While some of Alberta’s summer music festivals hog the limelight, a symphony of lesser-known events is waiting to be discovered.
Suppose your idea of paradise involves soaking up live music against warm summer sunsets. In that case, this article is your ticket to rhythmic bliss.
We’ve curated a lineup of under-the-radar music festivals across Alberta that deserve a prime spot on your summer calendar.
Cornstock ‘24
Missed out on Woodstock in 1969?
Welcome to the Canadian equivalent in 2024!
Rock out at Cornstock ’24 from July 25-27 in Taber, the “Corn Capital of Alberta.”
This three-day classic rock music festival features premier all the Canadian classic rock bands you know and love.
Weekend passes and camping options start at $169, so grab your tickets and get ready to rock and sing the night away.
Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival
Experience the authentic sounds of bluegrass music at the Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival from July 12-14 at the Sundre Pro Rodeo grounds.
With impromptu jam sessions and a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s a laid-back and fun-filled weekend for bluegrass enthusiasts.
Tickets are available for single-day or full weekend access, so pack your camping gear and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of bluegrass music.
Beaumont Music Festival
Coined “Canada’s Biggest Little Music Festival,” the Beaumont Music Festival is a hotspot for all Canadian music on June 21-22.
Held at Four Seasons Park in Beaumont, just a short drive from Edmonton, this two-day outdoor extravaganza showcases some of Canada’s finest musical talents.
With an all-local lineup set against Alberta’s natural beauty backdrop, it’s a weekend of live performances and cultural celebrations that shouldn’t be missed.
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival
If bluegrass is your jam, the Blueberry Bluegrass Festival in Stony Plain is the place to be from August 2 to 4.
With over 30 years of history, this festival brings together local and international bluegrass musicians for a toe-tapping good time.
From workshops and jam sessions to live performances, it’s a weekend filled with the sweet sounds of bluegrass music and the warm embrace of community.
Wild Mountain Music Festival
Join the musical festivities at the Wild Mountain Music Festival, which will be held from July 19 to 21 at Entrance Ranch, just north of Hinton.
With a diverse lineup of musicians, including Gord Bamford, The Sheepdogs, and more, it’s a weekend of music and art in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Tickets start at $115 and offer various options, including full-weekend passes with camping, so grab your tickets and get ready for a musical adventure in the mountains.
Pembina River Nights
For a laid-back musical experience, head to Pembina River Nights in Evernsburg in July.
Nestled along the scenic banks of the Pembina River, this family-friendly festival offers a diverse lineup of folk, bluegrass, country, and rock music.
Its natural setting and small-town vibe make it the perfect opportunity to kick back, relax, and enjoy live music under the Alberta skies.
North Country Fair
Mark your calendars for June 21 – 23 and head to the picturesque shores of Lesser Slave Lake for the North Country Fair.
This four-day outdoor extravaganza celebrates community spirit and the summer solstice with a medley of folk, country, rock, and blues music.
As one of Alberta’s longest-running festivals, it promises a harmonious blend of arts, culture, and camaraderie.
Camping is free, so grab your festival gear, snag your tickets, and your campsite for an unforgettable weekend under the northern skies.
South Country Fair
If you want a more intimate festival experience, attend the South Country Fair at Fort Macleod in July.
For over 30 years, this festival has been bringing music fans together for a weekend of fun and camaraderie.
With a lineup of always delightful artists and a camping festival vibe, it’s the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Bow Valley Boot Stomp
For a good ol’ country hoe-down, head to the Bow Valley Boot Stomp in Cochrane this July.
With a lineup of well-known artists and plenty of dancing, it’s the perfect way to celebrate summer in Alberta.
So dust off your cowboy boots and prepare to two-step the night away in Cochrane’s beautiful Bow River Valley.
WayneStock
Last but not least, we’re circling back to the Woodstock references.
WayneStock is a four-day music festival set in the historical hamlet of Wayne.
Held over Labour Day weekend, this festival features a mix of roots, rock, blues, and soulful music against the backdrop of Alberta’s badlands.
So pack your camping gear and prepare for a weekend of music, dancing, and good times!
Each festival offers something special, from intimate performances to scenic settings to smooth rhythms.
Take a break this summer and discover Alberta. You never know what you’ll find.
