From the heart of its big cities like Toronto and Ottawa to its less urbanized areas like Red Rock and St. Joseph Island, one thing Ontario is full of in the late spring, summer and fall is music festivals. Dozens of them.
Here are more than 40 of them for 2024, listed in chronological order, with handy links to their websites, as compiled by Destination Ontario which is the provincial government’s lead tourism marketing organization.
At least one of them — the Escapade Music Festival in Ottawa June 21 to 23 — is already listed as sold out.
MAY
Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival
Where: Orangeville/various venues
When: May 31 to June 2
This lively music festival showcases incredible jazz and blues entertainment, taking over the town of Orangeville for three days this summer.
More info: orangevillebluesandjazz.ca
JUNE
Canadian Music Week
Where: Toronto
When: June 1 to 8
One of Canada’s largest multi-day celebrations of music, media and entertainment with in-person and virtual events at the Westin Harbour Castle.
More info: cmw.net
Springtide Music Festival
Where: Uxbridge
When: June 6 to 8
Enjoy a diverse set of musicians across all genres in a variety of downtown Uxbridge venues during this three-day event.
More info: springtidemusicfestival.com
Luminato
Where: Toronto
When: June 5 to 16
Luminato will present a stellar programming lineup featuring exceptional Canadian and international artists who will illuminate the city with a unique blend of music, dance, theatre, performance art, and more.
More info: luminatofestival.com
NXNE
Where: Toronto
When: June 12 to 16
Discover your new favourite act during NXNE (North by Northeast), Ontario’s answer to SXSW. This music and cultural extravaganza supports emerging musicians and artists, with performances taking place in live music venues and outdoor spaces.
More info: www.nxne.com
Sound of Music Festival
Where: Burlington/Spencer Smith Park
When: June 13 to 16
Enjoy free live music in downtown Burlington at the Spencer Smith Park with food trucks and craft vendors.
More info: soundofmusic.ca
Bluewater BorderFest
Where: Sarnia
When: June 20 to 22
Sarnia-Lambton’s biggest concert of the year boasts three nights of star-studded American and Canadian musical talent.
More info: bluewaterborderfest.ca
Salsa at Blue
Where: Blue Mountain Village/Jozo Weider Boulevard
When: June 21 to 23
This family-friendly street party transforms Blue Mountain Village into a showcase of Latin life with pulsating live music, passionate dancing and vibrant culture.
More info here.
Escapade Music Festival
Where: Ottawa/Lansdowne Park
When: June 21 to 23
Don’t miss the annual electronic dance event with superstar DJs and up-and-coming local talent booming in Canada’s capital.
Now listed as sold out with waiting list. More info: escapademf.com
Ottawa Jazz Festival
Where: Ottawa
When: June 21 to 30
This much-anticipated, annual, multi-stage event brings music lovers together for vibrant jazz and a spectrum of other musical genres.
More info: ottawajazzfestival.com
TD Toronto Jazz Festival
Where: Toronto
When: June 21 to 30
The annual multi-day event is celebrating its 37th anniversary this year with some of the biggest names in Jazz, Blues, R&B and Soul, entertaining music lovers in free and ticketed settings throughout the city.
More info: torontojazz.com
Mist Music Festival
Where: Toronto/Downsview Park
When: June 22 and 23
Experience a range of musical genres from high-energy EDM to soulful RNB. There’s something for everyone at this exciting musical event.
More info: mistmusicfestival.com
JULY
Westben Performing Arts Theatre
Where: Campbellford
When: June 30 and throughout July
The Westben Performing Arts Theatre showcases a mix of musical and stage performances in a magnificent open-air, timber-frame barn with views over the rolling farm hills outside Campbellford.
More info here.
Hagersville Rocks Music Festival
Where: Hagersville/Heaslip Ford Amphitheatre in Grant Kett Memorial Park
When: TBD July
Hagersville Rocks Music Festival is the biggest music event of the year in Haldimand County.
More info: hagersvillerocks.com
Northern Lights Festival Boréal
Where: Sudbury
When: July 4 to 7
The tradition continues and evolves at this signature annual event. Watch amazing acts including emerging talent and highly acclaimed artists.
