First published in the June issue of the free Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine — distributed all around Revelstoke.
Music is the soundtrack to our lives, a celebration of friendship and experiences. Festivals have evolved over time from one-day dedications to massive blowouts that you book and plan for like a vacation.
In B.C., music festivals come and go, so we’ve compiled a list of regional 2016 summer festivals to keep you up to date. There are a variety of music festivals nearby Revelstoke.
They range from your family friendly and chill folk festivals to visual galas with cutting edge lighting and sound systems.
Bass Coast Music Festival
July 8–11 in Merritt, B.C.
An intimate celebration of music and art, Bass Coast’s capacity is usually capped at 3,000, so it’s like partying with all your best friends.
In its eighth year, this festival is one of North America’s best for electronic music. It’s nestled in the picturesque Nicola Valley (three hours southwest of Revelstoke) and will have three immersive audio-visual environments, multiple workshops and over 50 art installations. 2016’s lineup includes Todd Edwards, &ME, Ivy Lab and Machinedrum.
Tickets: Sold out.
Summer Stomp & Burnout
July 14–17 in Sicamous, B.C.
Get out your bandannas and leather jackets in this dedication to motorbikes, babes and good times. In its 27th year, this event is all about fun and motorbike stunts.
Enjoy the rock ‘n’ roll, the wet T-shirt competition, rip a burnout and get a tattoo to remember your weekend.
Tickets: Saturday $34, weekend pass (inc camping) $54.
Armstrong MetalFest
July 15–16 in Armstrong, B.C.
Armstrong Metal Fest is a heavy metal celebration that encourages metal heads to mosh and camp with the backdrop of the Okanagan Valley.
It started as a backyard party in 2009 with eleven local bands, and is now on track to rival the Armstrong Demolition Derby’s reputation for partying loud and proud.
Catering to about 1,000 fans, this headbanger features more than 30 local and international musicians. 2016 is expected to be their biggest year yet and the lineup includes Beyond Creation, Dayglo Abortions, Unleash The Archers and Archspire.
Tickets: Weekend pass $120, includes camping, or $160 at the gate. Day tickets $90 and camping $20.
Motion Notion
July 21–25 in Golden, B.C.
Dance, bond and embrace new ideas at this electronic music festival on the edge of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Where spirituality and music converge in exaltation of the mountain life, Motion Notion is about having a good time and expanding your horizons.
Located at the pristine Beaverfoot Lodge festival grounds, spend your days with friends, new and old, camping by the riverside, trying out workshops on aerial hoops or experience sensory deprivation tanks.
This boutique festival, in its 17th year, attracts a number of renowned artists including Krafty Kuts, Far Too Loud, Danny Byrd and Sander Kleinenberg.
Tickets: Cash on the gate — full event $380. Decreases daily to $80 on Sunday
Merritt Rockin’ River Fest
July 28–31 in Merritt, B.C.
With the likes of Sam Hunt, Randy Houser and Dean Brody, this country-lovin’ shindig is gearing up to the biggest party of the summer for those that like to kick back in the Coldwater River and throw back a few.
Just like the country songs there will be trucks, bikinis and cowboys and this grandstand event draws over 20,000 people to the country music capital of Canada.
Tickets: At the gate four-day $260 (camping separate), 1-day $135.
Kaslo Jazz Festival
July 29–31 in Kaslo, B.C.
Relaxed and cheerful, this community celebration of jazz began 25 years ago and has put the rural community of Kaslo (three hours south-east of Revelstoke) on the map as an artistic and cultural destination.
As the epicenter of the Kootenays, this feel-good music event is for all ages and attracts about 5,000 people from around the region to the floating stage set up on Kootenay Lake’s beach.
Dynamic and talented musicians from all over the world perform jazz, blues, funk, rock, folk, world and electronic music to for three days. The line-up for 2016 includes Shred Kelly, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra.
Tickets: Day gate adult $78.40, Youth $39.20, Under 12 free.
Shambhala Music Festival
August 5–8 at the Salmo River Ranch, B.C.
The juggernaut of B.C.’s music festival season is back for its 19th year. Known as Canada’s premier electronic music festival, Shambhala is a tent city dedicated to music and art, with wonderous themed camps housing its 10,000 guests.
Anything goes here and the otherworldly characters you will meet will stick in your memories. Relax your inhibitions and go along for the ride as you discover new realms.
Taking place on a 500-acre working farm outside of Nelson, this festival has six unique stages and will have performances from Felix da Housecat, Cut Chemist, Boys Noize and Hermitude.
Tickets: Sold out. Sunday Day pass $160 (inc tax).
www.shambhalamusicfestival.com
Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival
August 19–21 in Salmon Arm, B.C.
Lovers of music ranging from blues to bluegrass, Celtic to Cuban and Americana to Afro-beat faithfully return to this family-friendly festival.
A good vibe festival spread over three days, this celebration of music gives emerging artists a platform as well as presenting some musical greats. Four stages through the day and two at night will feature a variety of musicians including Colvin & Earle, Whitehorse, Matt Andersen and Great Lake Swimmers.
Tickets – gate: Weekend Adults $189, Youth $110, Senior $139. Single Day and evening tickets available. Under 12 is free.
Invermere MusicFest
August 19–21 in Invermere, B.C.
Set on the Lake Windermere bank at the Kinsmen Beach Greenspace, the Invermere MusicFest is an entertaining community-loved musical experience.
Friday night kicks off the event with high-energy bands and dancing before a full day on Saturday. Line up includes Royal Canoe, Bend Sinister, HighKicks and De Bruces a Mi. Sunday will be a variety of musical workshops.
Tickets: Under 12 Free. Friday night $25, Saturday full day- $50 night -$35.
Ponderosa Arts & Music Festival
August 19–21 in Rock Creek, B.C.
Laidback and positive, the Ponderosa Arts & Music Festival is like going to party not knowing anyone but leaving with your heart full with new friends and great memories.
This year’s festival will be extra special after a disappointing cancellation last year due to a forest fire. For all ages, this boutique festival is independent and is a fresh perspective on the festival genre.
Spend your time floating on the Kettle River, playing volleyball and hanging out around the barbecue. This year’s musical lineup includes Timber Timbre, Black Mountain, Stickybuds and Harpoonist & The Axe Murder.
Tickets: 3-day $144.50. Limited tickets available at the gate.
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