Top live music festivals in Ontario 2024
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 around Ontario that celebrate live music and cultural diversity at Festivals and Events Ontario.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
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 18–19, June 29–30, August 9–10, August 31–September 1, 2024
Where: 800 Fleet Street, Toronto
Mist Music Festival
Experience a range of musical genres high-energy EDM to soulful RNB.
When: June 20–23, 2024
Where: 1035 Sheppard West Avenue, North York
TD Toronto Jazz Festival
The annual multi-day event is celebrating its 37th anniversary this year with some of the biggest names in Jazz, Blues, R&B and Soul, entertaining music lovers in free and ticketed settings throughout the city.
When: June 21–30, 2024
Where: Multiple venues in downtown Toronto
Canada Day Long Weekend at Harbourfront
Enjoy free and ticketed shows during the Canada Day long weekend at Harbourfront. Experience entertainment by the waterfront featuring performances from Fefe Dobson, Tyler Shaw and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, or join Choir! Choir! Choir! for an unforgettable sing-a-long.
When: June 28–July 1, 2024
Where: Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Afrofest
Celebrating its 36th year anniversary this year at Woodbine Park, Afrofest is the largest free African music and culture festival in North America.
When: July 5–7, 2024
Where: Woodbine Park
Beaches Jazz Festival
Jazz takes centre stage during this lakeside Beaches community event celebrating its 36th year. Performances are held in several different outdoor venues, including streets and parks. The Main Stage at Woodbine takes place July 18-21.
When: July 5–28, 2024
Where: The Beaches
TD Salsa in Toronto Festival
Canada’s largest Latino-themed celebration returns to St. Clair Street for its 20th year with over 350 performers showcasing music, dance, art and authentic Latin food.
When: July 6–7, 2024
Where: St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto
#BollywoodMonster Mashup
The largest South Asian festival in Canada returns for its 14th year featuring free concerts with international Bollywood stars, a food festival, dance performances, a laser show and more at Mississauga Celebration Square.
When: July 24–27, 2024
Where: 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Vibrant Brampton
This popular South Asian arts, heritage and music festival showcases more than 150 local and international acts in Garden Square.
When: July 26–27, 2024
Where: 12 Main Street North, Brampton
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 2–4, 2024
Where: Downsview Park
Toronto Caribbean Carnival's Grand Parade
Join the revelry of North America’s largest street festival, the culmination of an exciting summer celebration of Caribbean music, food and culture.
When: August 3, 2024
Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto
Ottawa
Escapade Music Festival
Don’t miss the annual electronic dance event with superstar DJs and up-and-coming local talent booming at Lansdowne Park in Canada’s capital.
When: June 21–23, 2024
Where: 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
Ottawa Jazz Festival
This much anticipated, annual, multi-stage event brings music lovers together for vibrant jazz and a spectrum of other musical genres.
When: June 21–30, 2024
Where: Multiple venues in Ottawa
RBC Bluesfest
Blues, pop and rock fans converge on LeBreton Flats Park for this annual tradition with big names like Mötley Crüe, Tyler Childers and TALK topping the list of performers on the three outdoor stages.
When: July 4–14, 2024
Where: 1 Vimy Place, 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: July 25–August 8, 2024
Where: Multiple venues in Ottawa
Nostalgia Music Festival
This ultimate tribute event celebrates the music you loved from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Enjoy full-service bars, food vendors and a great line-up of professional tribute shows in LeBreton Flats.
When: August 21–25, 2024
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 11–15, 2024
Where: 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Festival of Friends
Going strong since 1976, this event celebrates outdoor music, arts, crafts vendors and more in Hamilton’s Gage Park.
When: August 2–4, 2024
Where: 1000 Main Street East, Hamilton
Supercrawl
An annual arts and indie music event takes place along James Street North in downtown Hamilton in September with outdoor performances and exhibits.
When: September 13–15, 2024
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 2–4, 2024
Where: 10801 McCowan Road, Markham
Aurorapalooza
Aurora’s one-day outdoor music festival showcases emerging musicians. Proceeds from the festival support mental health initiatives. Shuttle bus service is available every half hour to and from Aurora GO Station to Town Park.
