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)
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 during this three-day event.
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
Born & Raised
The two-day festival in St. Catharines 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
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
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
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: May 3, 2024