When it comes to throwing some of the most highly-anticipated music festivals in Canada, BC is definitely up there, with a range of genres and festival sizes to offer. From smaller, local events in Vancouver to bigger names like Shambhala and FVDED at the Park, here are 10 exciting music festivals to look forward to in BC this summer. And they kick off this month!
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Every year, Coastal Jazz kicks off festival season in Vancouver with a slew of local and international talent at venues across the city. The 39th Annual International Jazz Fest will offer a mix of free and ticketed performances, including the return of Downtown Jazz – a free concert series outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on šxwƛənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on June 22nd and 23rd.
Granville Island will act as a hub for this year’s festival, with shows scheduled at Performance Works, Ocean Artworks, and the Revue Stage.
When: June 21st to 30th
Where: Venues around Vancouver
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Westward Music Festival
If you’re looking for a festival with a capped capacity, Westward Music Fest is for you! Playing host to 1,000 attendees, the Mount Pleasant festival will be headlined by rapper Mick Jenkins and indie pop star Cherry Glazerr.
Taking place at the City Centre Artist Lodge, the event will transition to events at the nearby Fox Cabaret, Biltmore Cabaret, and Red Gate Arts Society once nightfall arrives.
When: June 22nd and 23rd
Where: 2111 Main Street
Cost: Pre-sale tickets live
Valhalla Festival
Also taking place at the end of this month/start of summer, VallahaFest has been confirmed to return to a forested location in Terrace for three days of camping, music, and art. So if you’re up for an outdoor adventure in addition to an exciting concert in the woods, this one is for you. Expect Rumpus, Father Funk, Fort Knox 5, and many more.
When: June 28th to 30th
Where: Terrace, BC
Cost: $190 for a three-day pass
FVDED In The Park
Who’s ready for an epic two days of electronic music? Metro Vancouver’s popular summer music festival FVDED in the Park is officially back this year with a star-studded lineup of performing artists, including Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, and Diplo – for starters.
When: July 5th and 6th
Where: 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Cost: $315.87 for GA two-day admission
Midsummer Music Festival
The Midsummer Music Festival is a three-day music and art festival that happens every year on the first weekend of July in Smithers, BC. The line up includes Dan Mangan, Celeigh Cardinal, and Major Funk.
When: July 5th to 7th
Where: Smithers, BC
Cost: $85 for a weekend pass, $40 to $60 per day
Rock the Lake
Rock the Lake’s 2024 festival will be returning to Prospera Place in Kelowna, this time in July. Here you can catch Theory of a Deadman, Our Lady Peace, Tom Cochrane, and more.
When: July 12th to 14th
Where: Prospera Place Festival, Kelowna
Cost: $79+
Shambhala Music Festival
Highly anticipated from coast to coast, Shambhala will return this year with an incredible lineup including Chromeo, Dillon Francis, Disclosure, James Blake, San Holo, and Subtronics – to name a few! While tickets are currently sold out, those hoping to snag a spot can join the official waitlist.
When: July 26th-29th
Where: Salmo River Ranch
Cost: $549+
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
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Returning to Jericho Beach this summer is the 47th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, which will feature performances by The Milk Carton Kids and 47 Soul – among a full lineup of artists.
When: July 19th to 21st
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Cost: $230 for the weekend
TLC, Rezz, and Feist are coming! Victoria’s iconic Rifflandia Festival is one of the longest-running large-scale music fests in western Canada, and it’s back this September at Royal Athletic Park. This year’s artists are pretty epic, and will make you want to plan a road trip.
When: September 13th–15th
Where: 1014 Caledonia Avenue, Victoria
Cost: $125+
Ambleside Music Festival
From Weezer and Third Eye Blind to Said The Whale, Bahamas, Bran Van 3000, Ambleside Music Festival has seen some huge names. There’s no lineup announced for 2024 yet, but we can only imagine it’ll include some incredible artists!
When: 2024
Where: Ambleside Park, West Vancouver
Cost: TBA
Happy summer festival season!