When: August 17, 2024
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 hosts local vendors, street food, and even pro wrestling.
Location: September 21, 2024
Where: Downtown Oshawa
Niagara Region
Born & Raised
The two-day festival at St. Catharines’ Montebello Park features hometown bands Alexisonfire and City and Colour. This year’s lineup also includes Metric, The Used, Sloan and more.
When: July 5–6, 2024
Where: 64 Ontario Street, St. Catharines
Cicada Music & Arts Festival
A dynamic celebration of music, art and culture with a diverse lineup across multiple stages, showcasing a range of genres from the best of Ontario artists, as well as food and drink vendors in the heart of Niagara.
When: October 5–6, 2024
Where: Henley Island, St. Catharines
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Salsa at Blue
This family-friendly street party transforms Blue Mountain Village into a showcase of Latin life with pulsating live music, passionate dancing and vibrant culture.
When: June 21–23, 2024
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Tottenham Bluegrass Festival
Experience three days of bluegrass music in the natural amphitheatre of the Tottenham Conservation Area.
When: June 21–23, 2024
Where: 6787 4th Line, Tottenham
Collingwood Music Festival
Since 2019, the Collingwood Music Festival has grown into a much-anticipated event bringing exceptional performances to the region. Enjoy award-winning artists in classical, world music, jazz and Indigenous genres, as well as a popular youth program. Takes place at various venues including the First Presbyterian Church.
When: July 5–12, 2024
Where: 200 Maple Street, Collingwood
Mariposa Folk Festival
Hosting world-class creators and performers of folk, roots, blues, gospel, acoustic and world music traditions for decades.
When: July 5–7, 2024
Where: 450 Atherley Road, Orillia
Indie Soul Jam
Sway to the beat of Indie soul melodies performed by homegrown music artists John Muirhead Band, Conor Gains and Paige Warner.
When: July 6-7, 2024
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Four Winds Music Fest
Get into the folk and indy rock vibe and enjoy food truck vendors, craft beer and camping opportunities at this premier summer music event at the Riverstone Retreat Campus.
When: July 12–14, 2024
Where: 233639 Concession 2, Durham
Blue Mountain Country Fest
Celebrate a weekend of country music featuring emerging artists and many toe-tapping tunes.
When: July 12–14, 2024
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Free Concerts in the Square – Sauble Beach
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy free outdoor music directly across from Sauble Beach. Various genres of music will be performed on Wednesday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
When: July 17, 24, 31, August 14, 21, 2024
Where: 3 Lakeshore Boulevard North, Sauble Beach
Reggae On the Mountain
Experience a weekend filled with the rhythmic and soulful sounds of reggae performed by award-winning musicians.
When: July 26-July 28, 2024
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Eclectic Electrics
Taking place on a farm overlooking the scenic Big Head Valley, immerse yourself an eclectic program of experimental music and sound art.
When: August 2-4, 2024
Where: 202 Scotch Mountain Road, Meaford
Kempenfest
One of Barrie’s signature summer events, Kempenfest is celebrating 52 years of amazing live music along with great food, arts and crafts on the waterfront.
When: August 2–5, 2024
Where: Barrie waterfront
Boots & Hearts
Held at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, Canada’s largest annual camping country music mash-up is open to all ages. Canada’s largest annual camping country music mash-up is open to all ages. This year’s lineup includes popular musicians Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett and Cody Johnson.
When: August 8–11, 2024
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 that supports the local community.
When: August 22–24, 2024
Where: 557 Walter Street, Lucknow
All Your Friends Fest
Fall Out Boy, Billy Talent, Jimmy Eat World, The All-American Rejects and more of your favourite emo and alt-rock artists will perform at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds.
When: August 23–24, 2024
Where: 240 8 Line South, Oro Station
Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues
Enjoy a three-day outdoor music festival on two stages featuring a vendor's village and Liquid Lounge.
When: September 13–15, 2024
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: September 13–15, 2024
Where: 4635 15 Line, Cookstown
Live Music at Blue Mountain
From classical to hard rock, the music at Blue Mountain isn’t just background noise. Immerse yourself in the diverse live music performances all summer long. Check the calendar of events for more exciting concerts.
