Top live music festivals in Ontario 2025
Kitchener Blues Fest | Explore Waterloo Region
Here are some of the best live music festivals and events to keep on your radar. Note that dates may vary, so check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Find more unique events celebrating live music and cultural diversity at Festivals and Events Ontario.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
VELD Music Festival
This all-ages event consistently brings out some of the best in electronic dance and hip-hop to Downsview Park.
When: August 1–3, 2025
Where: 70 Canuck Avenue, North York
Electric Island
Spanning eight days over four weekends, Electric Island brings the best of local and international house, techno and electronic music to Fort York and The Bentway.
When: May 17–18, June 28–29, August 8–9, August 30–31, 2025
Where: 800 Fleet Street, Toronto
Beaches Jazz Festival
Jazz takes centre stage in Toronto’s lakeside Beaches community during this 37th-year celebration. Performances are held in several outdoor venues, including streets and parks.
When: July 4–27, 2025
Where: The Beaches
Departure Festival
A reimagination of Canadian Music Week, Departure is a launchpad featuring diverse musical talent. Experience live performances, engage in industry discussions and connect with musicians, producers and professionals.
When: May 6–11, 2025
Where: Various venues in Toronto
Prepare the Ground
This community-led art and heavy music festival is inspired by European festivals like Roadburn and Amplifest. The first of its kind in Toronto, it embraces heavy music as a collective catharsis rather than a single genre.
When: May 30–June 1, 2025
Where: Various venues in Toronto
NXNE
Returning for its 30th year in 2025, NXNE brings the best emerging Canadian and international artists to Toronto’s top live music venues. The festival has a history of launching acts like The Weeknd, Lizzo and Daniel Caesar.
When: June 11–15, 2025
Where: Various venues in Toronto
#BollywoodMonster Mashup
The largest South Asian festival in Canada returns to Celebration Square, featuring free concerts with international Bollywood stars, a food festival, dance performances, a laser show and more.
When: July 25–26, 2025
Where: 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Vibrant Brampton Summer Fest
This popular South Asian arts, heritage and music festival showcases more than 150 local and international acts in Garden Square.
When: Summer 2025 dates to be announced
Where: 12 Main Street North, Brampton
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Join the revelry of North America’s largest festival, which celebrates Caribbean music, food and culture and culminates in a Grand Parade at Exhibition Place.
When: August 2, 2025
Ottawa Region
Ottawa Bluesfest
This premier music festival showcases star-studded lineups, including diverse local, national and international talent in the LeBreton Flats.
When: July 10–20, 2025
Where: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa
Ottawa Jazz Festival
Celebrating 45 years in 2025, this festival highlights the creativity and diversity of jazz. It evolved from a weekend in Major’s Hill Park to one of the region's top summer events, featuring approximately 300 artists.
When: June 21–30, 2025
Where: Multiple venues in Ottawa
Ottawa Chamberfest
This popular concert series has been engaging and inspiring audiences in Ottawa for almost four decades. Don’t miss this year’s summer event.
When: Summer 2025 dates to be announced
Where: Multiple venues in Ottawa
Nostalgia Music Festival
This ultimate tribute event celebrates the music you loved from the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Enjoy full-service bars, food vendors and a great line-up of professional tribute shows in LeBreton Flats.
When: August 20–24, 2025
Where: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa
CityFolk Festival
Gather on the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park for a five-day fall celebration of great music, food and fun at CityFolk.
When: September 10–14, 2025
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Sound of Music Festival
Celebrate the arts over Father’s Day weekend at the region's largest music event. Support local and emerging talent at Spencer Smith Park with a lineup of fantastic free concerts.
When: June 12–15, 2025
Where: 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
Festival of Friends
Going strong since 1976, this event celebrates outdoor music, arts, crafts vendors and more in Hamilton’s Gage Park.
When: Summer 2025 dates to be announced
Where: 1000 Main Street East, Hamilton
Supercrawl
An annual arts and indie music event held along James Street North with outdoor performances and exhibits.
When: September 12–14, 2025
Where: Downtown Hamilton
York, Durham and Headwaters
Summer of Soca Festival
Celebrate Caribbean music and culture with performances from international artists at this three-day soca festival held at Markham Fairgrounds.
When: August 1–3, 2025
Where: 10801 McCowan Road, Markham
Aurorapalooza
Aurora’s one-day outdoor music festival showcases emerging musicians and supports mental health initiatives. Shuttle bus service is available between Aurora GO Station and Town Park.
When: Summer 2025 dates to be announced
Where: Town Park, Aurora
CONVERGENCE Music and Art Festival
CONVERGENCE brings together musicians and artists for a day of mind-bending experiences, art installations and live music in Oshawa’s downtown. This free event features local vendors, street food and even pro wrestling.
When: September 19–20, 2025
Where: Downtown Oshawa
Niagara Region
Cicada Music & Arts Festival
A dynamic celebration of music, art and culture with a diverse lineup across multiple stages, showcasing a range of genres and artists, as well as food and drink vendors in the heart of Niagara.
When: October 2025 dates to be announced
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Mariposa Folk Festival
For over 60 years, this vibrant festival has celebrated music, storytelling, dance and craft in a stunning lakeside setting at Tudhope Park.