More info: nlfb.ca
Sunfest
Where: London/Victoria Park
When: July 5 to 8
Food, art, culture and music from around the world makes this event a summer highlight. Line up to be announced May 16.
More info: sunfest.on.ca
RBC Bluesfest
Where: Ottawa/LeBreton Flats Park
When: July 4 to 14
Blues, pop and rock fans converge on LeBreton Flats Park for this annual tradition with big names like Mötley Crüe, Tyler Childers and TALK topping the list of performers on the three outdoor stages.
More info: ottawabluesfest.ca
Collingwood Music Festival
Where: Collingwood/various venues
When: July 5 to 12
Since 2019, the Collingwood Music Festival has grown into a much-anticipated event bringing exceptional performances to the region. Enjoy award-winning artists in classical, world music, jazz and Indigenous genres, as well as a popular youth program.
More info: collingwoodfestival.com
Beaches Jazz Festival
Where: Toronto/The Beaches
When: July 5 to 28
Jazz takes centre stage during this lakeside Beaches community event celebrating its 36th year. Performances are held in several different outdoor venues, including streets and parks. The Main Stage at Woodbine takes place July 18 to 21.
More info: beachesjazz.com
Born & Raised
Where: St. Catharines/Montebello Park
When: July 5 and 6
The two-day festival in St. Catharines features hometown bands Alexisonfire and City and Colour. This year’s lineup also includes Metric, the Used, Sloan, and more.
More info: bornandraisedconcertseries.com
Mariposa Folk Festival
Where: Orillia
When: July 5 to 7
Hosting world-class creators and performers of folk, roots, blues, gospel, acoustic and world music traditions for decades.
More info: mariposafolk.com
Afrofest
Where: Toronto/Woodbine Park
When: July 5 to 7
Celebrating its 36th year anniversary this year at Woodbine Park, Afrofest is the largest free African music and culture festival in North America.
More info: afrofest.ca
TD Salsa in Toronto Festival
Where: Toronto/St. Clair Street
When: July 6 and 7
Canada’s largest Latino-themed celebration returns to St. Clair Street for its 20th year with over 350 performers showcasing music, dance, art and authentic Latin food.
More info: salsaintoronto.com
Rock The Park
Where: London/Harris Park
When: July 10 to 13
Four days of big-name bands and artists including Nickelback, Tyler Childers, the Strumbellas and more at this annual live music event.
More info: rockthepark.ca
Lighthouse Blues Festival
Where: Kincardine/downtown
When: July 12 to 14
This outdoor music event features ticketed Friday and Saturday evening events on the main stage. Catch international artists across several performance stages, as well as regional musicians at the free Saturday shuffle and a popular Sunday morning gospel revival.
More info: lighthousebluesfestival.com
Four Winds Music Fest
When: July 12 to 14
Where: Town of Durham/Riverstone Retreat Campus
Get into the folk and indy rock vibe and enjoy food truck vendors, craft beer and camping opportunities at this premier summer music event.
More info: fourwindsmusicfest.com
River and Sky
Where: West Nipissing
When: July 17 to 21
Combine camping, hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities and amazing music at this multi-day music festival.
More info: riverandsky.ca
Free Concerts in the Square
Where: Sauble Beach (across from beach)
When: July 17, 24, 31, Aug. 14, 21
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy free outdoor music directly across from Sauble Beach. Various genres of music will be performed on Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m.
More info: saublebeach.com/events
Rock on the River
Where: Timmins
When: July 18 to 20
Rock on the River is one of Timmins’ greatest annual music festivals, featuring a strong lineup of performers each year.
More info here.
Kemptville Live Music Festival
Where: Kemptville/Kemptville Campus
When: July 18 to 21
One of Eastern Ontario’s largest music festivals celebrates a range of music genres including country, rock, rhythm and blues, folk and roots.
More info: kemptvillelivemusicfestival.com
Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival
Where: Muskoka/Gull Lake Park
When: July 19 and 20
Celebrate the beauty of nature, art and music in Muskoka. Headliners include Juno Award winners City and Colour; July Talk; Dan Mangan; JJ Wilde.
