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The Province
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
Here are the 25 best B.C. summer festivals of 2025
From May to mid-September, there is rarely a weekend that isn't hosting some major event. Here's a look at our top 25. Nickelback will headline Laketown Amphitheatre on Vancouver Island this August. Photo by Jim Wells / Postmedia Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors British Columbians love summer arts and cultural festivals. While other parts of the Canada might take in winter soirees, B.C. prefers to party in the heat. From May to mid-September, there is rarely a weekend that isn't hosting some major event. The post-COVID landscape has seen long-standing gatherings such as the popular Vancouver Island MusicFest and Vancouver Mural Festival shutter. Arts organizations across the province requested that the emergency fairs, festivals and events fund be renewed, but the reality of current economic challenges and the Trump tariffs make it unlikely that such funding will remain available. The arts and cultural sector reports adding over $8.6 billion to provincial annual GDP, so it is not an insignificant economic driver. While parties involved adopt a wait-and-see approach, festival season is still in full-swing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It's a good time to get out and support your local festival. With this in mind, we've rounded up the 25 B.C. festivals that stand out for summer 2025. Westwood in the Wild When: May 23 & 24, 5:30 p.m. Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park Tickets and info: What to know: Vancouver DJ duo the Funk Hunters headline a celebration of the group's Westwood Recordings label with two days of dynamic beats, including Moontricks, Z-Trip, the Sponges, Dirtwire and Balkan Bump. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Kym Gouchie on the red carpet before the start of the 2025 Juno Awards in Vancouver on March, 30, 2025. Photo by RICH LAM / PNG Vancouver International Children's Festival When: May 26-June 1 Where: Granville Island Tickets and info: What to know: A globe-trotting selection of performers ranging from African circus to Indigenous singer-songwriter Kym Couchie and her ace band. Shows are assigned recommended age ranges in the festival program. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. GMINXR 5X Festival When: June 12-14, various times Where: Various venues, Vancouver Tickets and info: What to know: Celebrating 20 years of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC) as well as exhibits, performance and forums around Punjabi arts and culture. The Block Party regularly presents local big stage debuts by future Juno-winning South Asian stars, including GMINXR. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Pharcyde (from left) Fatlip and Imani of The Pharcyde perform onstage at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Photo by Phillip Faraone / Getty Images for Heineken Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival When: June 18-22, various times Where: Various venues, Victoria Tickets and info: What to know: The 26th annual celebration of all things ska and reggae never fails to deliver some of the biggest names in both genres and this year boasts everything from rap legends the Pharcyde to dub legend Mad Professor and much more. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Clarinetist François Houle. PNG Vancouver International Jazz Festival When: June 20-July 1, various times Where: Various venues, Vancouver Tickets and info: What to know: Offering up a wide range of improvised music from local geniuses like clarinetist François Houle to guitar hero Bill Frissell and much, much more. The free Downtown Jazz is one of the arts and cultural calendar's yearly highlights. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Indian Summer Festival curator-in-residence Am Johal. Photo by Jason Payne / PROVINCE Indian Summer Festival When: July 3-13, various times Where: Various venues Tickets and info: What to know: With a theme of Borderless Solidarities this year, the festival is heavy on literary arts and thinkers. Curator-in-residence Am Johal says this year's events will ' invoke an audacious idea — an insurgent solidarity that defies the inertia of our times.' Kaytranada performs onstage during the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Paras Griffin / Getty Images for BET FVDED in the Park When: July 4 & 5 Where: Holland Park, Surrey Tickets and info: What to know: A signature two-day showcase of top names in the EDM scene that always includes superstars of the genre. This year is no different, with Tiësto, Kaytranada, Disclosure, Zedd and many, many more. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Actors bassist Kendall Wooding surveys the crowds at the 2022 Khatsahlano Street Party. 2022 Photo by Jon Benjamin Photography Imc. . Khatsahlano Street Party When: July 5, afternoon to evening Where: Fourth Avenue from Burrard St. to MacDonald, Vancouver Tickets and info: Free. What to know: An all-day street party loaded with top local musical acts, vendors and food trucks. Be sure to come prepared for big crowds and long lineups as this is a very popular event. Extra water for hydrating is highly recommended. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. DJ Kookum. Photo by George Lawson Bass Coast Festival When: July 11-14 Where: Merritt Tickets and info: What to know: An electronic music and art festival that presents a 'boutique experience,' taking in concerts, live mural painting, installations, yoga sessions and much more. Rated one of North America's best festivals by Mixmag. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Togo Showcase Zion Children at Fusion Festival. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO / PNG Surrey Fusion Festival When: July 19-20 Where: Holland Park, Surrey Tickets and info: What to know: A celebration of food, music and culture in Surrey that presents everything from African dance troupes to martial arts and much more. It's a good idea to come hungry to this one, as there is so much delicious food from around the world to enjoy in one place. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. JUNO-winning Inuk musician and artist Elisapie Isaac. Photo by leeor wild Vancouver Folk Music Festival When: July 18-20 Where: Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver Tickets and info: What to know: As it nears its half-century mark, the VFMF continues to be one of the best festivals to discover new rising talents alongside established stars. The 48th annual festival includes such Canadian stars as recent Juno winner Elisapie Isaac, among others. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Karen Lee Batten of Vancouver. Photo by Codie McLachlan / Edmonton Sun Coquitlam Summer Concert Series When: July 18, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. Where: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam Tickets and info: What to know: Family oriented fun with artists like Bobby Bruce's Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band Neil Diamond tribute to country music singer Karen Lee Batten and the ABRA Cadabra tribute. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Robert Connely Farr. Photo by Photo: Tyler McLeod Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival When: July 25, 4-11 p.m. Where: Fort Langley Community Park, Fort Langley Tickets and info: What to know: From the Cool Blues lineup featuring artists such as gutbucket blues rocker Robert Connelly Farr's Duo to the wide selection of youth and family events and food choices, this is a premier Fraser Valley fun day out. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Empanadas Illegales. Photo by Las Empanadas Illegales Mission Folk Music Festival When: July 25-27 Where: Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission Tickets and info: What to know: From the psychedelic cumbia of Vancouver's Empanadas Illegales to Ontario singer-songwriter Julian Taylor and Scottish fiddler Ryan Young, the 38th event continues the festival's reputation for presenting a fine mix of local, national and international artists. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern of SOFI TUKKER perform. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for Stagecoach Shambhala Music Festival When: July 25-28 Where: Salmo River Ranch, Salmo Tickets and info: What to know: A massive, multistage dance music blowout that was voted the best festival in North America by DJ Mag in 2023. Top-tier and underground artists appear over a three daylong beat happening. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Colin James. Photo by JAMES O'MARA Salmon Arm Roots & Blues When: July 25-27 Where: Salmon Arm Fairgrounds, Salmon Arm Tickets and info: What to know: One of the premiere music events in the Shuswap area, the festival includes Canadian rock legend Burton Cummings, blues rocker Colin James and American Latino boogie merchants Los Lobos among others. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. From left: John Osborne and T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne perform. Photo by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images for Stagecoach Sunfest Country Music Festival When: July 31-Aug. 3 Where: Laketown Ranch, Cowichan Lake Tickets and info: What to know: B.C.'s biggest country music event brings marquee twangers from the U.S. and Canada to Vancouver Island for several mainstage concerts, as well as plenty of other summer season fun in the sun. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival When: Aug. 1-3 Where: Kaslo Bay Park, Kaslo Tickets and info: What to know: Showcasing a groove-friendly lineup that almost always includes exclusive performances, this festival gets rave reviews no matter who is playing. Why? Because the location on Kootenay Lake, including a floating stage, is one-of-a-kind. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Blake Havard is a Vancouver-based roots/country rock artist. Photo by Wayne Hoecherl Harmony Arts Festival When: Aug. 1-10 Where: West Vancouver waterfront Tickets and info: What to know: Concerts by artists such as country rocker Blake Havard, art exhibits, youth specials and more are a part of this annual focus on the myriad arts and artists active on the North Shore. The regular art market is a good spot to pick up some local artist's work to adorn your home. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When: Aug. 9, 3:30-10 p.m. Where: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby Tickets and info: Free. What to know: A jewel of a freebie fest for the whole family that has included such legends as Mavis Staples to Allison Russell and the War On Drugs in past years. Be sure to check postings to see who is announced for 2025. Typically lineup is released in late June. Edge of the World Music Festival When: Aug. 9-10 Where: Tiell Fall Fairgrounds, Haida Gwaii Tickets and info: What to know: Going strong since 1995, this annual event in the beautiful Haida Gwaii has hosted top indie rock acts such as the Sam Roberts Band, Said the Whale and many others. It has also been a showcase for Haida dancers and local musicians with a focus on singer-songwriters. Nickelback. Laketown Ranch Laketown Amphitheatre When: Aug. 9 Where: Laketown Ranch, Cowichan Lake Tickets and info: This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. What to know: A triple-bill of rock 'n' roll heavyweights including headliners Nickelback, the Glorious Sons and Sam Roberts Band on Aug. 9, with an added bonus kickoff party with Garrett Willie on Aug. 8. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Felix Cartal is a globally-acclaimed electronic music producer. Photo by Felix Cartal / PNG Wicked Woods Music Festival When: Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Where: Ravens New Resort & Campground, Fairmont Hot Springs Tickets and info: What to know: Dance all night and soak all day at this electronic music-oriented event set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. There are four immersive stages with acts like Felix Cartal spinning some serious sounds to make you move. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When: Sept. 11-14 Where: Matullia Lands at Rock Bay, Victoria Tickets and info: What to know: The premier end of season event for fans of contemporary pop, hip-hop, rock and more. Past headliners include Charlie XCX, Lorde, Run the Jewels, Salt N Pepa and the one and only Paris Hilton. Arkells will be one of the headliners for the 2025 Barnside Harvest Festival Barnside Harvest Festival When: Sept. 12-14 Where: Paterson Park, Ladner Tickets and info: What to know: Presented by Barnside Brewing Co., this three-day event is showcased by such noted Canadian acts as Walk Off the Earth, Arkells and the Dead South. Also includes family events, food fair and more. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. sderdeyn@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Columnists National Local News
Calgary Herald
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Here are the 25 best B.C. summer festivals of 2025
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content British Columbians love summer arts and cultural festivals. While other parts of the Canada might take in winter soirees, B.C. prefers to party in the heat. Article content From May to mid-September, there is rarely a weekend that isn't hosting some major event. Article content Article content The post-COVID landscape has seen long-standing gatherings such as the popular Vancouver Island MusicFest and Vancouver Mural Festival shutter. Arts organizations across the province requested that the emergency fairs, festivals and events fund be renewed, but the reality of current economic challenges and the Trump tariffs make it unlikely that such funding will remain available. Article content Westwood in the Wild Article content When: May 23 & 24, 5:30 p.m. Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park Tickets and info: Article content What to know: Vancouver DJ duo the Funk Hunters headline a celebration of the group's Westwood Recordings label with two days of dynamic beats, including Moontricks, Z-Trip, the Sponges, Dirtwire and Balkan Bump. Article content
Vancouver Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Here are the 25 best B.C. summer festivals of 2025
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. British Columbians love summer arts and cultural festivals. While other parts of the Canada might take in winter soirees, B.C. prefers to party in the heat. From May to mid-September, there is rarely a weekend that isn't hosting some major event. The post-COVID landscape has seen long-standing gatherings such as the popular Vancouver Island MusicFest and Vancouver Mural Festival shutter. Arts organizations across the province requested that the emergency fairs, festivals and events fund be renewed , but the reality of current economic challenges and the Trump tariffs make it unlikely that such funding will remain available. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The arts and cultural sector reports adding over $8.6 billion to provincial annual GDP, so it is not an insignificant economic driver. While parties involved adopt a wait-and-see approach, festival season is still in full-swing. It's a good time to get out and support your local festival. With this in mind, we've rounded up the 25 B.C. festivals that stand out for summer 2025. When : May 23 & 24, 5:30 p.m. Where : Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park Tickets and info : What to know : Vancouver DJ duo the Funk Hunters headline a celebration of the group's Westwood Recordings label with two days of dynamic beats, including Moontricks, Z-Trip, the Sponges, Dirtwire and Balkan Bump. When : May 26-June 1 Where : Granville Island Tickets and info : What to know : A globe-trotting selection of performers ranging from African circus to Indigenous singer-songwriter Kym Couchie and her ace band. Shows are assigned recommended age ranges in the festival program. When : June 12-14, various times Where : Various venues, Vancouver Tickets and info : What to know : Celebrating 20 years of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC) as well as exhibits, performance and forums around Punjabi arts and culture. The Block Party regularly presents local big stage debuts by future Juno-winning South Asian stars, including GMINXR. When : June 18-22, various times Where : Various venues, Victoria Tickets and info : What to know : The 26th annual celebration of all things ska and reggae never fails to deliver some of the biggest names in both genres and this year boasts everything from rap legends the Pharcyde to dub legend Mad Professor and much more. When : June 20-July 1, various times Where : Various venues, Vancouver Tickets and info : What to know : Offering up a wide range of improvised music from local geniuses like clarinetist François Houle to guitar hero Bill Frissell and much, much more. The free Downtown Jazz is one of the arts and cultural calendar's yearly highlights. When : July 3013, various times Where : Various venues Tickets and info : What to know : With a theme of Borderless Solidarities this year, the festival is heavy on literary arts and thinkers. Curator-in-residence Am Johal says this year's events will ' invoke an audacious idea — an insurgent solidarity that defies the inertia of our times.' When : July 4 & 5 Where : Holland Park, Surrey Tickets and info : What to know : A signature two-day showcase of top names in the EDM scene that always includes superstars of the genre. This year is no different, with