Here are the 25 best B.C. summer festivals of 2025
From May to mid-September, there is rarely a weekend that isn't hosting some major event. Here's a look at our top 25.
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British Columbians love summer arts and cultural festivals. While other parts of the Canada might take in winter soirees, B.C. prefers to party in the heat.
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Here are the 25 best B.C. summer festivals of 2025 Back to video
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From May to mid-September, there is rarely a weekend that isn’t hosting some major event.
The post-COVID landscape has seen long-standing gatherings such as the popular Vancouver Island MusicFest and Vancouver Mural Festival shutter. Arts organizations across the province requested that the emergency fairs, festivals and events fund be renewed, but the reality of current economic challenges and the Trump tariffs make it unlikely that such funding will remain available.
The arts and cultural sector reports adding over $8.6 billion to provincial annual GDP, so it is not an insignificant economic driver. While parties involved adopt a wait-and-see approach, festival season is still in full-swing.
It’s a good time to get out and support your local festival. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the 25 B.C. festivals that stand out for summer 2025.
Westwood in the Wild
When: May 23 & 24, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
Tickets and info: ticketmaster.ca
What to know: Vancouver DJ duo the Funk Hunters headline a celebration of the group’s Westwood Recordings label with two days of dynamic beats, including Moontricks, Z-Trip, the Sponges, Dirtwire and Balkan Bump.
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Vancouver International Children’s Festival
When: May 26-June 1
Where: Granville Island
Tickets and info: childrensfestival.ca
What to know: A globe-trotting selection of performers ranging from African circus to Indigenous singer-songwriter Kym Couchie and her ace band. Shows are assigned recommended age ranges in the festival program.
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5X Festival
When: June 12-14, various times
Where: Various venues, Vancouver
Tickets and info: 5xfest.com
What to know: Celebrating 20 years of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC) as well as exhibits, performance and forums around Punjabi arts and culture. The Block Party regularly presents local big stage debuts by future Juno-winning South Asian stars, including GMINXR.
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Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival
When: June 18-22, various times
Where: Various venues, Victoria
Tickets and info: victoriaskafest.ca
What to know: The 26th annual celebration of all things ska and reggae never fails to deliver some of the biggest names in both genres and this year boasts everything from rap legends the Pharcyde to dub legend Mad Professor and much more.
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Vancouver International Jazz Festival
When: June 20-July 1, various times
Where: Various venues, Vancouver
Tickets and info: coastaljazz.ca
What to know: Offering up a wide range of improvised music from local geniuses like clarinetist François Houle to guitar hero Bill Frissell and much, much more. The free Downtown Jazz is one of the arts and cultural calendar’s yearly highlights.
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Indian Summer Festival
When: July 3-13, various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets and info: indiamsummerfest.ca
What to know: With a theme of Borderless Solidarities this year, the festival is heavy on literary arts and thinkers. Curator-in-residence Am Johal says this year’s events will “invoke an audacious idea — an insurgent solidarity that defies the inertia of our times.”
FVDED in the Park
When: July 4 & 5
Where: Holland Park, Surrey
Tickets and info: fvdedinthepark.com
What to know: A signature two-day showcase of top names in the EDM scene that always includes superstars of the genre. This year is no different, with Tiësto, Kaytranada, Disclosure, Zedd and many, many more.
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Khatsahlano Street Party
When: July 5, afternoon to evening
Where: Fourth Avenue from Burrard St. to MacDonald, Vancouver
Tickets and info: Free. Khatsahlano.ca
What to know: An all-day street party loaded with top local musical acts, vendors and food trucks. Be sure to come prepared for big crowds and long lineups as this is a very popular event. Extra water for hydrating is highly recommended.
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Bass Coast Festival
When: July 11-14
Where: Merritt
Tickets and info: basscoast.ca
What to know: An electronic music and art festival that presents a “boutique experience,” taking in concerts, live mural painting, installations, yoga sessions and much more. Rated one of North America’s best festivals by Mixmag.
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Surrey Fusion Festival
When: July 19-20
Where: Holland Park, Surrey
Tickets and info: surreyfusionfestival.ca
What to know: A celebration of food, music and culture in Surrey that presents everything from African dance troupes to martial arts and much more. It’s a good idea to come hungry to this one, as there is so much delicious food from around the world to enjoy in one place.
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Vancouver Folk Music Festival
When: July 18-20
Where: Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver
Tickets and info: thefestival.bc.ca
What to know: As it nears its half-century mark, the VFMF continues to be one of the best festivals to discover new rising talents alongside established stars. The 48th annual festival includes such Canadian stars as recent Juno winner Elisapie Isaac, among others.
