Summer music festival season is in full-gear and we’ve got the goods on several noteworthy options you might want to pencil in for upcoming weekends throughout the summer. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home, or want to get out of town to enjoy a multi-day musical event, there’s plenty of opportunity. Trade in the laptop and smartphone for a beer-packed cooler and your best fest gear, grab some friends, and tackle a weekend of fun at one of the options below.
Khatsalano Music Festival (Kitsilano neighbourhood, Vancouver, BC)
We’re always up for staying around town on a hot summer weekend night – especially when it means chilling at Kits beach before wandering up and over to W. 4th Ave. to take in the festivities that are Khatsahlano Days (taking place this weekend). With a total of eight different stages scattered along the 10-block radius, festival-goers can check out more than 40 different musical acts. Take a look at the line-up of independent artists (such as Ladyhawk, Ali Milner, Portage And Main and more here. Takes place all day July 21st.
Rockin River Music Festival (Mission, BC) calls for concert-goers to dust off those cowboy boots, grab your best denim suit or sundress and head out toward the Valley-based event boasting plenty of top-notch country talent (both from abroad. and closer to home). Look for acts such as Blue Rodeo, The Higgins, Dwight Yoakam, Ridley Bent, One More Girl, Chris Buck Band, The Matinee and many more. Festival takes place August 9 – 11; click here for more details.
13th Annual Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival (Deer Lake Park, Burnaby) offers up a fully-loaded day of musical fun set amidst the serene park setting of Deer Lake and is only about a 30 minute or so drive from downtown Vancouver. This year’s lineup includes the likes of the Indigo Girls, Jimmie Vaughan, The Washboard Union and plenty more (playing one of several stages). There is also the ever-popular artisan market, beer and food vendors to keep you satiated all day. For more info and to purchase tickets in advance, click here.
Shambhala Music Festival (Salmo, BC)
This annual festival (established in 1998) is one of the longest-running electronic music events in Canada and takes place August 8th to 13th this year. Set within 500 acres of the Salmo River Ranch in the stunning West Kootenay Mountains, it’s a 5-day mash-up of music, art and nature and features seven elaborately designed stages guaranteed to bring on a sensory overload. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
For part 1 of our music festivals roundup, click here.
Photo: Shambhala Music Festival