With the US paving way for an infectious music festival culture, how can neighbour country Canada be far behind? And as long as summer festivals for June are concerned, Canada is roaring to go!
If you thought America is where all the festival action is contained, think again. The happy spaces of Canada obviously house some major festivals of the year, bringing together a good mix of local and international artists. And with summer being the country’s most hospitable season, June pretty much commands an eclectic mix of such festivals catering to almost every kind of music lover. The Sherp rounds up the best of the lot!
1. Levitation Vancouver
Where: Vancouver
When: June 5 to 7
Texas’ Austin Psych Fest recently rechristened to Levitation, after The 13th Floor Floor Elevators Song has always been one of the more popular music festivals in the psychedelic landscape. And this June, the festival will be debuting on Canadian lands at Vancouver, bringing together the most interesting names from the psychedelic family of rock, experimental and electronic. With the staunch reputation Levitation Austin has, you might want to catch its first Canadian leg, especially with names like The Black Angels, Black Lips, Dead Moon Tobacco and Atlas Sound.
(images source: Levitation Vancouver)
2. Field Trip Music & Arts Festival
Where: Fort York, Toronto
When: June 6 to 7
Field Trip’s line-up is enough to make any serious music lover want to pack bags and head to Toronto right now. With names like Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, The War on Drugs, Purity Ring, Father John Misty, it’s no surprise their musical acts are worth noting. But what makes Field Trip truly work is the complete family experience it proves to be with day art camps for everyone, including children, along with artists in tow. It’s the true summer festival experience.
(images source: Field Trip Music & Arts Festival Facebook)
3. Bestival Toronto
Where: Toronto
When: June 12 to 13
This popular British festival heading for its first Canadian edition will also make the month of June a lot more exciting. And featuring artists like Florence + The Machine, Flume B2B SBTRKT, Caribou B2B Banks, Jamie XX B2B Nicole Moudaber, Nas and Flosstradamus among others, the indie and dance cred of the festival is at an obvious high. Electronic music lovers especially will dig the affair that Bestival will be!
(image source: Bestival Toronto Facebook)
4. North by Northeast (NXNE)
Where: Toronto
When: June 12 to 21
The Canadian sibling to the popular South by Southwest Festival (SXSW), Canada’s North by Northeast Festival is yet another celebration of live music, cinema, comedy and the arts. Featuring talent the likes of Warpaint, Willow Smith, Mission of Burma, Heartless Bastards, Moon King, along with a ridiculous busy schedule involving stars from across art forms, making it the truly cultural event it is. This 10 day mega-event absolutely gets art connoisseurs like few others.
(images source: NXNE Facebook)
5. Amnesia Rockfest
Where: Montebello
When: June 18 to 21
Probably the ultimate rock festival in all of Canada, the 2015 line-up of Amnesia Rockfest is drool-worthy enough! With System of a Down, Slayer, Linkin Park, Deftones, Pixies, Tenacious D, Flogging Molly, Fear Factory, Down among others, it’s a festival waiting to go absolutely crazy. Not just that, the festival allows young, independent bands a chance to compete in a competition and play at the festival, along with great camping opportunities.
(images source: Amnesia Rockfest Facebook)
6. Tall Tree Music Festival
Where: Port Renfrew, BC
When: June 26 to 28
What’s a country like Canada boasting of some breathtaking locales without a boutique festival, right? Tall Tree Music Festival is one such boutique festival bringing together a culmination of brilliant artistic talent, substantial creative spirit and celebration of the environment. Immerse yourself in nature with this one, as you experience the best of local and international musical talent, and feel good to be a part of such an earthy festival spirit.
(images source: Tall Tree Music Festival Facebook)