By Lori Bosworth
For some of us, summer wouldn’t be summer without taking in a summer music festival. Whether you’re a fan of the sweet soulful sounds of Sam Smith, the legendary pop-folk music of Neil Young or the edgy, electro beats of Florence and the Machine, Toronto has several great summer music festivals in 2015.
Bestival at Toronto Islands
Bestival comes to Hanlan’s Point at the Toronto Islands from June 12-13,2015. Confirmed acts include Florence & The Machine, Nas, Flume, Caribou, SBTRKT, Flosstradamus, Robin Schultz, Jamie Jones, Bakermat, Rudimental, Owen Pallett, Keys N Krates and others. Single day tickets are $88.29 (including taxes and service fees) and 2-day General Admission Tier 1 tickets are (16+) $163.84, 2-day General Admission Tier 2 tickets are (16+) $186.44, 2 Day VIP tickets (19+) $$299.44 and 2 Day VIP Tier 2(19+) tickets are $355.94.
Arts & Crafts Field Trip 2015
Arts & Crafts Field Trip returns to Fort York and Garrison Common in Toronto on June 6-7, 2015. This favourite Toronto music festival features artists performing Saturday, June 6, 2015 that include Alabama Shakes, Arkells, The War on Drugs, Purity Ring, De La Soul, Apostle of Hustle, Sharon & Bram, Jacques Greene, Young Empires and others. Artists performing on Sunday, June 7, 2015 are My Morning Jacket, Marina & The Diamonds, Father John Misty, Rhye, Kevin Drew & Andy Kim, Temples, Hayden, Dan Mangan & Blacksmith, Absolutely Free and others. Single Day tickets are $70 ($89.75 with fees); VIP tickets are $148.50 and can be purchased online.
The Wayhome Festival, Oro-Medonte
If you’re looking for things to do in Toronto this summer, the Wayhome Festival comes to Oro-Medonte July 24-26, 2015 and features musical acts such as Neil Young, Sam Smith, Promise of the Real, Kendrick Lamar, Alt-J, Modest Mouse, Hozier, Bassnectar, The Decemberists, Passion Pit, Brandon Flowers, The Sheepdogs, July Talk, Timber Timbre, Sloan, Yukon Blonde, Hey Rosetta and others. VIP Full Event tickets include front of stage viewing, access to a cool lounge, private cash bar, private washrooms, massage, tent camping or parking for one car, complimentary shower pass, and light morning refreshments. Tier 1 tickets $209.99 (sold out), Tier 2 tickets $229.99, Tier 3 tickets $249.99 and Tier 4 tickets $289.99.
CBCMusic.ca Festival
The CBCMusic.ca Festival comes to Echo Beach at Ontario Place in Toronto on Saturday, May 23, 2015. Acts include Patrick Watson, Bahamas, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Shad, Coeur De Pirate, The Strumbellas, Lindi Ortega, Jenn Grant, Fred Penner, Tanika Charles, Choir! Choir! Choir! and others. Vinyl Cafe’s Stuart McLean will be taking song requests for the show. Kids’ CBC co-host Mamma Yamma will entertain the kids. CBC personalities including Matt Galloway will make special appearances throughout the day. General Admission tickets are $54.75 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by calling 1-855-985-5000. The event is Rain or shine event. 12 and under are free.