Tiësto, Kaytranada, Disclosure, Zedd and many, many more. When : July 5, afternoon to evening Where : Fourth Avenue from Burrard St. to MacDonald, Vancouver Tickets and info : Free. What to know : An all-day street party loaded with top local musical acts, vendors and food trucks. Be sure to come prepared for big crowds and long lineups as this is a very popular event. Extra water for hydrating is highly recommended. When : July 11-14 Where : Merritt Tickets and info : What to know : An electronic music and art festival that presents a 'boutique experience,' taking in concerts, live mural painting, installations, yoga sessions and much more. Rated one of North America's best festivals by Mixmag. When : July 19-20 Where : Holland Park, Surrey Tickets and info : What to know : A celebration of food, music and culture in Surrey that presents everything from African dance troupes to martial arts and much more. It's a good idea to come hungry to this one, as there is so much delicious food from around the world to enjoy in one place. When : July 18-20 Where : Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver Tickets and info : What to know : As it nears its half-century mark, the VFMF continues to be one of the best festivals to discover new rising talents alongside established stars. The 48th annual festival includes such Canadian stars as recent Juno winner Elisapie Isaac, among others. When : July 18, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. Where : Town Centre Park, Coquitlam Tickets and info : What to know : Family oriented fun with artists like Bobby Bruce's Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band Neil Diamond tribute to country music singer Karen Lee Batten and the ABRA Cadabra tribute. When : July 25, 4-11 p.m. Where : Fort Langley Community Park, Fort Langley Tickets and info : What to know : From the Cool Blues lineup featuring artists such as gutbucket blues rocker Robert Connelly Farr's Duo to the wide selection of youth and family events and food choices, this is a premier Fraser Valley fun day out. When : July 25-27 Where : Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission Tickets and info : What to know : From the psychedelic cumbia of Vancouver's Empanadas Illegales to Ontario singer-songwriter Julian Taylor and Scottish fiddler Ryan Young, the 38th event continues the festival's reputation for presenting a fine mix of local, national and international artists. When : July 25-28 Where : Salmo River Ranch, Salmo Tickets and info : What to know : A massive, multistage dance music blowout that was voted the best festival in North America by DJ Mag in 2023. Top-tier and underground artists appear over a three daylong beat happening. When : July 25-27 Where : Salmon Arm Fairgrounds, Salmon Arm Tickets and info : What to know : One of the premiere music events in the Shuswap area, the festival includes Canadian rock legend Burton Cummings, blues rocker Colin James and American Latino boogie merchants Los Lobos among others. When : July 31-Aug. 3 Where : Laketown Ranch, Cowichan Lake Tickets and info : What to know : B.C.'s biggest country music event brings marquee twangers from the U.S. and Canada to Vancouver Island for several mainstage concerts, as well as plenty of other summer season fun in the sun. When : Aug. 1-3 Where : Kaslo Bay Park, Kaslo Tickets and info : What to know : Showcasing a groove-friendly lineup that almost always includes exclusive performances, this festival gets rave reviews no matter who is playing. Why? Because the location on Kootenay Lake, including a floating stage, is one-of-a-kind. When : Aug. 1-10 Where : West Vancouver waterfront Tickets and info : What to know : Concerts by artists such as country rocker Blake Havard, art exhibits, youth specials and more are a part of this annual focus on the myriad arts and artists active on the North Shore. The regular art market is a good spot to pick up some local artist's work to adorn your home. When : Aug. 9, 3:30-10 p.m. Where : Deer Lake Park, Burnaby Tickets and info : Free. What to know : A jewel of a freebie fest for the whole family that has included such legends as Mavis Staples to Allison Russell and the War On Drugs in past years. Be sure to check postings to see who is announced for 2025. Typically lineup is released in late June. When : Aug. 9-10 Where : Tiell Fall Fairgrounds, Haida Gwaii Tickets and info : What to know : Going strong since 1995, this annual event in the beautiful Haida Gwaii has hosted top indie rock acts such as the Sam Roberts Band, Said the Whale and many others. It has also been a showcase for Haida dancers and local musicians with a focus on singer-songwriters. When : Aug. 9 Where : Laketown Ranch, Cowichan Lake Tickets and info : What to know : A triple-bill of rock 'n' roll heavyweights including headliners Nickelback, the Glorious Sons and Sam Roberts Band on Aug. 9, with an added bonus kickoff party with Garrett Willie on Aug. 8. When : Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Where : Ravens New Resort & Campground, Fairmont Hot Springs Tickets and info : What to know : Dance all night and soak all day at this electronic music-oriented event set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. There are four immersive stages with acts like Felix Cartal spinning some serious sounds to make you move. When : Sept. 11-14 Where : Matullia Lands at Rock Bay, Victoria Tickets and info : What to know : The premier end of season event for fans of contemporary pop, hip-hop, rock and more. Past headliners include Charlie XCX, Lorde, Run the Jewels, Salt N Pepa and the one and only Paris Hilton. When : Sept. 12-14 Where : Paterson Park, Ladner Tickets and info : What to know : Presented by Barnside Brewing Co., this three-day event is showcased by such noted Canadian acts as Walk Off the Earth, Arkells and the Dead South. Also includes family events, food fair and more. sderdeyn@
