These summer festivals are just the thing to widen your cultural horizons, liven your tastebuds and get you dancing to the beat of everything Canada has to offer from coast to coast.
1. Carnaval del Sol – Vancouver
The biggest Latinx festival in the Pacific Northwest takes over Vancouver in early July, with sizzling samba, mouthwatering cuisine and colourful performances. The lead up to this 2 day fiesta has been named “Latin American Week” by the BC Government, and rightly so. Tango and wine, salsa cruises, art and film events kick off the #westcoastbestcoast summer, culminating in #CSOL where, like their tagline states, we really do shine together.
Carnaval del Sol takes place July 7-8, 2018
2. Fringe Festival – Edmonton
The city plays host to numerous arts and culture festivals and events throughout the year, the biggest of which is Fringe, an international theatre festival with over 1600 performances across 42 venues. According to the website, “Everyone who attends the Festival is fringing. Fringing is about experiencing something new and exciting. It’s taking a journey that YOU get to shape. It’s exploring the unknown while you also embrace the familiar.” Sign us up!
The 37th Edmonton International Fringe™ Theatre Festival takes place August 16-26, 2018.
3. Dawson City Music Festival – Dawson City
The Dawson City Music Festival brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy musical programming described by The Georgia Straight as “Canada’s tiny, perfect music festival”. International artists mix with Canadian bands to celebrate summer under the Midnight Sun with a party to get your boots stomping.
The Dawson City Music Festival takes place July 20-22, 2018
4. Festival International Nuits d’Afrique – Montréal
The Festival Nuits d’Afrique showcases the best of world music from Africa, South America and the Antilles. From Brazilian and West African percussion, to reggae, meringue and more, this multicultural and multilingual music event will heat up your summer.
The Festival International Nuits d’Afrique takes place July 10-22, 2018
5. The Powwow Trail – Various locations in New Brunswick
You don’t have to have First Nations heritage to enjoy a powwow – plenty across Canada are open to the wider communities in their regions. They are an important way to celebrate life through song, dance, ceremony and ritual. If you’re in New Brunswick this summer, join the events on the Powwow Trail for a unique understanding of each First Nation.