When: July 4–6, 2025
Where: 450 Atherley Road, Orillia
Four Winds Music Festival
This “roots and rock” event at Riverstone Retreat combines singer-songwriters, folk, rock, world music and bluegrass.
When: July 11–13, 2025
Where: 233639 Concession 2 WGR, Durham
Town Square Wednesday Concerts
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy free outdoor music directly across from Sauble Beach in Town Square on Wednesday summer evenings.
When: Summer 2025 dates to be announced
Where: 3 Lakeshore Boulevard North, Sauble Beach
On the Pond Music Series
Unwind with live performances, relax with a drink, explore the shops and soak in the summer atmosphere at Village Plaza in the Blue Mountain Village. The performances run in the evening from Tuesday to Thursday throughout the summer.
When: July 1–August 28, 2025
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Eclectic Electrics
Immerse yourself in an eclectic program of experimental music and sound art on a farm overlooking the scenic Big Head Valley in Meaford.
When: August 1–3, 2025
Where: 202 Scotch Mountain Road, Meaford
Kempenfest
One of Barrie’s signature summer events, Kempenfest is celebrating 53 years of amazing live music along with great food, arts and crafts on the waterfront.
When: August 1–4, 2025
Where: Barrie waterfront
Boots & Hearts
Canada’s largest annual camping country music mash-up, held at Burl's Creek Event Grounds, is open to all ages. This year’s lineup includes popular musicians Justin Moore, Sam Hunt, Bailey Zimmerman and Hardy.
When: August 7–10, 2025
Where: 240 8 Line South, Oro Station
Lucknow’s Music in the Fields
A “large-scale festival with a small-town feel,” Lucknow's Music in the Fields is an annual non-profit music festival held at Graceland Festival Grounds.
When: August 21–23, 2025
Where: 557 Walter Street, Lucknow
All Your Friends Fest
Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan and more of your favourite emo and alt-rock artists will perform at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds.
When: June 28–29, 2025
Where: 240 8 Line South, Oro Station
Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues
Enjoy a three-day outdoor music festival on two stages featuring 20 bands, a vendor's village and Liquid Lounge.
When: September 12–14, 2025
Where: 219 Main Street, Wasaga Beach
Gussapolooza Music Festival
Gussapolooza is a one-of-a-kind music festival dedicated to supporting independent, local emerging artists and talent at Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds.
When: August 22–24, 2025
Where: 4635 15 Line, Cookstown
Southwestern Ontario
Mud Creek Bluegrass Festival
Make unforgettable memories at this bluegrass festival. The second annual event, which takes place at West Williams Community Centre, features Fast Track as the headlining band and JUNO-nominated comedian Wendell Ferguson as the host.
When: July 10–13, 2025
Where: 32217 Kerwood Road, Parkhill
Bluewater BorderFest
Sarnia-Lambton's biggest concert of the year boasts three nights of star-studded American and Canadian musical talent at Centennial Park.
When: Summer 2025 dates to be announced
Where: 430 Front Street North, Sarnia
Sunfest
Food, art, culture and music from around the world make this Victoria Park event a summer highlight.
When: July 3–6, 2025
Where: 580 Clarence Street, London
Rock The Park
This annual live music event in London’s Harris Park features four days of big-name bands and artists, including Lee Brice, The Red Clay Strays and more.
When: July 9–12, 2025
Where: 531 Ridout Street North, London
Revelree Music Festival
Sarnia’s Canatara Park will be rocking with established and up-and-coming artists at this all-ages summer event.
When: July 18—19, 2025
Where: 1200 Lake Chipican Drive, Sarnia
Middle River Music Fest
Enjoy live performances, food trucks, a farm tour, kids activities and an after-party DJ at this eco and family-friendly music festival on Common Ground Farm.
When: Summer 2025 dates to be announced
Where: 6986 Middle River Road, St. Thomas
VENUExVENUE Music Festival
Over the course of this three-day music festival, view more than 50 artists at six venues in London, Canada’s first UNESCO designated “City of Music.”
When: November 2025 dates to be announced
Where: Various venues in London
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Hillside Festival
This three-day, multi-stage event celebrates diversity, music and community in a scenic, eco-friendly setting on Guelph Lake.
When: July 18–20, 2025
Where: 7743 Conservation Road RR4, Guelph
The Guelph Jazz Festival
Since 1994, the award-winning Guelph Jazz Festival has hosted local to international jazz musicians. In addition to paid performances, music lovers can enjoy free shows in Market Square, artist talks and workshops.
When: 2025 dates to be announced
Where: Multiple venues in Guelph
Goderich Celtic Roots Festival
Held on the shores of Lake Huron at Lions Harbour Park, this is the ultimate Celtic experience in Ontario, celebrating traditional Celtic music and crafts.
When: August 8–10, 2025
Where: Harbour Street, Goderich
Kitchener Blues Fest
Don’t miss one of the largest and most vibrant arts and music events in the Waterloo Region this summer.
