in luck. If you like sweating it out in the woods, then you’re even more in luck. Shambhala is a dance party curated by some of today’s best DJs. Look for acts like Skrillex, Zomboy and Koan Sound to turn up the heat.
