As the weather gets warmer and summer approaches, it’s almost time for everyone’s favourite season … festival season!
Many people look forward to attending music festivals to experience the thrill of live music, the joy of outdoor activities, and the excitement of being with thousands of people having the best time.
From coast to coast, music fans in Canada can enjoy some of the biggest country music artists in the world. Festivals are also a really great way to find new artists to fall in love with.
Whether you’re in the heart of Toronto or the remote prairies of Saskatchewan, there’s a country music festival for every taste and preference. From up-and-coming local artists to world-renowned superstars, Canada’s country music scene has something for everyone.
With a variety of festivals taking place throughout the year, there’s no shortage of opportunities for fans to see their favourite artists perform live and experience the thrill of country music in person.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest and best country music festivals in Canada. Scroll down to see them all, or select the province you want to check out …
There are so many great festivals in Canada. If you know of one that we missed, please let us know!
Big Valley Jamboree – Alberta
Big Valley Jamboree is a four-day festival held annually in Camrose, Alberta.
With a history dating back to 1993, the festival has become a staple of the country music scene in Canada, attracting fans and artists from all over.
The festival’s lineup always features some of the best in the industry, with past performers including Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and Carrie Underwood, among others. BVJ tends to put an emphasis on Canadian talent. The lineup is generally stacked with some of Canada’s biggest and brightest upcoming artists.
RELATED: Get your tickets for the festival before they’re gone …
With its long history, impressive lineup of artists, and range of activities, Big Valley Jamboree is a must-see for country music fans in Canada.
Country Thunder – Alberta
Country Thunder Alberta is a four-day festival held annually in Calgary, featuring some of the biggest names in country music. The festival offers a range of camping options for fans who want to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience.
Country Thunder Alberta boasts an impressive lineup of artists, with past performers including Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and many others. The festival also features a range of local talent and up-and-coming artists, providing a platform for new and exciting voices in country music.
RELATED: See the full lineup, and get your tickets for this year’s festival …
In addition to the music, Country Thunder Alberta offers a range of other activities, including a marketplace with unique vendors, a variety of food and beverage options, and a range of interactive exhibits and activities. Fans can also explore the beautiful city of Calgary and its surrounding natural beauty, including Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies.
With its impressive lineup of artists, range of camping options and convenient location, Country Thunder Alberta is a must-see for country music fans in Canada. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time attendee, this festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
RELATED: Get your tickets to this year’s Country Thunder Alberta Festival …
Sunfest – British Columbia
Located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Sunfest is a four-day celebration of country music and culture that takes place each summer. What sets Sunfest apart from other country music festivals is its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that encourages fans to relax, unwind, and enjoy the music.
Sunfest’s lineup includes a mix of established stars and rising talents, with past performers including Florida Georgia Line, Chris Young, and Brett Eldredge. But the festival also highlights local musicians and artists, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to discover new talent.
RELATED: Pick up your tickets for this year’s Sunfest …
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind country music festival that’s both relaxing and exhilarating, Sunfest is the perfect choice. With its picturesque location, diverse lineup of artists, and welcoming community of fans, this festival is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Coast City Country Festival – British Columbia
This is the first year for this festival in British Columbia.
Taking place right in the heart of the city, the announcement of this festival is one of the most talked about this year.
From April 18th to 20th, the city will pulsate with music as over 30 artists, including headliners Luke Bryan, Nickelback, and Dierks Bentley, take center stage at BC Place Stadium.
Organizers are anticipating 75,000 enthusiastic fans over the course of the weekend. The festival promises more than a stellar concert … but a citywide celebration.
Street parties, late-night shows at the iconic Commodore Ballroom, and an in-stadium craft beer and whiskey fest are on the agenda. Plus, ticket sales contribute to BC wildfire relief charities, giving every moment a meaningful touch.
See the full lineup and get your tickets here.
Dauphin’s Countryfest – Manitoba
Dauphin’s Countryfest is a four-day country music festival held in the small town of Dauphin, Manitoba. Founded in 1990, the festival has grown to become one of the largest country music festivals in Canada, attracting over 14,000 fans each year.
What sets Dauphin’s Countryfest apart is its focus on Canadian country music. While the festival has hosted big names like Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, and Luke Bryan, it also showcases many of Canada’s top country music artists, such as Dean Brody, Jess Moskaluke, and Brett Kissel.
RELATED: See this festival for yourself – grab your tickets here …
In addition to its impressive musical lineup, Dauphin’s Countryfest also features a variety of food and beverage vendors, a beer garden, and a large campground where festival-goers can stay throughout the weekend. There’s also a marketplace featuring local artisans and vendors, and a range of activities for kids and families.