More info: tallpinesfestival.com
Festival of the Sound
Where: Parry Sound/The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts
When: July 19 to Aug. 3
Since 1979, Festival of the Sound has brought some of the great chamber and classical music musicians and artists from Canada and around the world to the shores of Georgian Bay in scenic Parry Sound.
More info: festivalofthesound.ca
Revelree Music Festival
Where: Sarnia
When: July 19 and 20
Sarnia’s Canatara Park will be rocking with established and up-and-coming artists at this all-ages summer event.
More info: revelreemusicfestival.com
Hillside Summer Festival
Where: Guelph/Guelph Lake
When: July 19 to 21
A multi-genre, multi-day, musical celebration at Guelph Lake with camping, food vendors, kid-friendly programs, crafts workshops, drum and dance, and amazing music performed on five different stages.
More info: hillsidefestival.ca
Chamberfest
Where: Ottawa
When: July 25 to Aug. 8
This popular concert series has been engaging and inspiring audiences in Ottawa for almost four decades. Don’t miss this year’s summer event.
More info: chamberfest.com
#BollywoodMonster Mashup
Where: Mississauga/Celebration Square
When: July 14 (IG Live); 24 (launch party); 26, 27, (concerts, food festival)
The largest South Asian festival in Canada returns for its 14th year featuring free concerts with international Bollywood stars, a food festival, dance performances, a laser show and more.
More info: monstrartity.com/bollywoodmonster-mashup
Vibrant Brampton
Where: Brampton/Garden Square, 12 Main Street North
When: July 26 and 27
This popular South Asian arts, heritage and music festival showcases more than 150 local and international acts.
More info: www.vibrantbrampton.ca
Mattawa Voyageur Days
Where: Mattawa
When: July 26 to 28
Enjoy free activities for all ages and a legendary lineup of Canadian country, rock and folk music.
More info: voyageurdays.ca
Go North Music Festival
Where: St. Joseph Island
When: July 25 to 27
This family-friendly, outdoor, camping festival features a variety of musical genres including new music, folk, roots, bluegrass, rock and pop. Browse through a wide array of food vendors, locally made beer, local art and activities for kids.
More info: gonorthmusicfestival.ca
AUGUST
Harbourfest
Where: Kenora
When: August long weekend
Join fellow “Harbourites” for two nights of epic performances on the shores of Lake of the Woods for Northwestern Ontario’s biggest summer party.
More info: harbourfest.ca
Festival of Friends
Where: Hamilton/Gage Park
When: August
Going strong since 1976, this event combines outdoor music, arts, crafts vendors and more.
More info: festivaloffriends.ca
Kempenfest
Where: Barrie/waterfront
When: Aug. 2 to 5
One of Barrie’s signature summer events, Kempenfest is celebrating 52 years of amazing live music along with great food, arts and crafts on the waterfront.
More info: kempenfest.com
VELD Music Festival
Where: Toronto/Downsview Park
When: Aug. 2 to 4
This all-ages event consistently brings out some of the best in electronic dance and hip-hop to Downsview Park.
More info: veldmusicfestival.com
Toronto Caribbean Carnival Weekend
Where: Toronto
When: Aug. 3 (Grand Parade)
Join the revelry of North America’s largest street festival, the culmination of a month-long celebration of Caribbean music, food and culture. Celebrating almost 60 years since its debut, this event continues to advocate for freedom, diversity and inclusion.
More info: torontocarnival.ca
Boots & Hearts
Where: Oro Station/Burl’s Creek Event Grounds
When: Aug. 8 to 11
Canada’s largest annual camping country music mash-up is open to all ages. This year’s lineup includes popular musicians Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett and Cody Johnson.
More info: bootsandhearts.com
Kitchener Blues Fest
Where: Kitchener/Where: downtown Kitchener
When: Aug. 8 to 11
Don’t miss one of the largest and most vibrant arts and music events in the Waterloo Region this summer.
