Summer music festivals are back: Here are 10 to see around B.C
After the pandemic pause, it's time to get back to dusty dancing and camping fun.
After a few festival-free summers, gathering in numbers to enjoy live music is back in a big way in B.C.
The available offering of multi-stage music events on the calendar is looking a lot like pre-COVID days. Celebrations catering to almost any imaginable genre preference are happening almost weekly from late May to Labour Day. Anyone should be able to find something to suit their tastes. In fact, many already have.
Pent-up pandemic demand to pitch a tent and dance in the dust is proving to be a powerful entertainment economic driver. Destinations such as the Bass Coast Electronic Music and Art Festival sold out long ago and many others sites such a Shambhala Music Festival are declaring 90 per cent sold months in advance.
Don’t panic. There are plenty more places to party when — if — the weather warms.
Here are 10 festivals we’ve heard about that stood out. An added bonus, many of these are accessible by public transit throughout the Lower Mainland.
Safe & Sound Music Fest ’22
When: May 29, noon – 11 p.m.
Where: Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial St., Burnaby
Tickets/info: showpass.com
Multi-day events are a signature of summer festivals. But in this see-your-breath month of May, maybe starting smaller is a good idea. This hip-hop happening is loaded with talent. From headliner Ty Dolla $ign to Vancouver MC Boslen and the dream pairing of local legends Rascalz with the one and only Kardinal Offishall, here is one beat happening. The grooves will grind all day long as the lineup dives into the depth of rising talents such as Missy D, Naduh and more. The rap showcase of the year.
White Rock Jazz & Blues Festival
When: June 10, 11, various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets/info: whiterockjazzfest.com
With the cancellation of the Tour de White Rock, one of the big draws to this beachside community was lost for this year. However, the list of artists who will perform on stages set up throughout the community over the weekend should bring out fans of swinging jazz music looking for family-friendly fun. Head out to the big rock by the pier to enjoy such stalwart acts as Dave Paterson Trio and Paul Silveria to the delightfully named Hillbettys. Bonus: The headliner is Tom Lavin and the Legendary Powder Blues Band.
2022 Sound of Dragon Music Festival
When: June 23 – 26, various times
Where: various venues and online
Tickets/info: soundofdragon.bpt.me
This may be your only opportunity to hear Inuit and Mongolian throat-singers collaborate with Asian-fusion artists such as Vancouver’s Orchid Ensemble and Quebec’s Okotécho. This is the kind of presentation audiences have come to expect at this cutting-edge event. Co-presented by the Sound of Dragon Society and Caravan World Rhythms, performances will be available in live and on-demand streaming options. New this year are performer spotlight sessions to delve deeper into artists’ creative process.
TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival
When: June 24 – July 3, various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets/info: coastaljazz.ca
The festival guide isn’t out yet. But the gigs already announced include luminaries such as bluesman Buddy Guy and alt-roots troubadour Lucinda Williams, to multiple JUNO-winning trumpeter Brad Turner and brilliant cellist Peggy Lee with her band. Best of all, there are loads of fantastic free shows to get a taste of something new without lightening the pocket book. Of course, you’ll be so hooked by what you hear, you’ll want to get tickets to other shows. Once again, it’s a huge selection.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
When: July 15 – 17, various times
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Tickets/info: thefestival.bc.ca
In its 45 year history, the VFMF has never failed to introduce new talents to fans as well as vital legacy artists. This year, the offering is off the charts. From indie rockers the New Pornographers to Texas punk poet Alejandro Escovedo, blues master Taj Mahal and the spectacular soul/folk vocalist Allison Russell, the bill is beyond all expectations. Don’t sleep on tickets as a sellout is likely.
Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival 2022
When: July 21 – 24, various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets/info: fortlangleyjazzfest.com
The poster heralds “art & soul,” and that is exactly what you’ll get. From Toronto diva Molly Johnson to blues guitarist Sue Foley and the funky gospel vibes of Warren Dean Flandez, the six outdoor stages boast 60-plus performances. Add in a Kidz Zone, visual art exhibits, food trucks and more for fun at the Fort. A family-friendly happening in the Fraser Valley.
Squamish Constellation Festival
When: July 22 – 24, various times
Where: Hendrickson Field, Squamish
Tickets/info: constellationfest.ca
The marketing image on the website with the flaming tattooed aerobics artist in mid stretch is kind of weird, or I just don’t get the celestial significance. But the stars will shine in Squamish. Leaning heavily toward top-tier Canuck rock and pop artists such as July Talk, Dear Rouge, Iskwé and Sky Wallace, the three-day roster also boasts soul groovers Black Pumas, slinky singer Mauvey and superstar Sarah McLachlan. Plus, the one and only Teddy Thompson will croon you to tears on the Sunday.
Vancouver Bach Festival 2022
When: July 26 – Aug. 6, various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets/info: earlymusic.bc.ca
Forget those fellas from Liverpool and get Bach. Exploring the places where Scottish folk met the music of continental composers should make for a good talking point over a pint. In fact, it’s believed that the whole Scottish Baroque movement began in a pub in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Musicians from across North American and Glasgow — such as artist-in-residence David McGuiness — will dive into this off-kilter sub-category this year.
Sunfest Country Music Festival
When: July 28 – 31, various times
Where: Laketown Ranch, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island
Tickets/info: sunfest.frontgatetickets.com
The promo material declares that this is “designed to appeal to music lovers of all-ages.” There is no question that country fans will be doing the boot-scootin’ boogie to Canadian star Dallas Smith, the one and only Darius Rucker and that masked man of C&W, Orville Peck. With special after party performances, daily activities in nature and more on four stages over four days.
Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival
When: Aug. 18 – 21, various times
Where: Salmon Arm Fairgrounds, Salmon Arm
Tickets/info: rootsandblues.ca
This year’s lineup maintains the cutting-edge reputation built over the past three decades. With everything from multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy award-winning singer Alex Cuba and New York City’s blazing afrobeat unit Antibalas to bluesy Tanika Charles, Indigenous hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids and dance-a-tronic aces Five Alarm Funk, this is going to be sweaty good. Shuswap Lake isn’t far away for a refreshing swim when needed.