Spring is here and thoughts turn to summer: sunny afternoons on the dock, road trips, and tunes, tunes, tunes! With a full summer music festival line-up to look forward to, we’re already in full planning mode and ready to rock.
Here are some of the biggest festivals and dates to look forward to this summer in Northeastern Ontario—in every corner of the region.
Timmins’ newest music festival extravaganza is back and ready to rock for its second incarnation, culminating with Canada Day action on July 1. Headlining acts this year include Bryan Adams, The Beach Boys, Blue Rodeo, Paul Brandt, Gord Bamford, Celeste Levis, The Arkells, Matthew Good, and many more!
Check out the full line-up and buy tickets here.
The longest running outdoor music festival in Canada is back in town and anticipating a bigger year than ever! After record-breaking attendance numbers last year, and an incredibly successful night focusing on exclusively Indigenous artists, we can’t wait to see what the festival crew will be bringing to the table in 2018. Festival acts already announced include Lisa LeBlanc, Alvvays, Iskwé, Connie Kaldor, and more.
Learn more about the festival line-up and purchase tickets here.
River and Sky combines some of our favourite things of summer—camping and music—in a beautiful place in Northeastern Ontario, all while keeping things simple and sustainable. We’re still waiting on the line-up announcement for River & Sky, but one thing you count on is River & Sky’s commitment to supporting emerging and local Canadian artists.
Keep up to date on line-up announcements and purchase festival passes here.
This is another festival for which we’re still waiting to see who’s on the books, but this is one festival that you’ll want to save the date for. Timmins is rapidly gaining a reputation for booking big names and putting on a great show, so if rock 'n' roll is your thing, consider making the trip to Timmins for Rock on the River.
Currently under construction, you can bookmark the festival website for future updates, or follow them on Facebook.
Mattawa Voyageur Days may be small, but it’s mighty, and this year’s line will not disappoint. Headliner Andrew Hyatt performs on Friday night; Wide Mouth Mason and Finger Eleven playing on Saturday night. As is tradition, the Sunday performance will feature a range of tribute bands, followed up by a choreographed fireworks display. Get ready to rock “where the rivers meet.”
Purchase festival passes and see the complete line-up right here.
This is another save-the-date announcement, but Summer in the Park is always a fantastic way to celebrate the Civic Holiday Weekend in August at the North Bay waterfront. Past performances have included Marianas Trench, Coleman Hell, Classified, Amanda Marshall, 54-40, and many more. Follow them on Facebook to be among the first to know the line-up when it's announced!
Purchase tickets on their website right here.
Country music lovers rejoice—this one’s for you! Celebrate all things country in a beautiful place with festival performers Aaron Goodvin, Billy Ray Cyrus, Andrew Hyatt, George Canyon, and more. With camping options available to festival-goers, this is a fantastic way to spend a weekend on the world’s largest freshwater island.
Visit their website and purchase tickets here.
Mud bogs, musical acts, outdoor movie nights, and BBQ competitions—how many reasons do you need to put Cochrane Summerfest into your summer line-up? This is your opportunity to live like a Northerner for a weekend and get to know the local community members of Cochrane!
Visit the festival website here for updates, line up announcements, and ideas of additional things to do in the area.
Manitoulin Island’s newest music festival is focused on good ol’ fashion rock 'n' roll, and we can’t wait to see what Rockin’ the Rock brings to the table. Headliners announced to-date include Big Wreck, Helix, Prism, and Harlequin. Similar to Manitoulin Country Fest, camping options will be available to festival-goers.
Visit the festival website and purchase tickets here.
August 17 – 19
For those of you who love urban art, the emerging music scene, and creative festivals, you’ll want to look into Up Here, celebrating its fourth incarnation this year in what the festival describes as “weird and wonderful Sudbury.” While you’re in town, make sure to take a walking tour of Sudbury’s downtown to see what murals have come before as a result of the festival, and new ones in the making!
Find out more about Up Here and purchase Early Bird Passports right here.
Named one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario, Jazz Sudbury is a great way to cool things down after a sizzling summer of sound. Jazz Sudbury works hard to showcase talent, bringing in award-winning artists and showcasing the unique genre that is jazz music. Past performers have included Tanika Charles, the Souljazz Orchestra, Eric St-Laurent, and many more.
Bookmark their website for upcoming line up announcements and mark this one in your late summer calendar.
We’re looking waaaay ahead, but New Music Fest is a rock extravaganza taking place annually at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre in Bell Park. All ages are welcome at this fully licensed venue on the shores of Ramsey Lake.
Bookmark their website and purchase tickets online right here.
