3 Can't-Miss Summer Music Festivals

If you’re looking for epic bands, awesome entertainment and killer atmosphere this summer, Northeastern Ontario has just the ticket. Music festivals like the Northern Lights Festival Boréal in Sudbury, Summer in the Park in North Bay and Summer Concert Series in Timmins are back this year, and they’re bigger than ever. Mark these spectacular outdoor festivals on your calendar and get ready take in top headliners and talented performers from Northern Ontario and beyond. Book your tickets to these stellar events and plan your summer accordingly!

Northern Lights Festival Boréal, Sudbury

This spectacular music and arts festival drew over 10,000 people to the shores of Sudbury’s Lake Ramsey last summer. This year, the Northern Lights Festival will mark its 45th anniversary with a blowout celebration of creativity and song. Headlined by acclaimed Canadian fiddler Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, 2016’s lineup also features alt-country duo Kate Maki and Fred Squire, old-time kings Sheesham and Lotus, Francophone songwriters Melanie Brulée & Anique Granger, Toronto bluegrass combo Union Duke and children’s entertainer Cindy Cook. More performers will be announced as the event draws closer. Discounted early bird tickets are available online by following this link.

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The Northern Lights Festival is Canada’s oldest music festival, dating back to 1972. This year, the three-day folk festival will be held from July 8-10. Northern Lights Festival Boréal is known for its annual eclectic program of indie, roots, and world music, as well as visual arts, workshops, family entertainment and more.

Summer in the Park, North Bay

Photo: Patrick Gilbert

Ring in the Civic Holiday weekend in North Bay at the biggest outdoor party of the year. This year, from July 29 to 31, an epic lineup of amazing bands will descend on the Community Waterfront Park for an unforgettable three days of outdoor music. Past performers include 54-40, City & Colour, Carly Rae Jepsen and The Sheepdogs. Summer in the Park features daily family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend with various events and activities like face painting, a petting zoo, vendors and workshops (carving and clay modeling), family drive-in movie, inflatable land, a car and bike show, and a farmer's market. Bring your folding chair and enjoy sensational sounds while soaking up the summer sunshine. Watch for the 2016 lineup to be announced soon!

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Summer Concert Series, Timmins

Each and every week during the summer months, Timmins’ Hollinger Park comes alive with performing artists of classical, big band, symphony, country, rock, pop, progressive rock, adult contemporary, alternative and blues.  Now in its seventh year, this musical event is designed to showcase the incredible artists that call Northeastern Ontario home. Each Wednesday evening, the free concert series features an opening act and a headliner with a connection to Timmins. This musical event will feature around 20 local artists over the course of the summer. The only admission? Non-perishable donations to the Timmins Food Bank! Keep an eye out for the 2016 Summer Concert Series concert lineup here

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About Emily Baillie

Emily is a travel writer hailing from rural Ontario. After travelling to over 25 countries worldwide she is on a mission to inspire people to get off the beaten path and explore destinations both near and far. She works with travel brands and new media publications to inspire meaningful travel. 

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