While Vancouver’s track record for live music events isn’t perfect, there are a handful of exciting music festivals happening in BC this summer to look forward to. So whether you’re a fan of EDM, hard-hitting rock, or slower jams you can sway to, here are 9 summer music festivals happening near Vancouver to add to your itinerary.
Ambleside Music Festival
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The music fest that made waves last year under a new name is officially back for round two. And the organizers of the Ambleside Music Festival recently dropped an incredible first wave of headliners, including alt-rock legends Weezer and Third Eye Blind! Joining them onstage is Vancouver-born Said The Whale, Bahamas, and alt-rock/hip-hop collective Bran Van 3000. So needless to say, tickets will certainly be going fast.
When: August 19th and 20th
Where: Ambleside Park, West Vancouver
Cost: $215 for a two-day pass
Shambhala Music Festival
We’ll start with one of the most highly-anticipated music festivals of the year (and every year that it runs…): Shambhala in the Kootenays. From world-class headliners like John Summit, Griz, Goldie, and Black Tiger Sex Machine to some of the best up-and-comers in the electronic scene, the 2023 lineup looks like one of the best yet. Pro tip: Festival staff & volunteers get in for free!
When: July 21st to 24th
Where: Salmo, BC
Cost: $525 plus tax per ticket for all three days
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
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It’s hard not to get jazzed up about the return of the Vancouver International Jazz Fest this summer! Especially because it’s coming back in a big way, with a huge lineup spread over an entire week of fun. Now in its 37th year, the Vancouver International Jazz Fest is a great opportunity to enjoy both local and international talent. Venues across the city are joining in, including spots downtown, on Granville Island, and some of the city’s most notable venues.
When: June 23rd to July 2nd
Where: Venues around Vancouver
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Rifflandia Music Festival
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Victoria’s iconic Rifflandia Festival is a massive, four-day music festival held at multi venues at the Royal Athletic Park. Take your pick of the Main and RiffTop Stages, and get ready for this year’s lineup to drop!
When: September 14th to 17th
Where: 1014 Caledonia Avenue, Victoria
Cost: Tickets coming soon
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
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Each year, the folk fest draws more than 40,000 people to the beautiful Jericho Beach for a weekend of dancing, eating and vibing. There are also children’s activities available, which makes the event a huge draw for families as well. Thankfully, after a brief scare, the Vancouver Folk Music Fest is back on and is sure to be one for the books.
When: July 14th to 16th
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Cost: Early Bird tickets TBA
Early Music Vancouver Summer Festival
Previously known as the Vancouver Bach Festival, the 2023 Early Music Vancouver Summer Festival is not only taking on a new name, but introducing a new theme: WOMENinSIGHT – which celebrates women composers, librettists, and performers of the past and present.
Every year, Early Music Vancouver’s concerts bring some of the most renowned artists in the early music genre to the stage, from all around the globe. This year’s focus will shift to female artists who made and continue to make waves in the industry and beyond.
When: July 27th to August 5th
Where: Multiple venues, Vancouver
Cost: $19 to $68 for Early Bird tickets
Rock the Lake
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From August 11th to 13th, Rock The Lake will transform Kelowna into a massive celebration of classic rock, with tunes from Collective Soul, Burton Cummings and his band, and much more.
When: August 11th to 13th
Where: Prospera Place Festival, Kelowna
Cost: $175 for 3-day passes
Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival
Fans of blues likely need no reminding, but the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival always brings the best local talent to the stage every summer. Great music, a couple of brews, and a sunny day on the lake? That’s a no-brainer. And the 2023 festival has officially announced its return on Saturday, August 12th – so mark your calendars, because this year, admission is completely free!
When: Saturday, August 12th
Where: Deer Lake Park
Open-air EDM parties
And last but not least, we come to Sunwave’s exciting lineup of summer concerts. The group is celebrating a decade of dance in Vancouver with several open-air parties – including the following events:
- SUNWAVE at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Museum of Vancouver – Saturday, May 27th
- SUNWAVE // WAVE II AT Shaughnessy Street Park – Saturday, June 10th
- SUNWAVE At Koerner’s Secret Garden UBC Vancouver – Saturday, June 24th
Sunwave hosts electronic, techno, and house nights at locations across the city, including its very own Wave Space, which is now officially open for business.
And that’s the list, Vancouver! While FVDED won’t be happening this year, there are clearly a ton of exciting options for the music festival enthusiast this upcoming season.
