It used to be the same old festivals would be trotted out every year, and we liked it. But something changed. Now, over the past few years, a slew of new festivals near Toronto have been added to the summer music mix.
These events offer a delightful fusion of craft brews and live performances, promising unforgettable experiences for enthusiasts of both libations and music alike.
Let’s take a tour through the vibrant lineup of festivals set to rock Ontario’s summer scene:
Meadows Music Festival
The Meadows Music Festival, set to take place May 31-June 1 in the charming Ontario town of Fergus, features an impressive lineup including Dean Brody, Tim Hicks, July Talk, and more. Other bands worth the trip include the amazing Daniel Romano’s Outfit, the stunning Crown Lands and Half Moon Run amongst others. With an array of artists spanning various genres, from country to rock, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers. Attendees can also enjoy a diverse selection of food vendors and makers, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Join the excitement by getting your tickets now and signing up to be part of the festival team. Don’t miss out on this celebration of music and community at Meadows.
Springtide Music Festival
In Uxbridge, the Springtide Music Festival returns for its fifth year from June 6-8, boasting an all-female lineup of headliners such as Begonia, MONOWHALES, and Good Lovelies. Featuring performances from a diverse range of Canadian musicians across various genres, including Adrian Sutherland, Aphrose, Band of Weeds, and Sarah Beatty, the festival promises an eclectic musical experience spread across 12 stages throughout downtown venues and a local brewery beer garden. With a strong focus on showcasing both established acts and emerging talent, this year’s festival is a celebration of Canada’s vibrant music scene, making it a must-attend event for music lovers of all tastes.
Born and Raised
The Born & Raised festival is set to take place July 5-6 at Montebello Park in St. Catharines. This two-day extravaganza promises a sensational lineup curated by Alexisonfire and City and Colour. Joining the headliners are Metric, The Used, Sloan, Counterparts, Dooms Children, and Ekkstacy, ensuring a stacked roster of serious and very loud talent. Attendees can expect a diverse culinary experience, with food vendors on-site, while enjoying a cashless payment system and accessibility seating options. With its commitment to music, community, and philanthropy, Born & Raised Festival offers an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Because Beer Festival
Taking place at Pier 4 Park in Hamilton, Ontario, the Because Beer Festival, presented by Sonic Unyon, is a vibrant gathering celebrating craft beer and live music. Scheduled for July 12-14, attendees can enjoy an assortment of craft brews while catching live performances from headlining acts such as Billy Talent, Tokyo Police Club, and PUP, alongside other notable artists like Cancer Bats, Dizzy, NOBRO, Chastity, and more. Conveniently located near the West Harbour GO Station, the festival offers a laid-back environment for beer enthusiasts and music fans to come together and soak up the summer vibes.
Four Winds Music Fest
The Four Winds Music Fest, known for its ‘Roots & Rock’ vibe, is gearing up for another memorable event from July 12-14 at Riverstone Campus in Durham Region (near Port Perry). Organized by The Happiness Mafia in collaboration with Elephant Thoughts, this festival promises a dynamic lineup blending singer-songwriter, folk, rock, world music, and bluegrass genres. Headliners include Bahamas, Joel Plaskett, Great Lake Swimmers, and more, ensuring a diverse musical experience for attendees. With a strong emphasis on live music and community engagement, the Four Winds Music Fest offers a platform for both established and emerging artists to shine.
Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival
Looking for another reason to head to Muskoka this summer? The Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival is returning for its third year from July 18-20 at Gravenhurstโs Gull Lake Park. Featuring an all-Canadian lineup headlined by July Talk and City and Colour, the event celebrates local talent amidst picturesque surroundings. Attendees can groove to performances by additional bands such as Dan Mangan, JJ Wilde, Spencer Burton, The Vaniers and more while enjoying a vibrant vendor village, diverse food options, and a range of beverages including cocktails by Dillon’s Small Batch Distillery and craft beers by Lake of Bays Brewing Company.
Music in the Fields
Get ready for an electrifying weekend at Lucknow’s Music in the Fields 2024 festival, happening from August 22-24. The lineup promises an eclectic mix of musical talent, with headliners like Kip Moore, The Reklaws, and The Cadillac Three set to light up the stage on Saturday, while Friday features The Glorious Sons, Brett Kissel, Tim & The Glory Boys, and Dayna Reid. On Thursday, get ready for Symply Skynyrd and The Van Halen Invasion. Stay tuned for more exciting performances yet to be announced, making this year’s event an unmissable celebration of music and community.
