by Lise Boullard
Vancouver may be better known for its hiking trails than its arts and culture scene, but the city draws its fair share of renowned musicians during the summer months when it seems every spare plot of land is converted into an outdoor celebration of song. Here are six must-see summer music festivals to check out in and around Vancouver.
In 1986, The Coastal Jazz & Blues Society organized the first Vancouver International Jazz Festival. The headliner? Miles Davis. Since then, the annual celebration of Jazz, Funk, Latin, Fusion, Blues and World Music – now dubbed the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival – has attracted talent of similar proportions (think Tony Bennett and Erykah Badu), in a festival showcasing 1,800 artists at venues on Granville Island, in David Lam Park and across the city. Smooth music in a beautiful outdoor setting? It doesn’t get better than that. Late June; Various locations in Vancouver.
EDM and Hip Hop lovers will be in heaven at the urban dance party that is FVDED in the Park. Drawing internationally acclaimed artists and DJs (think ZEDD, Galantis, The Weeknd and Deadmau5), this two-day outdoor festival in Surrey is accessible by SkyTrain – making it an easy trip for downtown dwellers. Tickets sell out fast, so get yours early to avoid disappointment. Early July; Holland Park, Surrey, B.C.
The scent of marijuana-laced sea air wafting over Jericho Beach in mid-July is a sure sign that the Vancouver Folk Music Festival has arrived. Here, you’ll find folks young and old (including many generations of families led by hippies reliving their Woodstock days) taking in the contemporary Folk, Roots, Bluegrass, Celtic, Soul, Rock and Pop sets from the likes of The Wainwright Sisters, K’naan and Bruce Cockburn. Founded in 1977, the three-day fest attracts more than 38,000 attendees and 60 international, local and national acts every year. Mid July; Jericho Beach, Vancouver.
Set on the sprawling grounds of Salmo River Ranch in Nelson, B.C., the Shambhala Music Festival is where dance, art, nature and organic food converge in a three-day mid-summer celebration. The festival showcases more than 300 electronic artists, acrobats, DJs, dancers and designers who travel from as far as Europe to share their work, and their good vibes. Grab your tent (camping is free), swimsuit, pool float, body paint – and an open mind – and join 10,000 of your soon-to-be friends for a soul-touching experience you won’t soon forget. Mid August; Nelson, B.C.
Love Country tunes? Dust off your cowboy boots and Stetson hat and head east for the Rockin’ River Country Music Festival. At this four-day festival you’ll be treated to world-class performances from big-name Country stars such as Dwight Yoakam, Blue Rodeo and Lonestar. If you’ve vowed to never stay on festival campgrounds again, opt for a Kahuna Kabana cabin. Yeehaw! Early August; Merritt, B.C.
Set on the banks of Deer Lake in the quiet, manicured suburb of Burnaby, the Burnaby Blues Festival is refreshingly understated. With only one stage, it’s smaller than many of the other events in the city, but don’t mistake the size for a lack of acclaim. The one-day festival brings in big names (from Colin James to the Black Eyed Peas). Mid August; Burnaby, B.C.
Clearly there are plenty of summer music festivals in and around Vancouver to suit various musical tastes; the real question is, will you be able to score a pair of tickets?
