Large Festivals in Canada
12 festivals with 25,000–50,000 attendees
Curated by Sarah Pagel · Last verified 31 March 2026
This expansive nation offers a breathtaking tapestry of landscapes, providing unparalleled backdrops for its vibrant music festival scene. From the rugged coastal beauty of British Columbia to the majestic peaks of the Rockies and the vast plains of the Prairies, each region presents a distinctive setting. Major hubs like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are renowned for their diverse events, while charming smaller towns and natural parks also host memorable gatherings. The sheer scale and natural splendor make this destination truly unique for music lovers seeking immersive experiences.
The festival culture here is a rich mosaic, celebrating everything from traditional folk and roots music at events like the Mariposa Folk Festival and Northern Lights Festival Boréal, to cutting-edge electronic and rock at Osheaga in Montreal or Ottawa Bluesfest on Lebreton Flats. Jazz enthusiasts flock to the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, while the Calgary Stampede offers a unique blend of rodeo and country music. Attendees can expect inclusive, community-centered celebrations, often embracing the great outdoors in venues ranging from urban parks and historic sites like the Plains of Abraham to lakeside amphitheatres.
Departure Festival 2026
May 1, 2026 - May 6, 2026
Departure Festival is the rebranded evolution of Canadian Music Week, serving as a premier multi-disciplinary arts and industry conference held annually in Toronto. The event features a diverse program of music showcases, comedy, film, and technology tracks designed to foster collaboration among global creative professionals.
Meadows Music Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 30, 2026
The Meadows Music Festival is an annual two-day outdoor event held at the Fergus Sportsplex in Ontario, Canada, featuring a diverse lineup of country and rock artists. Produced by Farm League Presents, the festival offers an immersive experience with live performances, camping options, and local food vendors.
North by Northeast (NXNE) 2026
Jun 10, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026
North by Northeast (NXNE) is an annual music and arts festival in Toronto, Canada, primarily focused on showcasing emerging independent musicians across various city venues. Founded in partnership with SXSW, the event also features comedy, gaming, and digital media, serving as a premier platform for discovering new talent.
Ottawa Bluesfest 2026
Jul 9, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026
Ottawa Bluesfest is one of Canada's largest outdoor music festivals, held annually at LeBreton Flats Park in the nation's capital. While originally focused on blues, the multi-day event now showcases a diverse lineup of international stars across genres such as rock, pop, and hip-hop.
Bollywood Monster Mashup 2026
Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
Bollywood Monster Mashup is a South Asian festival held at Mississauga Celebration Square in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. It is unique because it showcases a variety of musical and dance genres, including Bollywood, Tollywood, rock, disco, and pop, alongside food and activities for all ages.
Big Valley Jamboree 2026
Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
VELD Music Festival 2026
Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
VELD Music Festival is Canada's largest annual electronic dance and hip-hop music event, held every summer at Downsview Park in Toronto. The three-day festival features over 50 international artists across multiple stages, attracting more than 100,000 attendees with its high-energy atmosphere and world-class production.
Osheaga 2026
Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
Chasing Summer 2026
Aug 1, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
Boots and Hearts 2026
Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026
Boots and Hearts is Canada's largest multi-day country music and camping festival, held annually at Burl's Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario. The award-winning event features a lineup of major international headliners and emerging artists, attracting thousands of fans for a premier outdoor summer experience.
Lasso Montreal 2026
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
Lasso Montreal is a premier modern country music festival held annually at Parc Jean-Drapeau, featuring a blend of world-class headliners and emerging local talent. The high-energy event transforms the city into an urban country hub with multiple stages, Southern-inspired cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere for fans of all ages.
Contact Winter Music Festival 2026
TBA
Contact Winter Music Festival is Western Canada's largest indoor electronic music event, held annually in Vancouver during the late December holiday season. The two-day festival showcases a lineup of world-renowned DJs and producers, attracting thousands of fans to celebrate the end of the year.
Explore Large Festivals in United States (68 festivals)
An independent electronic music & festival researcher with 10+ years in the global dance scene.
Last verified 31 March 2026