Alberta's winters may be harsh, but its summers are some of the dreamiest around. It's those warm, hazy months on the Prairies that provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying music, and Alberta has a full schedule of summer music festivals certain to satisfy music lovers from near and far.
Whether you're heading up to the northern part of the province, getting close to the mountain parks, or spending time in the big cities, there's an Alberta music festival nearby that will sate appetites for sounds of all types.
Sled Island – June 22 to July 25, 2011
Calgary's popular Sled Island music festival bring the most exciting in indie and alternative music to Cowtown for a four-day aural spectacular. Held in venues around the city with artists often booked onto multiple shows (so you don't have to stress if you miss a performance), Sled Island is the must-see festival in the province for the young, the hip, and those who keep on the cutting edge of music. This year, musicians as diverse as the Buzzcocks, Alejandro Escovedo, Of Montreal, and The Bellrays take Calgary by storm.
Peace Fest – July 8 and 9, 2011
Up in Alberta's Peace River country at the Twelve Foot Davis Ball Park, Peace Fest comes to life with a host of amazing headlining musicians and a plethora of different vendors. Riverfront Park will be filled with businesses and organizations during Picnic in the Park, doing everything from selling baked goods to holding yard sales. Back over at the ball park, Bif Naked, Blue Rodeo, and Streetheart will be entertaining audiences with feel-good tunes.
Edmonton Folk Festival – August 4 to August 7, 2011
One of Alberta's favourite music festivals, the Edmonton Folk Festival, is back for another year, and managed to sell out in record time. The event features a number of workshop stages in addition to a kids' stage and a main stage. Featured artists for 2011 include Jeremy Fisher, the Gipsy Kings, Wanda Jackson, k.d. lang, Lyle Lovett, and John Mayall.
Canmore Folk Festival – July 30 to August 1, 2011
Head out to the foothills for some folk tunes at the Canmore Folk Festival. The weekend event takes place at Centennial Park and features a variety of folk artists including Joel Plaskett, David Lindley, The McDades, Elliott Brood, and more. The off-site festival pub is a new feature at this year's festival; it will be held in the Miner's Union Hall (738 7th Street, Canmore) and feature local and touring acts in addition to the main festival lineup. On top of all the music, 30 to 40 artisans will be hawking their wares, and food vendors serving a variety of needs including gluten-free will be onhand to satisfy rumbling stomachs.
Enjoy Summer Music Festivals in Alberta
Sled Island, Peace Fest, the Edmonton Folk Festival and the Canmore Folk Festival are just a small sampling of the different music events happening around Alberta during summer 2011. For more music festivals going on in Alberta, visit Travel Alberta's website.
Join the Conversation