This Story is Archived
Please note this page may no longer be up to date. For new stories about Northern Ontario visit us here.

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.

boreal

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!

summerinthepark4

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

summer concert series

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. 

Recommended Articles

The Seven's Best Hikes, Biking Trails and Lakes

Scenic vistas, white pine, and waterfalls await!

7 Best Spots to Check Out in The Seven

From Killarney to Kirkland Lake, Mattawa to Manitoulin, here are all the best things to see and do in Northeastern Ontario.

Budget Bliss: Explore Northeastern Ontario Without Breaking the Bank

Free beaches, no-fee hiking trails, a 22-hole disc golf course, and a self-guided gold mine tour — the biggest splurge on this list is barely $120.

Bring Your Fam!

7 family-friendly places to explore in The Seven.

Time to Unwind: 6 Spa Havens to Discover In The Seven

Check out these next-level ways to pamper yourself on your Northeastern Ontario getaway

5 Amazing Places to SUP in Northeastern Ontario

From Stormy Lake to Marathon Beach, there's an incredible SUP adventure waiting for you here.

5 Amazing Bike Rides to Discover

Varied terrain, quiet roads, and flowy trails—The Seven is calling.

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

5 great spots in The Seven to find the Aurora Borealis.

Northeastern Ontario's Best Pride Festivals

Get ready to celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and community in these vibrant Canadian areas.

Live Music Festivals in Northeastern Ontario: 2026 Guide

Every outdoor music festival in Northeastern Ontario in 2026, from Northern Lights Festival Boréal in Sudbury to Rock on the River in Timmins — dates, lineups, and what to know before you go.

From Kapuskasing to Kirkland Lake

Discover the hidden gems along Highway 11, where each community offers unique experiences and warm welcomes.

7 Wildlife Experiences in The Seven

Visit polar bears and alpacas, bison and bufflehead—no zoo required!

We Are All Treaty People

Northeastern Ontario spans several treaty and unceded territories — here's what that means and why it matters.

How to Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Northeastern Ontario

Pow wows, glamping, hikes and more!

Spring Fishing in Kirkland Lake

Discover prime lakes, top bait shops, and comfortable stays for the ultimate spring fishing adventure

Stay Gold: A Weekend in Kirkland Lake

Gold Rush History, Northern Adventures, and Cozy Eats

Why Vacation Anywhere Else When Northeastern Ontario Has It All?

You don’t need to leave Canada to have an unforgettable getaway.

Top Fishing Lodges in Northeastern Ontario

Catch trophy pike, muskie, walleye, and lake trout in Canada’s wild north with expert guides, cozy cabins, and unforgettable scenery.

7 Bucket List Adventures in The Seven

Hikes, climbs, and camping in Northeastern Ontario that no explorer should miss.

Search Northeastern Ontario