July
Astral Harvest Music & Arts Festival 2019
When: Thrusday, July 4th until Sunday, July 7th, 2019.
Where: North Country Fair Festival Grounds, Driftpile, AB, Canada. (3.5 hours north of Edmonton, AB)
Why you should go:
Airing on the funkier side of things Astral Harvest Music & Arts Festival is bringing chilled out West Coast vibes to Alberta for another year of bliss'ed out communal harmony. Pushing beyond the confined limitations of a traditional festival Astral Harvest revels in the warm embrace of health & wellness, as a one of a kind celebration of 'music, art, knowledge, community and the human experience.' Bolstering not only a stellar musical lineup—Matroda, Stickybuds, Slynk, Neon Steve—the festival offers yoga, movement, art, and knowledge performers/guides. Regardless of your interests Astral Harvest hold something for everyone; learn about gardening, introduce yourself to magic, or delve in to the healing energies. If you are looking to expand your cultural horizon James W. Jesso will be there to speak on being an Agent of Compassion. After you've explored your intellectual sense of self find Krystal and DJ Chillier for a session of Sensual Shakti Yoga. Astral Harvest is more than a festival, it is an immersive awakening to the intricacies of human nature. From July 4-7 come dance away your problems, and broaden your horizon with a community of open-minded dreamers.
FVDED In The Park
When: From Friday, July 5th until Saturday, July 6th, 2019
Location: Holland Park, 13428 old Yale Road, Surrey, B.C.
Why you should go:
Entering its fifth year as a two day event, this years lineup for FVDED in the Park has taken a decidedly more rap/r&b focused approach to its roster of artists. Don't worry, there are still dance music artists in the lineup—notably Zedd, Louis The Child, Green Velvet, & Ekali—but you need to favour rap if you are going to get the most out of this years iteration. That being said, FVDED is the last festival standing in the lower mainland, and it is almost guaranteed to be this years largest local two day party; it always delivers in terms of creating a fantastic escapist atmosphere. With every passing year FVDED in the Park makes major improvements to each of its three stages; Pacific Stage, Northwest Tent, & FVDED Lab—and we don't expect this year to be an exception. On the non-electronic side of things make sure you catch Khalid and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Bass Coast Festival
When: Friday, July 12th until Monday, July 15th, 2019.
Where: 1000 Midday Valley Rd, Nicola Valley, Merritt, B.C.
Why you should go:
Over the last eleven years Bass Coast has risen to prominence as an inclusive intimate alternative to Shambhala. As the Salmo festival continued to garner global attention some dance music fans felt as though it was losing the spark that initially attracted them to the fest. Bass Coast takes up the mantle as a socially minded festival focused on remaining a boutique experience. With Merritt as its backdrop the festival prides itself on incorporating the natural majesty of BC as a fundamental aspect of bringing the event to life. Bass Coast focuses on mutual respect; true harmony centred around a diverse community interwoven by a mutual love for music & artistry. This years theme is duality; and the festival organizers challenge attendees to explore the space where opposites exist—within nature & themselves—in order to find balance and serenity in life's continual contrast. In terms of musical talent, this years festival offers none other than the Dirtybird boss himself, Claude Vonstroke. Other standouts include G Jones, and BC favourites The Funk Hunters.
Festival Arrivals 2019
When: Friday, July 12th until Monday, July 15th, 2019.
Where: Camping Saint-Pie, 824 Grand Rang Saint-Francois O, Saint-Pie, Quebec, J0H 1W0
Why you should go:
Another addition to Montreal’s festival lineup is Festival Arrivals on the South Shore of Montreal Island with a diverse line up for anyone who loves electronic music. Loading up the bass artists such as Bear Grillz, Riot Ten, Boogie T, and Virtual Riot, just to name a few, and some awesome house DJ’s including Drezo, Brohug, Black Caviar, and a continuous list of solid acts that will keep you dancing until you drop. Year #1 of this festival is lining up to be a real banger two straight days so if you’re looking for a good time on the outskirts of downtown Montreal for an affordable price.
AIM Electronic Music Festival
When: Friday, July 12th to Sunday, July 14th, 2019.
Location: Parc Carillon, Rue du Plein Air, St-André d Argenteuil, QC J0V 1X0
Why you should go:
Who’s ready for 32 straight hours of music? Just an hour drive outside of Montreal is AIM Music Festival that will keep you dancing, raving, and making new friends for 3 straight days. There is so much to be said about this festival as it is unique and innovative in so many different ways. Pushing for what they stand for, AIM has “no fast food music, no foam, no cake, no steam” to focus on captivating the art of the music itself. But this art wouldn’t be possible without the DJs themselves. John Digweed alongside Danny Tenaglia are set to make separate appearances with 4-hour sets to keep you moving. Smaller but talented names like Kärl K-Otik and Niles Baxter are local favorites that seem to nail every show they play. This event is set to be an interesting one and it is also fun to note that it is the only festival in Canada Authorized to offer nonstop music for 3 straight days.
Valhalla Sound Circus
When: Thursday, July 18th - Monday, July 22nd, 2019.
Where: 891 Rang Sainte-Madeleine, Saint-Andre-Avelin, QC J0V
Why you should go:
Just two hours outside of Montreal is one of Quebec’s the heaviest bass camping music festival that will keep you dancing from Thursday to Monday. Valhalla Sound Circus is a special one. It's held its underground status by having a solid line up of talented but lesser known DJs but booking over 150 acts over the weekend. Notably, some recognizable names such as Dubloadz, Herobust, Krimer, Monxx, Space Jesus, Svdden Death, and so many more (it’s actually unbelievable). For a summer road trip/camping get-away/rave prices are at an incredibly affordable price.
Evolve Festival
When: Friday, July 19th until Sunday, July 21st, 2019.
Where: 274 Girvan Road, Moncton, New Brunswick, E4T 2J9
Why you should go:
Moncton, NB has a really exciting festival lined up this this summer. Evolve Festival has probably the lesser known lineups but none the less (if not more) authentic. EDM DJs like Kendoll, Noizu, CHUURCH, and many other local (Canadian) DJs are getting ready for an awesome weekend. Although small, this festival has booked names like Rezz, Black Tiger Sex Machine, and Grandtheft in the past so check out the festival and you might just see the future biggest name of EDM.
Future Forest
When: Friday, July 26th until Monday, July 29th, 2019.
Where: Albrights Corner, NB.
Why you should go:
Future Forest promises an experience where "nature, art and technology collide, bound by the sounds of bass, trap, hip hop, funk, throwback house, and psychedelic techno". This year’s festival offers 200 acres of space for an off grid festival experience, three nature inspired stages, PK Sound, a yoga village, projection arts on every stage, and more. The 2019 lineup includes Ardalan, Sam Binga, Huxley Anne, Justin Martin, Stickybuds, and more. Combine these known names with the best of the local scene and you've got a festival worth visiting.