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10 music festivals to check out in Canada in 2020
From avant-garde electronic music to rap and pop’s biggest names, add these events to your summer bucket list.
Canada has a long and varied music festival season. No matter where you’re located, you probably live within driving distance of a few dozen festivals that would make for a weekend excursion. As festivals continue to get bigger and more expansive in their offerings, it’s easy to find music you like at almost any one you choose to attend. While each festival offers its own unique charm and idiosyncrasies, we’ve rounded up the events that offer more than a chance to party the weekend away.
1. Piknic Electronik
Where: Montréal, Québec
When: May 17 - September 27, 2020
What’s better than dancing to great house and techno music in the summer? How about being able to do so outside? That’s just what you get with this popular Montreal dance music series, which is held in the city’s beautiful Parc Jean-Drapeau. If that’s not enough incentive, they also partner with festivals including ÎleSoniq and MUTEK (see below) for other events.
Find out more about Piknic Electronik
2. MURAL Festival
Where: Montréal, Quebec
When: June 1 - 30, 2020
Besides giving fans the chances to see some of Montreal (and the world’s) top DJs and rappers, MURAL Festival is an eleven day event celebrating the international art movement. Taking over Saint-Laurent Boulevard, this year’s edition will not only feature murals, but large-scale sculptures and digital platforms for the first time.
Find out more about MURAL Festival
3. Montebello Rock
Where: Montebello, Quebec
When: June 1 - 30, 2020 (Dates TBC)
Last year, organizers of Montebello Rock decided to go scale back in venue size, while still offering the unique vibe and camping experience longtime attendees have come to expect. Taking place at Montebello (halfway between Ottawa and Montreal), the event includes 30 rock, punk and metal bands on two outdoor stages, craft beer, campfire stories with rock legends and secret shows all over the Quebec town.
Find out more about Montebello Rock
4. BREAKOUT Festival
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia
When: June 13 - 14, 2020
Started in 2017, BREAKOUT might be a relative newcomer on the Canadian festival scene, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves. The last few year’s lineups have seen A$AP Rocky, Gunna, Lil Berete, Migos, Tory Lanez, 6LACK, Juice WRLD and more take over Vancouver’s historic PNE Amphitheatre, and hip-hop lovers will not want to miss this one.
Find out more about BREAKOUT Festival
5. Ottawa Bluesfest
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
When: July 9 - 19, 2020
Want to get the most bang for your buck? Bluesfest, which takes place at the scenic LeBreton Flats Park next to the Ottawa River, is one of the longest-running festivals on this list and also features one of the most diverse lineups. Running over the course of several weekends, last year saw Toronto punk rockers PUP, Brampton R&B star Jessie Reyez and legendary rap crew Wu-Tang Clan all perform in one place - it doesn't get much better than that!
Find out more about Ottawa Bluesfest
6. Cowboys Music Festival
Where: Calgary, Alberta
When: July 2 - 12, 2020
Cowboys have never been more trendy than right now, but if you want to have a truly authentic experience, put on your boots and Stetson hat and head to Calgary. Besides offering a lineup of today’s most exciting country, pop and hip-hop acts, Cowboys Music Festival has a number of unique events including a charity poker tournament and a BBQ cook-off. Yee-haw!
Find out more about Cowboys Music Festival
7. Squamish Constellation Festival
Where: Squamish, British Columbia
When: July 24 - 26, 2020
If you want to flee the city for camping in the great outdoors, Squamish Constellation Festival is the perfect option, and they offer shuttle services for those who don’t want to drive the scenic Sky To Sky Highway. Heavy on indie rock, pop and hip-hop, the lineup is 100% Canadian, and there’s a good chance you’ll discover your new favourite act at the three-day event.
Find out more about Squamish Constellation Festival
8. MUTEK
Where: Montreal, Quebec
When: August 25 - 30, 2020
The reigning champ of electronic music festivals in Canada, MUTEK has established itself as an institution, bringing loads of exciting new music and immersive experiences to Montréal every summer. The list of its classic moments is long and legendary, from Carl Craig’s universe-expanding set in 2009 to Kara-Lis Coverdale’s breakout performance in 2015. The festival’s secret star is its A/V environments, which are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.
Find out more about MUTEK
9. Westward Music Festival
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia
When: September 10 - 13, 2020
Returning for a fourth year, Vancouver’s Westward Music Festival hosts genre-spanning programming that takes place in venues across the city. The annual multi-day event is presented by MRG Concerts, and this year’s lineup promises a healthy mix of acts from Canada and the US – from R&B and hip-hop to indie rock and folk. Westward had something to stimulate and intrigue the senses, whether you chose to go to one show, or bounce around all weekend.
Find out more about Westward Music Festival
10. POP Montreal
Where: Montreal, Quebec
When: September 23 - 27, 2020
Not only does this Montreal fall mainstay feature some of the most adventurous bookings, they go above and beyond simply music. Using venues across the city, there’s artist talks, film screenings, art performances, a record fair and a crafts show where you can find the perfect souvenir or gift for somebody else.
Find out more about POP Montreal
