6 Reasons Why Wake the Giant 2023 is the most important music festival you'll see this year

From Canadian DJ deadmau5, the X-Ambassadors, and Dean Lewis, toTBay local Sarah Kae, this TBay music festival is bringing the city together for a much-needed celebration.

The celebration of inclusivity and Indigenous culture just got louder! Wake the Giant Music Festival returns to the stage in Thunder Bay on September 16, 2023 with a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. 

Why is this THE festival to check out this fall?

Four Indigenous women on stage in traditional dress at Wake the Giant Music Festival

Here are 6 reasons Wake the Giant is the must-see event in Northern Ontario.

1. The lineup includes some amazing artists

The headliners this year include Canadian DJ deadmau5, X-Ambassadors, and Dean Lewis, alongside Ruby Waters, MattMac, Sagatay, TBay local Sarah Kae, and Thunder Spirits. 

wake the giant poster
 

2. It was voted Best New Event and Best Fundraiser in 2019 by Walleye Magazine.

wake the giant header

Wake the Giant is a real community builder, working to create stronger bonds, relationships, and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area. The festival amplifies the voices of Indigenous artists, bringing them new audiences and opportunities to connect with established artists.

3. There's more than just music

Festival-goers will also get to check out live art installations, cultural performances, and an Indigenous Craft Market.

4. Tickets are on sale now.

The full-day festival runs from noon to night on September 16th. Grab your tickets now. Tickets are also available at the door. 

5. There's fun merch.

Support the Wake the Giant movement with a t-shirt! Proceeds support the initiative while helping to spread the word.


I mean how cute are these pineapple tanks?

6. Everyone is welcome

The festival offers a warm positive vibe and an opportunity to help create a more welcoming and inclusive Thunder Bay. By bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from across Northwestern Ontario, festival organizers hope to create a platform for positive connections between the various cultures within Thunder Bay and the broader community. This provides an opportunity for First Nation communities and Indigenous people to connect with the city, and feel more welcome and safe.

So where and when is Wake the Giant taking place this year?

September 16th, 11.30 am - 12.00 am
Prince Arthur's Landing
Sleeping Giant Pkwy, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 0E7, Canada
For more info visit the Wake the Giant site

Get your tickets now and join the Wake the Giant movement.

About Northern Ontario

Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada! Bigger than Texas, wilder than the west, more welcoming than a campfire in October, Northern Ontario is like no place else. Sunset Country is famous for its spectacular fishing lakes, Superior Country has friendly towns and a superior coastline, Algoma Country has bucket list drives and epic outdoor adventure, and the Northeast provides excellent vacation destinations close to Toronto and other large urban centres in Southern Ontario.

Recommended Articles

Ontario Pow Wow Calendar: 2024 Edition

Culture, community, food, dancing, music, tradition, regalia—check out the 2024 pow wow calendar and discover where to celebrate this year.

8 Indigenous Tourism Experiences To Book in 2024

No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for in 2024, these businesses are ready to provide you and your family with a top-notch adventure!

Indigenous Restaurants in Ontario

7 delicious spots where tradition meets innovation for unforgettable dining.

8 Indigenous Experiences to Discover in North Bay

Dive into the rich Indigenous heritage of North Bay, featuring local stores, products, events, and activities.

6 Indigenous-owned Accommodations in Ontario

Check out these cool spots and start planning!

7 Indigenous-Owned Fishing Experiences in Ontario

Reel in unforgettable memories.

Pow Wow Road Trip 2024

This four-day route makes it easy to plan a summer long weekend road trip to one of Manitoulin Island's eight annual Powwows.

11 Indigenous-Owned Outdoor Adventure Companies in Ontario

Bucket-list adventures you don't want to miss.

13 Indigenous-Owned Businesses to Visit on National Indigenous People's Day—and Every Day 

Restaurants, lodges, shops, and experiences to check out in Northern Ontario

A Guide to Visiting the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre

Discover the Manitou Mounds—a historic Indigenous burial site in Northwestern Ontario.

Indigenous Theatre and Art on Manitoulin Island

Discover this country's only Indigenous-owned theatre on the world’s largest freshwater island.

Sister Bear Designs 

An Anishinaabe run beadwork business takes off in the north.

Search Indigenous