With no fewer than five music festivals in July and August, the communities that make up the Municipality of West Nipissing take their tunes seriously! For a toe-tapping good time and a taste of Northern Ontario culture, make sure you hit up at least one of these local festivals if you’re in the area this summer.
As an added bonus, many of these festivals provide camping space for anyone attending for the full weekend!
Rock ‘N’ Ribs Music & Ribs Festival
July 15, 2017
Minnehaha Bay Municipal Marina, Sturgeon Falls
Created in 2015, Rock ‘N’ Ribs is celebrating its 3rd year! This festival books a mix of local artists alongside some of Canada’s best blues, rock, folk, and country artists to put on a fantastic live show.
This year’s lineup won’t disappoint, with acts such as the alt-rock Ascot Royals, folk-rock quintet Union Duke, rocker Carl Dixon, Roadhouse, and more coming to Sturgeon Falls.
Northerners love to chow down, so get your fill of ribs, poutine, fresh-cut fries, and beavertails while you take in a sampling of some of Canada’s finest touring talents.
River & Sky Music & Camping Festival
July 20 – 23, 2017
Fisher’s Paradise, Field
First held in 2009, River & Sky supports regional emerging artists in Northeastern Ontario, showcasing the talents of locals alongside artists from across the country, and beyond.
Festival headliners this year include Wintersleep, Timbre Timbre, PUP, and Weaves. Promising an incredible weekend on the banks of the Sturgeon River, festival-goers have a chance to see other bands such as Murder Murder, Little Scream, Lonely Parade, Heat, Casper Skulls, the Weather Station, and many, many more.
Music is only part of the equation at River & Sky, which is a true celebration of Northern culture. So bring your tents, bikes, canoes, and kids and get ready to have a great time.
33rd River Valley Bluegrass Jamboree
August 2 – 6, 2017
River Valley Bluegrass Park, River Valley
This weekend of River Valley bluegrass jams welcomes a serious lineup of pickin’ aficionados like Scotia Juncton, locals River Valley Grass, Alicia Robichaud & Lonesome Sound, Canucky Bluegrass Boys, and The Nelson Family. The list goes on, but you get the idea – bluegrass, all day!
Bring the kids to this outdoor, family-oriented event. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times, and not welcome in the main concert area. Check out local crafts, visit the vendors, and kick back on the Civic Holiday Long Weekend.
Single-day and weekend passes available, with a rough camping option for weekend attendees.
Lavigne Music Festival de musique de Lavigne
August 26, 2017
Lavigne Outdoor Rink and Ball Field, Lavigne
This arts and music festival held in the community of Lavigne celebrates female performers from all cultural streams and walks of life. Their slogan? “Live, Love, Laugh in Lavigne”.
Performers in this year’s lineup include (but aren’t limited to) Lisa Brokop, Sarah Smith, Mimi O’Bonsawin, and Ginger St. James & the Grinders. A selection of local, up-and-coming youth performers are also on the books – an exciting sample of talents to come!
14th River Valley Country & Bluegrass Wind-up Weekend
August 31 – September 3, 2017
River Valley Bluegrass Park, River Valley
Wrap-up a sensational summer of tunes with River Valley’s third (and newest) country/bluegrass weekend of the season. Performers are still being announced, but the lineup already includes country performers Bonita Mercer, Larry Gillis, and Winterline. Bluegrass performances will include Hard Ryde, a repeat performance by Larry Gillias & Swampgrass, as well as locals Old Tradition, River Valley Grass, and Different Picks.
Similar to other River Valley festivals, children and pets are welcome at this family-oriented event, but please note that pets are not permitted in the main concert grounds.
Single-day and weekend passes available, with a rough camping option for weekend attendees.
Northerners love to celebrate! For more festivals and events, visit our Events Calendar.