Five awesome summer music festivals in and around Toronto

From hippie styles to star-studded stages

Beaches International Jazz Festival
JULY 2–24
This jazz, blues and world music festival has proven so popular it has spilled out over multiple weekends both on Queen Street and in Woodbine and Kew Gardens parks. Admission, free.
Music highlights: Ivana Santilli, Paul James Band, Melanie Durrant, Ghost Town Blues Band.
www.beachesjazz.com

Hillside Festival
JULY 22–24
Lucky for us, this Guelph Lake festival retains most of its eclectic, hippie charm despite its growing popularity. There’s camping and spoken word performances, and the food area still uses actual plates washed by festival-goers. So cute. Weekend pass, $146.
Music highlights: Buffy Sainte-Marie with the Sadies, Ought.
www.hillsidefestival.ca

Wayhome Music & Arts
JULY 22–24
Wayhome burst onto the scene last summer with a stellar lineup at Burl’s Creek north of the city. Again, Wayhome provides an incredible lineup with paid camping on site. Admission, $249.
Music highlights: Ray Lamontagne, FKA Twigs, LCD Soundsystem and Arcade Fire.
www.wayhome.com

Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival
AUGUST 19-21
Summerfolk, in Owen Sound on the shores of Georgian Bay, has consistently managed to cobble together thoroughly impressive lineups year after year. Weekend pass, $120
Music highlights: Old Man Luedecke, Natalie MacMaster, Good For Grapes as well as Leonard Sumner.
www.summerfolk.org

Toronto Urban Roots Festival
SEPTEMBER 16-18
Last year, TURF made the move to a September weekend, leaving July and August for the cottage and making sure we had a big event circled before the official end of summer. Weekend pass, $175.
Music highlights: James Bay, Jake Bugg, Drive-By Truckers, the Felice Brothers and Guided By Voices.
www.torontourbanrootsfest.com

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