When: Summer 2024, check listings for concert dates
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Southwestern Ontario
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: June 20–22, 2024
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 4–7, 2024
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 Nickelback, Tyler Childers, The Strumbellas and more.
When: July 10–13, 2024
Where: 531 Ridout Street North, London
Hagersville Rocks Music Festival
This annual live music event in London’s Harris Park features four days of big-name bands and artists, including Nickelback, Tyler Childers, The Strumbellas and more at Heaslip Ford Amphitheatre in Grant Kett Memorial Park.
When: July 2024
Where: 38 Sherring Street North, Hagersville
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 19–20, 2024
Where: 1200 Lake Chipican Drive, Sarnia
Kingsville Music Festival
Experience small-town charm on the shore of Lake Erie and discover world-class music from across Canada at the 10th annual Kingsville Music Festival at Mettawas Park.
When: August 9–11, 2024
Where: 85 Park Street, Kingsville
Middle River Music Fest
Eco-friendly music festival on Common Ground Farm for the entire family. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, a farm tour, kids activities and an after-party DJ. Tickets are on sale until August 23, 2024.
When: August 24, 2024
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 14–16, 2024
Where: Various venues in London
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Open Ears Music and Sound Festival
Enjoy a unique concert experience of performances, installations and a mix of musical genres in alternative venues.
When: May 30-June 2, 2024
Where: Multiple venues in Kitchener-Waterloo
Lighthouse Blues Festival
This outdoor music event features ticketed Friday and Saturday evening events on the main stage. Catch international artists across several performance stages, as well as regional musicians at the free Saturday shuffle and a popular Sunday morning gospel revival.
When: July 12–14, 2024
Where: Downtown Kincardine
Hillside Summer Festival
A multi-genre, multi-day, musical celebration at Guelph Lake Conservation Area with camping, food vendors, kid-friendly programs, crafts workshops, drum and dance, and amazing music performed on five different stages.
When: July 19–21, 2024
Where: 7743 Conservation Road, 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 9–11, 2024
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 8–11, 2024
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 16–18, 2024
Where: 127 East Mill Street, Elora
Southeastern Ontario
Kemptville Live Music Festival
One of Eastern Ontario's largest music festivals celebrates a range of music genres including country, rock, rhythm and blues, folk and roots at the Kemptville Campus.
When: July 18–21, 2024
Where: 40 Campus Drive, Kemptville
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: June 14–August 4, 2024
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: June 29–August 17, 2024
Where: 100 George Street North, Peterborough
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 2024
Where: Eastern Ontario
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Tall Pines Music & Arts
Celebrate the beauty of nature, art, and music in Muskoka. The all-Canadian music performance lineup includes City and Colour, July Talk, Dan Mangan, JJ Wilde, and more.
When: July 19-20, 2024
Where: Gull Lake Park, Muskoka
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 19–August 3, 2024
Where: 2 Bay Street, Parry Sound
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: November 1–3, 2024
Where: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville
Northern 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 4–7, 2024
Where: Paris Street, Greater Sudbury
Go North Music Festival
This family-friendly, outdoor, camping festival features a variety of musical genres including new music, folk, roots, bluegrass, rock and pop. Browse through a wide array of food vendors, locally made beer, local art and activities for kids.
When: July 25–27, 2024
Where: Richards Landing
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 17–21, 2024
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 18–20, 2024
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 26–28, 2024
Where: Explorer’s Point, Mattawa
Shake the Lake Kenora
With Kenora’s biggest concert event, classic car shows, a cup pong tournament and much more, get ready to shake the lake this summer.
When: August 2–4, 2024
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 9–11, 2024
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 9–11, 2024
Where: Ear Falls
Northern Vibe Festival
Experience the joy of camping and live concerts in the backwoods near Sault Ste. Marie. Dance to the music from talented Canadian artists that will keep you moving to the beat.
When: August 23–25, 2024
Where: G78G+3Q, Poplar Dale
Wake the Giant
A celebration of cultures and inclusivity, Marina Park’s music festival focuses on Indigenous artists and musicians.
When: September 14, 2024
Where: Marina Park Drive, Thunder Bay
Last updated: July 18, 2024