6 Must-Visit Music Festivals in Canada
Canada is home to a thriving music festival scene that celebrates a wide range of genres and cultural traditions. From streets of Montreal to plains of Calgary, these events bring together music lovers from all walks of life. Here are six must-visit music festivals in Canada that showcase the country’s diverse musical landscape.
Canada’s Most Popular Music Festivals
Event | Location | Entry Price | Theme |
Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) | Québec City, Québec | Starts at $138 (Presale), $150 (General) | Diverse music genres, historic city setting |
Osheaga | Montreal, Québec | $165 (Single-day), $395 (Three-day pass) | Eclectic music and arts, urban park setting |
Calgary Stampede | Calgary, Alberta | Varies, includes access to grounds | Western heritage, rodeo, and music performances |
RBC Bluesfest | Ottawa, Ontario | Various options, details not specified | Blues and beyond, multiple music genres |
Veld Music Festival | Toronto, Ontario | $165 (Single-day GA), up to $970 (VIP) | Electronic dance music, high-energy |
Montréal International Jazz Fest | Montreal, Québec | Varies, individual concert tickets and discounts | Jazz music, large-scale international festival |
Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ)
The Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is an annual 11-day music event that has been a staple of Québec City’s cultural scene since 1968. FEQ showcases a diverse lineup of artists from various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and world music. The festival’s accessible ticket prices and commitment to highlighting both established and emerging artists contribute to its status as a significant cultural and economic driver for the city.
2024 Lineup Highlights
The 2024 lineup features a diverse array of artists, including Post Malone, Jonas Brothers, Mötley Crüe, Zac Brown Band, and Nickelback. With over 250 performances across multiple stages, there’s something for every musical taste.
Where and When
FEQ takes place in Québec City from July 4-14, 2024. The festival grounds are located in the historic Plains of Abraham park, with additional stages throughout the city.
Tickets
FEQ offers several ticket options, including general admission passes, VIP experiences, and single-day tickets. Prices start at $138 for the exclusive Desjardins presale, with general admission passes available for $150. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official FEQ website at https://www.feq.ca/en.
Osheaga
Osheaga is an annual three-day music and arts festival held at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal. Launched in 2006, Osheaga has rapidly gained popularity among music enthusiasts worldwide. The festival presents a meticulously curated lineup that spans multiple genres, such as indie rock, hip-hop, electronic, and pop. Osheaga’s stages feature a mix of renowned international headliners and promising up-and-coming acts, allowing attendees to explore new music while enjoying their favourite artists. The festival grounds also showcase immersive art installations by local and international artists, creating a visually engaging environment that enhances the overall experience.
2024 Lineup Highlights
The 2024 Osheaga lineup includes headliners Noah Kahan, Green Day, and SZA, along with a diverse mix of indie, hip-hop, and electronic acts.
Where and When
Osheaga takes place at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal from August 2-4, 2024. The festival grounds offer stunning views of the city skyline and feature multiple stages, art installations, and food vendors.
Tickets
Osheaga offers both general admission and VIP passes, with single-day tickets also available. Prices start at $165 for single-day general admission and $395 for three-day passes. Visit the official Osheaga website at https://osheaga.com/en for more information and to purchase tickets.
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is an annual 10-day celebration of western heritage and culture in Calgary, Alberta. Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the festival attracts over one million visitors each year. It offers a diverse range of experiences, including rodeo events, agricultural exhibitions, midway attractions, and live music performances. The Calgary Stampede’s musical lineup features artists from various genres, such as country, rock, pop, and electronic music, showcasing both local and international talent. It is famous for its world-class rodeo competitions, which highlight the skills of top cowboys and cowgirls from across North America. The festival also includes an extensive agricultural exhibition, emphasizing the importance of farming and ranching in the region’s history and culture.
2024 Lineup Highlights
The 2024 Calgary Stampede will feature performances by Nickelback, Miranda Lambert, Mötley Crüe, and the Jonas Brothers, among others. The festival also includes free outdoor concerts and special events throughout the city.
