Music is a language everyone can understand, and South Eastern Ontario has no shortage of festivals to keep you dancing all summer long. Get groovin’ with this list of the top 14 music festivals for 2019!
*Keep this blog bookmarked and part of your Bucket List for the Summer! How many Festivals will you attend?
1. Limestone City Blues Festival 2019
When: Thursday, August 22 – Sunday, August 25
Feel the love in the air in the city of stone while you bump to the beat of some great blues tunes at this years Limestone City Blues Festival. Located downtown in the heart of Kingston’s historic shopping center, grab a few friends to invite to this annual summer delight.
2. Red Hot & Blue Rockabilly Weekend
When: Thursday, August 30 – Sunday, September 1
Just because August is ending doesn’t mean that summer is over, so kick off the celebration of September at the Red Hot & Blue Rockabilly Weekend in Brockville. With an outdoor vintage marge, antique cars, retro fashion shows, dance and guitar lessons, your whole weekend will be filled with unforgettable memories.
3. PEC Jazz Festival
When: Tuesday, August 13 – Sunday, August 18
Grab your tickets for the annual Prince Edward County Jazz Festival, featuring incredible artists including Colleen Allen, Jodi Proznick, Robi Botos and The Brian Barlow Big Band, to name a few. If you love jazz, this is the number one festival for you.
4. 2019 Prince Edward Country Jamboree
When: Thursday, August 22 – Sunday, August 25
What makes a musical festival great? Camping! Imagine three days living off the land with campfires, country music and excellent food. This August, join musicians for four days full of jamming, with Open Mic & Open Stage night, a full lineup, gospel show and more.
5. Wolfe Island Music Festival
When: Saturday, August 10 – Sunday, August 11
Welcoming its 21st year of providing grass roots music to South Eastern Ontario and those who come from far to witness the talent, taste the treats and sip on some locally brewed ale on the stunning Wolfe Island for the weekend.
6. 1000 Islands Family Ribfest
When: Friday, June 28 – Sunday, June 30
Not only will you find fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoky brisket and caramelized barbeque chicken, you can also be sure to experience the talents of many local artists at the annual 1000 Islands Family Ribfest in Gananoque. Enjoy bands including The Stares, Chris Jackson & Friends, country and rock artists The Shadoz and many many more.
7. Emerald Music Festival – Amherst Island
When: Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11
Pack up the tent, grab some extra firewood and don’t forget the marshmallows when you make your way to Amherst Island for the annual Emerald Music Festival this August. This years musical talent includes Little Caesar & The Consuls, David McGrath, Rudy & Saddle Up and many more incredible artists.
8. Back to the Farm Beer and Music Festival
When: Saturday, August 18
A magical idea turned into one of the best festivals you can find in South Eastern Ontario. Back to the Farm: MacKinnon Brothers Beer & Music festival features incredible brews while blessing your ears with the likes of favourite musicians and bands including Greg Ball, Bon Evans, Fast Romantics and The Beaches. Check out this awesome field party and enjoy some awesome grub from local food trucks as well.
9. Voodoo Rock Fest
When: Friday, August 9 – Saturday, August 10
If you fancy some indie music, This years Voodoo Rock Fest is the place to be. Kingston’s very own radio station K-Rock 105.7 presents this annual festival with an onslaught of brands that are on the road to fame. Grab a tent or trailer to stay the weekend or just stop by for the evening and enjoy some incredible tunes, food truck goodies, as well as craft and domestic brews!
10. Beer, Bourbon, BBQ, And Blues Festival
When: Saturday, July 13
Head over to the NAV centre Saturday, July 13th for the quadruple threat – beer, bourbon, barbeque and blues music! Breweries and distilleries from around South Eastern Ontario join together to provide you with multiple taste experiences while you jam out to talented artists like The Legendary Castaways and the Gary Cain Band.
11. Quinte’s Isle Bluegrass Celebration
When: Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26
Invite all your friends to this heartwarming event of the summer in Quinte’s Isle Camp Park in Cherry Valley. Regional and local Canadian bands including Wildwood, The Schotts, Sweetgrass and Smokey Folk bring you some sweet bluegrass melodies while you enjoy drinks, food and fishing over the beautiful May weekend.
12. Trenton Big Band Festival
Prepare to be moved by the talents of many with Trenton’s Big Band Festival this July. With nationally treasured bands including the Toronto All-Star Big Band, The Commodores Orchestra and Martin Loomer’s Orange Devils, you heart will be filled by the dynamic arrangements and symmetry of these amazing artists.
13. MUSICwestport Free Open Air Festival
When: Friday, August 16 – Saturday, August 17
Music lovers of all genres can enjoy this outdoor festival this August in Westport. With rotations of music styles on the roster including The Steadies, Ariana Gillis, The Bank Street Bonbons and DJ Miek Sitchon, you’ll definitely find something that gets the body grooving. You can bring the whole family to this festival with a food and market as well as a kid zone for the little ones.
14. Kemptville Live Music Festival
When: Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, July 21
Rock’n’Rollers pack your bags for this years Live Music Festival in Kemptville in July. American rock legend George Thorogood and the Destroyers plan to bring the crowd to their feet, as well as more great talents including David Wilcox, Kim Mitchell and Steve Earle & The Dukes.