When: August 7–10, 2025
Where: Downtown Kitchener
Riverfest Elora
One of Ontario’s most beautiful villages hosts one of the province’s most popular live music festivals, along with camping, craft beer, food trucks and cool merch in Bissell Park.
When: August 15–17, 2025
Where: 127 East Mill Street, Elora
Southeastern Ontario
HomeGrown Live
The 17th annual festival, a fundraising event for Joe’s Music Mill, features the incredible talent of the local community.
When: May 3, 2025
Where: Multiple venues in Kingston
Big River Country Festival
Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy the best in country music with a weekend of live performances and on-site camping.
When: September 4–6, 2025
Where: 2 Green Acres Road, Mallorytown
Skeleton Park Arts Festival
Celebrate 20 years of the Skeleton Park Arts Festival, a free, family-friendly event in Skeleton Park featuring music, art and community gatherings during Summer Solstice Weekend.
When: June 20–22, 2025
Where: 30 Alma Street, Kingston
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Westben Performing Arts Theatre
The Westben Performing Arts Theatre showcases a mix of musical and stage performances in a magnificent open-air, timber-frame barn with views over the rolling farm hills outside Campbellford.
When: Summer 2025
Where: 6698 County Road 30, Campbellford
Peterborough Musicfest
Canada's longest-running free-admission festival offers eight weeks of concerts that showcase renowned musicians on the shores of picturesque Little Lake at Del Crary Park every Wednesday and Saturday.
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays between June 28—August 16, 2025
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
The Festival of Small Halls
Enjoy “big music in a little place” with intimate performances by exceptional artists held in various cherished venues and spaces across Eastern Ontario.
When: Fall 2025 dates to be announced
Where: various locations across Eastern Ontario
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Tall Pines Music & Arts
Celebrate the beauty of nature, art and music in Muskoka with an all-Canadian music performance lineup including Matthew Good, The Strumbellas, Moist, Sloan and more at Gull Lake Park.
When: July 18–19, 2025
Where: 405 Brock Street, Gravenhurst
Festival of the Sound
Since 1979 Festival of the Sound and Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts have brought some of the great chamber and classical music musicians and artists from Canada and around the world to the shores of Georgian Bay in scenic Parry Sound.
When: July 25—August 9, 2025
Where: 2 Bay Street, Parry Sound
Harvest Festival
Enjoy four days of electronic music, circus performances and creative expression on the lands of Midlothian Castle and its Screaming Heads.
When: September 12–15, 2025
Where: 981 Midlothian Road, Burk's Falls
Elvis & Co Music Festival
Elvis & Co is a three-day festival that highlights the music and culture that influenced Elvis and his influence on the music that came after. Held at Deerhurst Resort, it also features an Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
When: October 31–November 2, 2025
Northeastern Ontario
Northern Lights Festival Boréal
The tradition continues and evolves at this signature annual event at Bell Park. Watch amazing acts, including emerging talent and highly acclaimed artists.
When: July 4–6, 2025
Where: Paris Street, Greater Sudbury
River and Sky
Combine camping, hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities and amazing music at this multi-day music festival at Fishers’ Paradise.
When: July 23—27, 2025
Where: 3636 ON-539, Field
Rock on the River
Rock on the River is one of Timmins’ greatest annual music festivals, featuring a strong lineup of performers each year at Hollinger Park.
When: July 18—19, 2025
Where: 565 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins
Mattawa Voyageur Days
Enjoy free activities for all ages and a legendary line-up of Canadian country, rock and folk music.
When: July 25–27, 2025
Where: Explorer’s Point, Mattawa
Bay Block Party
A free entry, all-day, all-ages event held in downtown North Bay featuring live music, a beer garden, food vendors, artisans and family-friendly activities.
When: August 23, 2025
Where: North Bay
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Go North Music Festival
This outdoor camping festival features a variety of musical genres including new music, folk, roots, bluegrass, rock and pop, plus food vendors, locally made beer, local art and activities for kids.
When: July 24–26, 2025
Where: Richards Landing, St. Joseph Island
Northern Vibe Festival
Experience the joy of camping and live music in the boreal forest near Sault Ste. Marie. Enjoy watching talented Canadian artists who will keep you moving to the beat.
When: August 22–24, 2025
Where: G78G+3Q, Poplar Dale
Northwest Ontario
Shake the Lake Kenora
With Kenora’s biggest concert event, a car show, a wooden boat parade, a cup pong tournament and more, get ready to shake the lake this summer.
When: August 2, 2025
Where: Kenora
Live From the Rock Folk Festival
This annual grassroots gathering attracts over 2,000 music lovers to Lake Superior’s North Shore with world-class music, campfire jams, acoustic song circles and more.
When: August 8–10, 2025
Where: 42 Salls Street, Red Rock
Trout Forest Music Festival
Enjoy late-night jam sessions around the bonfires, making for a memorable experience of Music in the Woods at Ear Falls Park. The “Trout” features workshops, creative arts selection, great food and the best in Northern hospitality.
When: August 8–10, 2025
Where: Ear Falls
Wake the Giant
A celebration of cultures and inclusivity, Marina Park’s music festival focuses on Indigenous artists and musicians.
When: September 2025 dates to be announced
Last updated: May 7, 2025