Where and When
The Calgary Stampede takes place at Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta, from July 5-14, 2024.
Tickets
Admission to the Calgary Stampede includes access to the festival grounds, with additional tickets required for the rodeo and evening shows. Ticket packages and discounts are available for families and groups. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Calgary Stampede website at https://www.calgarystampede.com/.
RBC Bluesfest
RBC Bluesfest is an annual 11-day music festival. Established in 1994 as a platform for blues music, the festival has expanded to include various genres, such as rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. RBC Bluesfest features multiple stages, each with its own unique atmosphere and lineup, catering to diverse musical tastes. The festival showcases both established and emerging artists from around the world, creating opportunities for local talent to perform alongside international headliners. RBC Bluesfest also offers a variety of food and drink options, artisan vendors, and interactive exhibits.
2024 Lineup Highlights
The 2024 RBC Bluesfest lineup has not yet been announced, but past performers have included artists such as Foo Fighters, Shawn Mendes, and Snoop Dogg.
Where and When
RBC Bluesfest takes place at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa, typically in early to mid-July. The festival spans 11 days and features multiple stages and performance areas.
Tickets
RBC Bluesfest offers a variety of ticket options, including single-day passes, weekend passes, and VIP experiences. For updates on the 2024 lineup and to purchase tickets, visit the official RBC Bluesfest website at https://ottawabluesfest.ca/.
Veld Music Festival
Veld Music Festival is an annual three-day electronic dance music (EDM) festival in Toronto. Since its debut in 2012, Veld has become a premier destination for EDM enthusiasts in Canada, drawing thousands of attendees each year. The festival features an impressive lineup of international and local DJs and producers, representing the best in house, techno, trance, and other electronic music genres. Veld’s multiple stages offer unique audio-visual experiences, creating an immersive and engaging environment for festival-goers. The festival also provides a variety of food and drink options, interactive art installations, and other entertainment.
2024 Lineup Highlights
The 2024 Veld lineup includes top EDM acts such as Martin Garrix, Marshmello, Eric Prydz, and Seven Lions. The festival also features up-and-coming artists and local talent.
Where and When
Veld takes place at Downsview Park in Toronto from August 2-4, 2024. The festival grounds include multiple stages, art installations, and interactive experiences.
Tickets
Veld offers both general admission and VIP passes, with single-day tickets also available. Prices start at $165 for single-day general admission and range up to $970 for VIP experiences. To purchase tickets and stay up-to-date on the latest festival news, visit the official Veld website at https://veldmusicfestival.com/.
Montréal International Jazz Festival
The Montréal International Jazz Festival is an annual 10-day celebration of jazz music in the heart of downtown Montreal. Established in 1980, the festival has grown to become the world’s largest jazz festival, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. The festival showcases more than 3,000 musicians from over 30 countries, performing across 20 stages and venues. The Montréal International Jazz Festival presents a wide range of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary, as well as related genres like blues, soul, and world music. The festival offers both free outdoor concerts and ticketed indoor performances, making it accessible to a diverse audience. The festival also provides workshops, master classes, and educational events, offering aspiring musicians opportunities to learn from industry experts.
2024 Lineup Highlights
The 2024 lineup includes jazz greats such as Norah Jones, Pink Martini, and Marcus Miller, as well as contemporary artists like Orville Peck and Charlotte Day Wilson.
Where and When
The festival takes place in downtown Montreal from June 27 to July 6, 2024. With over 20 stages and performance venues, the festival transforms the city into a celebration of music and culture.
Tickets
Tickets for individual concerts are available for purchase, with discounts offered for bulk buys. The festival also features hundreds of free outdoor performances accessible to all. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Montréal International Jazz Festival website at https://montrealjazzfest.com/en/.
From the historic streets of Québec City to the vibrant energy of Toronto, Canada’s music festival scene offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of rock, jazz, EDM, or anything in between, these six must-visit festivals showcase the best of Canadian music and culture. So grab your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the unforgettable sights and sounds of Canada’s premier music events.