More info: kitchenerbluesfestival.com
Live From the Rock Folk Festival
Where: Red Rock
When: Aug. 9 to 11
This annual, grassroots gathering attracts over 2,000 music lovers to Lake Superior’s North Shore with world-class music on four daytime workshop-style stages, as well as an evening festival concert stage.
More info: livefromtherockfolkfestival.com
Goderich Celtic Roots Festival
Where: Goderich/Lions Harbour Park
When: Aug. 9 to 11
Held on the shores of Lake Huron, this is the ultimate Celtic experience in Ontario celebrating traditional Celtic music and crafts.
More info: celticfestival.ca
Kingsville Music Festival
Where: Kingsville/Mettawas Park
When: Aug. 9 to 11
Experience small-town charm on the shore of Lake Erie and discover world-class music from across Canada at the 10th annual Kingsville Music Festival.
More info: kingsvillemusicsociety.com
Riverfest Elora
Where: Elora/Bissell Park
When: Aug. 16 to 18
One of Ontario’s most beautiful villages hosts one of the province’s most popular live music festivals, along with camping, craft beer, food trucks and cool merch.
More info: riverfestelora.com
Nostalgia Music Festival
Where: Ottawa/LeBreton Flats Park
When: Aug. 21 to 25
This ultimate tribute event celebrates the music you loved from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Enjoy full-service bars, food vendors and a great lineup of professional tribute shows in LeBreton Flats.
More info: nostalgiafestival.ca
All Your Friends Fest
Where: Oro Station/Burl’s Creek Event Grounds
When: Aug. 23 and 24
Fall Out Boy, Billy Talent, Jimmy Eat World, The All-American Rejects and more of your favourite emo and alt-rock artists.
More info: allyourfriendsfestival.com
Northern Vibe Festival
Where: Bruce Mines
When: Aug. 23 to 25
Experience the joy of camping and live concerts in the backwoods near Sault Ste. Marie. Dance to the music from talented Canadian artists that will keep you moving to the beat.
More info: northernvibefestival.com
SEPTEMBER
Wake the Giant
Where: Thunder Bay/Waterfront
When: Sept. 14
A celebration of cultures and inclusivity, this music festival focuses on Indigenous artists and musicians.
More info here.
CityFolk Festival
Where: Ottawa/Lansdowne Park
When: Sept. 11 to 15
Gather on the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park for a five-day, fall celebration of great music, food and fun at CityFolk.
More info: cityfolkfestival.com
Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues
Where: Wasaga Beach
When: Sept. 13 to 15
Enjoy a three-day outdoor music festival on two stages featuring a vendor’s village and Liquid Lounge.
More info: wasagabeachblues.com
Supercrawl
Where: Hamilton/James Street North
When: Sept. 13 to 15
This annual arts and indie music event takes over downtown Hamilton in September with outdoor performances and exhibits.
More info: supercrawl.ca
Gussapolooza Music Festival
Where: Cookstown
When: Sept. 13 to 15
Gussapolooza is a one-of-a-kind music festival dedicated to supporting independent, local emerging artists and talent.
More info: gussapolooza.com
CONVERGENCE Music and Art Festival
Where: Oshawa/Downtown
When: Sept. 21
CONVERGENCE brings together musicians and artists for a day of mind-bending experiences, art installations, and live music in Oshawa’s downtown. This free event hosts local vendors, street food, and even pro wrestling.
More info: www.convergenceoshawa.com
The Festival of Small Halls
Where: Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
When: Fall 2024, TBA
Enjoy “big music in a little place” with intimate performances by exceptional artists held in various cherished venues and spaces across Eastern Ontario.
More info here.
OCTOBER
Cicada Music & Arts Festival
When: Oct. 5 and 6
Where: St. Catharines/Henley Island,
A dynamic celebration of music, art and culture with a diverse lineup across multiple stages, showcasing a range of genres from the best of Ontario artists, as well as food and drink vendors in the heart of Niagara.
More info: cicadafestival.ca
NOVEMBER
VENUExVENUE Music Festival
Where: London/Various venues
When: Nov. 14 to 16
Over the course of this three-day music festival, view more than 50 artists at six venues in London, Canada’s first UNESCO designated “City of Music.”
More info: vxv.indieweek.com
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