(By: Angela McLean)
Picture this: it’s a hot summer day and there’s music blasting, the bass is pumping, a refreshing drink is in hand and good vibes are all around. With the end of another school term and the start of long-awaited nice weather, this dream is no longer far-fetched!
To get ready for a fun music-filled summer in the 6, check out RUtv News’ top six picks for music festivals in and around the city.
Freedom
Who: Kaskade, KSHMR, Cash Cash, Throttle, Manzone & Strong and more
Where: TD Echo Beach
When: May 22
What: Kaskade is returning to Toronto to headline the return of Freedom, a full-day music festival by the lake at TD Echo Beach. As one of the first shows of the season at the beautiful outdoor venue, consider this your official kickoff to summer show with six confirmed performers ranging from international heavyweights to local favourites.
How: GA and VIP (19+) tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.
Electric Island Concert + Picnic Series
Who: Jamie Jones, Get Real, Dixon, Nicole Moudaber, Paul Kalkbrenner and more
Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Island
When: May 23, July 1, Aug. 1, Sept. 4 and 5
What: Electric Island, now entering its fourth season, consistently receives great praise from its attendees for bringing in top-notch underground and on-the-rise talent while taking full advantage of its cool and unique setting. This summer, the concert + picnic series is being held across five prime weekends, kicking off Victoria Day weekend and coming to a grand close on Labour Day weekend with the festival’s first two-day event.
How: A variety of GA and VIP pass options are available now through Electric Island’s website.
Bestival
Who: Tame Impala, The Cure, Grimes, Daughter, Porter Robinson and more
Where: Woodbine Park
When: June 11 and 12
What: The popular UK festival Bestival made its Canadian debut in 2015 and, much to the delight of its passionate fans, will be returning this summer with a new location, new performers and new installations. Describing itself as a “two day wonderland of music and arts,” Bestival has already teased exciting new developments for its sophomore Toronto showing including an inflatable church, costume parade and drag queen opera show. All of this is in addition to morning-till-night performances from today’s top indie and rock artists!
How: GA and VIP tickets are available now via Front Gate Tickets.
VELD Music Festival
Who: The Chainsmokers, deadmau5, DVBBS, Flume, Steve Aoki and more
Where: Downsview Park
When: July 30 and 31
What: Delivering a jam-packed bill of internationally recognized headliners and supporting performers every year, VELD Music Festival has become a “must attend” for Toronto festival regulars and music fans. Here’s to the rain staying away and not causing a shut-down of day two like last year – this line-up is too good to be missed!
How: GA and VIP weekend passes are available now via Ticketmaster.
OVO Fest
Who: Drake, Future, Roy Woods, dvsn and special guests
Where: Air Canada Centre
When: Aug. 1
What: Drake’s annual OVO Fest will surely not disappoint this summer, coinciding with his Summer Sixteen Tour across North America. Previous guests at the big show, which was historically housed at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, have included Kanye West, Pharrell, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z and Stevie Wonder. It’s anyone’s guess who he will bring out this year, but we’re sure Rihanna will want to return the favour from Drake’s special appearance at her Toronto show earlier this year. Leading up to the main event, a star-studded weekend in the city will include an OVO Bounce basketball game, a previously announced show headlined by Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg, and an additional night at the ACC.
How: With everyone wanting to catch a #view, tickets for OVO Fest sold out in seconds on Ticketmaster and are already listed for top dollar on ticket resale sites like StubHub.
Monster Energy Center of Gravity
Who: Tiësto, Ice Cube, Hardwell, Atmosphere, Showtek and more
Where: Wasaga Beach, ON
When: Aug. 19-21
What: The beach is about to get a lot hotter! Having already established itself as one of the summer’s hottest festivals out west in Kelowna, B.C., Monster Energy Center of Gravity is bringing their epic three-day party to Wasaga Beach this August. The inaugural Ontario fest will feature a fantastic selection of electronic, urban and live music acts across multiple stages, accompanied by several adrenaline pumping sports competitions.
How: Tickets go on sale to the general public May 6, but fans can get their hands on special presale access starting May 3.
Which summer festivals in the 6 are you most excited for? Tweet us! @RUtvNews