Dauphin’s Countryfest is more than just a music festival, it’s a celebration of rural life and community. With its focus on Canadian country music and its commitment to creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere, this festival is a must-visit for country music fans across the country.
Boots & Hearts Music Festival – Ontario
Boots & Hearts Music Festival is the largest and most popular camping country music festival in Canada. Located at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, just North of Toronto, this four-day festival brings together some of the biggest names in country music from around the world.
RELATED: See the full lineup for this year’s Boots & Hearts Music Festival …
One of the unique features of Boots & Hearts is its emphasis on camping and outdoor activities.
The festival offers a range of camping options, from tent camping to RV sites, making it easy for fans to stay on site and fully immerse themselves in the festival experience. It’s also a quick drive to a handful of hotels.
Boots and Hearts is also home to the popular Emerging Artist Showcase. A competition for new artists in Canada to compete for a huge prize. This showcase has helped launch some of the biggest names in Canadian country music, such as: Tim Hicks, Tebey, The Reklaws, James Barker Band, Jade Eagleson, Owen Riegling, and more.
RELATED: in 2022 we spoke with all the emerging artists competing at the festival …
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind country music experience, Boots & Hearts Music Festival is a must-see.
With its stunning location, impressive lineup of artists, and range of camping and outdoor activities, this festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with other country music fans and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Cavendish Beach Music Festival – PEI
Located on the picturesque Prince Edward Island, the Cavendish Beach Music Festival is one of Canada’s most beloved country music festivals. The festival has been running for over a decade and has gained a reputation for its incredible lineup of world-class artists and stunning seaside setting.
The Cavendish Beach Music Festival takes place over three days in July and features a mix of international headliners and local artists.
RELATED: See this year’s lineup of artists playing the Cavendish Beach Music Festival …
The festival takes place on the Cavendish Beach Events Centre, which offers a range of camping options and a variety of food and beverage vendors. Fans can also explore the beautiful Prince Edward Island, with its charming towns, scenic beaches, and fresh seafood.
If you’re looking for a festival that combines world-class music with stunning natural beauty and a laid-back atmosphere, the Cavendish Beach Music Festival is the perfect choice. With its impressive lineup of artists, beautiful location, and range of activities, this festival is a must-see for country music fans.
LASSO Music Festival – Quebec
If you’re looking for a country music festival with a unique twist, the LASSO Music Festival in Montreal is a must-see. This festival brings together a diverse lineup of country music artists from around the world, along with a range of other activities such as cowboy rodeos, mechanical bull rides, and more.
RELATED: See this year’s lineup for the LASSO Music Festival in Montreal …
One of the highlights of the LASSO Music Festival is the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in country music perform in one of Canada’s most vibrant and exciting cities. From intimate acoustic sets to high-energy performances on the main stage, there’s something for everyone at this festival – so get your tickets.
Festival Country Lotbinière – Quebec
If you thought country music wasn’t huge in Quebec … you’d be wrong.
Festival Country Lotbinière is an annual not-for-profit festival that takes place in the small town of St Agapite, south of Quebec City. It’s a beautiful location, which is the perfect backdrop to celebrate the best in country music.
RELATED: See this year’s lineup for the Festival Country Lotbinière in Quebec …
This festival brings in some of the biggest names in country music, and gives a giant platform to let country artists from Quebec, and other indie artists from across the country, shine. The country genre is alive and well, so it’s a great opportunity to find new artists to fall in love with.
Get your tickets for FCL.
Country Thunder – Saskatchewan
Country Thunder Saskatchewan is a three-day festival held annually in Saskatoon, featuring a lineup of the biggest names in country music.
The festival takes place at Craven’s Festival Site, just outside of Regina, and offers a range of camping options for fans to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience.
Past performers at Country Thunder Saskatchewan include Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Chris Young, and many other international superstars. As with its Alberta counterpart, they showcase local talent and up-and-coming artists, providing a platform for new and exciting voices in country music.
RELATED: See who is playing at this year’s festival and get your tickets before they’re gone …
With its stunning location, impressive lineup of artists, and range of camping options, Country Thunder Saskatchewan should be on your festival bucket list.
Get your tickets for the festival.
There Are So Many More Festivals In Canada
These are just a few examples of the many amazing country music festivals that take place across Canada each year. Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer weekend, attending a country music festival is an experience you won’t soon forget.
If you know of a festival that we have missed, please let us know! We would love to build out this list more and more.