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Coquitlam Summer Concert Series
When: July 18, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Tickets and info: coquitlam.ca
What to know: Family oriented fun with artists like Bobby Bruce’s Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band Neil Diamond tribute to country music singer Karen Lee Batten and the ABRA Cadabra tribute.
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Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival
When: July 24 – 27, 4-11 p.m.
Where: Fort Langley Community Park, Fort Langley
Tickets and info: fortlangleyjazzfest.com
What to know: From the Cool Blues lineup featuring artists such as gutbucket blues rocker Robert Connelly Farr’s Duo to the wide selection of youth and family events and food choices, this is a premier Fraser Valley session.
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Mission Folk Music Festival
When: July 25-27
Where: Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission
Tickets and info: missionfolkmusicfestival.ca
What to know: From the psychedelic cumbia of Vancouver’s Empanadas Illegales to Ontario singer-songwriter Julian Taylor and Scottish fiddler Ryan Young, the 38th event continues the festival’s reputation for presenting a fine mix of local, national and international artists.
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Shambhala Music Festival
When: July 25-28
Where: Salmo River Ranch, Salmo
Tickets and info: shambhalamusicfestival.com
What to know: A massive, multistage dance music blowout that was voted the best festival in North America by DJ Mag in 2023. Top-tier and underground artists appear over a three daylong beat happening.
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Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
When: July 25-27
Where: Salmon Arm Fairgrounds, Salmon Arm
Tickets and info: rootsandblues.ca
What to know: One of the premiere music events in the Shuswap area, the festival includes Canadian rock legend Burton Cummings, blues rocker Colin James and American Latino boogie merchants Los Lobos among others.
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Sunfest Country Music Festival
When: July 31-Aug. 3
Where: Laketown Ranch, Cowichan Lake
Tickets and info: sunfestconcerts.com
What to know: B.C.’s biggest country music event brings marquee twangers from the U.S. and Canada to Vancouver Island for several mainstage concerts, as well as plenty of other summer season fun in the sun.
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Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival
When: Aug. 1-3
Where: Kaslo Bay Park, Kaslo
Tickets and info: kaslojazzfest.com
What to know: Showcasing a groove-friendly lineup that almost always includes exclusive performances, this festival gets rave reviews no matter who is playing. Why? Because the location on Kootenay Lake, including a floating stage, is one-of-a-kind.
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Harmony Arts Festival
When: Aug. 1-10
Where: West Vancouver waterfront
Tickets and info: westvancouver.ca/harmonyarts
What to know: Concerts by artists such as country rocker Blake Havard, art exhibits, youth specials and more are a part of this annual focus on the myriad arts and artists active on the North Shore. The regular art market is a good spot to pick up some local artist’s work to adorn your home.
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Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival
When: Aug. 9, 3:30-10 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
Tickets and info: Free. Burnaby.ca
What to know: A jewel of a freebie fest for the whole family that has included such legends as Mavis Staples to Allison Russell and the War On Drugs in past years. Be sure to check postings to see who is announced for 2025. Typically lineup is released in late June.
Edge of the World Music Festival
When: Aug. 9-10
Where: Tiell Fall Fairgrounds, Haida Gwaii
Tickets and info: edgefestival.ca
What to know: Going strong since 1995, this annual event in the beautiful Haida Gwaii has hosted top indie rock acts such as the Sam Roberts Band, Said the Whale and many others. It has also been a showcase for Haida dancers and local musicians with a focus on singer-songwriters.
Laketown Amphitheatre
When: Aug. 9
Where: Laketown Ranch, Cowichan Lake
Tickets and info: laketownamphitheatre.com
What to know: A triple-bill of rock ‘n’ roll heavyweights including headliners Nickelback, the Glorious Sons and Sam Roberts Band on Aug. 9, with an added bonus kickoff party with Garrett Willie on Aug. 8.
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Wicked Woods Music Festival
When: Aug. 29-Sept. 1
Where: Ravens New Resort & Campground, Fairmont Hot Springs
Tickets and info: wickedwoods.ca
What to know: Dance all night and soak all day at this electronic music-oriented event set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. There are four immersive stages with acts like Felix Cartal spinning some serious sounds to make you move.
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Rifflandia Festival
When: Sept. 11-14
Where: Matullia Lands at Rock Bay, Victoria
Tickets and info: rifflandia.com
What to know: The premier end of season event for fans of contemporary pop, hip-hop, rock and more. Past headliners include Charlie XCX, Lorde, Run the Jewels, Salt N Pepa and the one and only Paris Hilton.
Barnside Harvest Festival
When: Sept. 12-14
Where: Paterson Park, Ladner
Tickets and info: barnsideharvestfest.com
What to know: Presented by Barnside Brewing Co., this three-day event is showcased by such noted Canadian acts as Walk Off the Earth, Arkells and the Dead South. Also includes family events, food fair and more.
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