Hands waving in the air at VELD music festival.

Top live music festivals in Ontario 2024

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Canadian Music Week

Ontario’s summer music festival season kicks off with Music Week, one of Canada’s largest multi-day celebrations of music, media and entertainment with in-person and virtual events at the Westin Harbour Castle.

When: June 1–8, 2024

Luminato

Luminato transforms Toronto into a surreal, multi-day, multi-sensory experience for artists and art lovers alike with performances and visual arts. Find both ticketed and free outdoor events at this immersive arts festival throughout the city.

When: June 6–16, 2024

NXNE

Discover your new favourite act during NXNE (North by Northeast), Ontario’s answer to SXSW. This music and cultural extravaganza supports emerging musicians and artists, with performances taking place in live music venues and outdoor spaces.

When: June 12–16, 2024

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

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

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 Street

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 4–28, 2024
Where: The Beaches 

#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 2024
Where: Mississauga Celebration

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 Weekend

Join the revelry of North America’s largest street festival, the culmination of a month-long celebration of Caribbean music, food and culture. Celebrating almost 60 years since its first debut, this event continues to advocate for freedom, diversity and inclusion.

When: August 3, 2023

Vibrant Brampton

This popular south Asian arts, heritage and music festival showcases more than 150 local and international acts.

When: July 26–27, 2024
Where: Garden Square, 12 Main Street North, Brampton

Ottawa

Escapade Music Festival

Don’t miss the annual electronic dance event with superstar DJs and up-and-coming local talent booming in Canada’s capital.

When: June 21–23, 2024
Where: Lansdowne Park

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

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: LeBreton Flats Park

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

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: LeBreton Flats Park

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: Lansdowne Park

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Sound of Music Festival

Enjoy free live music in downtown Burlington at the Spencer Smith Park with food trucks and craft vendors.

When: June 13–16, 2024
Where: 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington

Festival of Friends

Going strong since 1976, this event combines outdoor music, arts, crafts vendors and more.

When: August 2024
Where: Gage Park, 1000 Main Street East, Hamilton

Supercrawl

This annual arts and indie music event takes over downtown Hamilton in September with outdoor performances and exhibits.

When: September 13–15, 2024
Where: James Street North, Hamilton

York, Durham and Headwaters

Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival

This lively music festival showcases incredible jazz and blues entertainment, taking over the town of Orangeville for three days this summer.

When: May 31–June 2, 2024
Where: Various venues in Orangeville

Springtide Music Festival

Enjoy a diverse set of musicians across all genres in a variety of downtown Uxbridge venues.

When: June 6–8, 2024
Where: Uxbridge

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

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: Fall 2024
Where: Henley Island, St. Catharines

Mist Music Festival

Experience a range of musical genres from high-energy EDM to soulful RNB. There’s something for everyone at this exciting musical event.

When: May 18, 2024
Where: Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls

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: Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains

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.

When: July 5–12, 2024
Where: Various venues including the First Presbyterian Church, 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: Orillia

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.

When: July 12–14, 2024
Where: Riverstone Retreat Campus, 233639 Concession 2, Durham

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

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: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 240 8 Line South, Oro Station

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.

When: August 23–24, 2024
Where: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 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: Wasaga Beach

Gussapolooza Music Festival

Gussapolooza is a one-of-a-kind music festival dedicated to supporting independent, local emerging artists and talent.

When: September 13–15, 2024
Where: Cookstown

Southwestern Ontario

Bluewater BorderFest

Sarnia-Lambton's biggest concert of the year boasts three nights of star-studded American and Canadian musical talent.

When: June 20–22, 2024
Where: Sarnia

Sunfest

Food, art, culture and music from around the world makes this event a summer highlight.

When: July 4–7, 2024
Where: Victoria Park, London

Rock The Park

Four days of big-name bands and artists including Nickelback, Tyler Childers, The Strumbellas and more at this annual live music event.

When: July 10–13, 2024
Where: Harris Park, 531 Ridout Street North, London

Hagersville Rocks Music Festival

Hagersville Rocks Music Festival is the biggest music event of the year in Haldimand County.

When: July 2024
Where: Heaslip Ford Amphitheatre in Grant Kett Memorial Park, 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: 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.

When: August 9–11, 2024
Where: Mettawas Park, Kingsville

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

Perth, Huron, Waterloo and Wellington

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 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: Guelph Lake, Guelph

Goderich Celtic Roots Festival

Held on the shores of Lake Huron, this is the ultimate Celtic experience in Ontario celebrating traditional Celtic music and crafts.

When: August 9–11, 2024
Where: Lions Harbour Park, 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.

When: August 16–18, 2024
Where: Bissell Park, 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.

When: July 18–21, 2024
Where: Kemptville Campus, 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: July 2024
Where: Campbellford

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.

When: June 2024
Where: Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst

Festival of the Sound

Since 1979 Festival of the Sound has 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: The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, 2 Bay Street, Parry Sound

Northern Ontario

Northern Lights Festival Boréal

The tradition continues and evolves at this signature annual event. Watch amazing acts including emerging talent and highly acclaimed artists.

When: July 4–7, 2024
Where: 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 27, 2024
Where: St. Joseph Island

River and Sky

Combine camping, hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities and amazing music at this multi-day music festival.

When: July 17–21, 2024
Where: West Nipissing

Rock on the River

Rock on the River is one of Timmins’ greatest annual music festivals, featuring a strong lineup of performers each year.

When: July 18–20, 2024
Where: 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: Mattawa

Harbourfest

Join fellow ‘Harbourites’ for two nights of epic performances on the shores of Lake of the Woods for Northwestern Ontario’s biggest summer party.

When: August 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 on four daytime workshop-style stages, as well as an evening festival concert stage.

When: August 9–11, 2024
Where: Red Rock

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: Bruce Mines

Wake the Giant

A celebration of cultures and inclusivity, this music festival focuses on Indigenous artists and musicians.

When: September 2024
Where: Thunder Bay Waterfront

Last updated: March 28, 2024

Looking for Ontario travel advice?

Our experts are here to help you plan your perfect trip. Call or book today.