Through the eyes of Shay...
Summer is only a month away, and before we know it, the sun will shine, the flowers will bloom, and the festivities will begin. Toronto is notorious for throwing great events and bringing people together for celebrations.
Whether you listen to Electronic Dance Music (EDM), Rock, Hip Hop, or even Jazz, each festival offers a vast selection of music. Below, is a list of some of music festivals that are happening around the GTA this summer:
Field Trip: Saturday June 6th& Sunday June 7th
This event is located at Fort York. This festival has a little something for everyone; the lineup covers folk, pop, R&B, jazz, and indie groups. In addition to the music, this festival highlights Toronto’s best culinary offerings, art, photography, technology, and fashion.
Bestival: Friday June 12th- Saturday June 13th
This two-day festival is held on the Toronto Island, at Hanlan's Point Beach. You either have to be over the age of 16 or be accompanied by an adult over the age of 30. Not only is the lineup great, but this festival is unique because it combines EDM headliners with other genres. Some of the headliners include Florence + The Machine, Nas, Caribou, Clean Bandit, and more!
NXNE: Wednesday June 17th – Sunday June 21st
Returning for its 20th year, NXNE is celebrating nine days of jam-packed events and concerts located in multiple venues around downtown Toronto. NXNE also offers events in film and comedy programs. You can watch free performances at Yonge-Dundas Square throughout the festival. Be sure to walk around, play some games, and win some free stuff!
TD Toronto Jazz Festival: Thursday June 18th – Monday June 29th
This is a ten day annual event is located at the Nathan Phillip Square, with over 1,500 musicians and an audience of 500,000. You can expect music from array of musicians from high-school and college bands, to unleashing your creative side with workshops at Groove & Graffiti, led by Mediah and Elicser, two of Toronto’s top aerosol artists.
Digital Dreams: Saturday, June 27th- Sunday, June 28th
This is one of Canada's largest EDM festivals and it is being held at the The Flats at Ontario Place. To buy tickets for this festival, you have to be over the age of 16. The lineup includes Zedd, Armin Van Buuren, Carl Cox, and Pete Tong, and many more!
Warped Tour: Friday, July 17th
Warped Tour will be held at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. This event showcases alternative and punk rock music. The all-day festival features over 100 bands including some of the biggest artists in the rock genre. During the tour, you can sign up and get music lessons from a range of artists.
WayHome Festival:Friday July 24th – Sunday July 26th
The producers of the Bonnarro Music Festival, one of the most popular music festivals in the world, are holding this event in Toronto at the Burl’s Creek Event Grounds outside of Barrie. Some headliners announced are Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Alt-J, Modest Mouse, and Hozier, along with nearly 100 more artists. It will be worth the long drive!
Veld: Saturday August 1 & Sunday August 2nd
This EDM festival has a similar to Digital Dreams. This two-day concert at Downsview Park will feature shows from artists including Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, The Chainsmokers, and Hardwell. Get your tickets before they sell out!
Riot Fest: Saturday September 19 - Sunday September 20
Coming to Toronto for its second year, Riot Fest offers a weekend of punk and rock music. One of the most unique things about this festival is that carnival rides will be set up for everyone to enjoy. Take advantage of watching some of your favourite bands perform while riding on a carousal.
Take advantage of the early bird tickets, and most of all, take advantage of the summer sun in Toronto. You don't want to miss out!
