There’s nothing like a really good outdoor music festival, to fall in love with the great outdoors, live music and getting to know people that share the same passion and fun. Here’s some favorite festivals in the west. Visit their websites and Facebook pages for more info and ticket details – direct links to their website is accessible by clicking on their festival name and poster.

Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival

Get ready for the 2023 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival, Thu, Jul 20 – Sun, Jul 23
The lineup will be announced soon (Emmett Jerome will be opening Friday Night). and I can tell you, it is impressive!. This year they are featuring two nights of blues music in Fort Langley on two stages, plus lots of free music as well! Subscriber early bird weekend passes for Cool Blues go on sale March 13 (regular Early Bird on March 15) until April 30 for just $100 (plus GST and service charges).
Info & Tickets:  https://www.fortlangleyjazzfest.com/2023-festival


Mission Folk Music Festival

Fri., Jul 21 – Sun. Jul 23
Held in the Fraser River Heritage Park, this is the 36th annual fabulous weekend of live music and camping, featuring local, national and international artists with a good mix of different genres and music. Ticket info and lineup coming soon. More info:
https://missionfolkmusicfestival.ca/


Mount Baker Rhythm & Blues Festival

We are saddened to report that the Mount Baker Rhythm & Blues Festival will not be happening in 2023. The Deming Logging Grounds pulled the plug on having the grounds that weekend, so they were forced to cancel the event. We are hoping another venue can be found to relaunch this fantastic festival in coming years.


Nanaimo Music Festival

Aug. 10 – Sun, Aug. 13
A fabulous 4 day line-up of live music, held in the Maffao Sutton Park in beautiful downtown Nanaimo. This year’s blues line-up includes The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, Sue Foley, Thornetta Davis, Lady A-Blues Diva, Blue Moon Marquee and Tom Lavin & the Legendary Powder Blues and more announcements to come. Info https://www.facebook.com/events/1526725491144687
Tickets: https://nanaimoblues.tickit.ca/

Each night after the festival, the Queens Hotel is the place to be where many of the artists that played that day congregate to jam, creating some great sounds and memorable moments. The dance floor is always packed, so be sure to get there early.


Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival

Thu., Aug. 17 – Sun., Aug. 20
In their 31st year, the Salmon Arm R&B Festival is a music lovers favorite summer camping festival. Lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but early bird tickets are available. Tickets and info:  www.rootsandblues.ca

From humble beginnings of stand alone folk shows in Salmon Arm community halls, ROOTSandBLUES grew into a major western Canadian outdoor event that has played host to patrons from all over western Canada and the Pacific North West.

Enjoy music from Thursday to Sunday, with great camping right across the road from the festival grounds.


Calgary International Blues Festival

Fri, Aug. 3 – Sun., Aug. 6
Held at the Shaw Millennium Park, the lineup has not been announced yet but early bird tickets are available. This long running festival has been well attended by many, for it’s amazing headliners and fun times. Info: https://calgarybluesfest.com/


Edmonton International Blues Festival

Fri., Aug. 25 – Sun., Aug. 27.
Moving to a new home this year, the Edmonton International Blues Festival will be held at Re/Max Field at the home of the Riverhawks Baseball Club. They will be converting this iconic arena into a Blues haven for the weekend. The weekend will feature Rick Estrin, David Vest, Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers,Brandon Isaak, and many more artists for your festival pleasure!

More info & tickets:  https://www.bluesinternationalltd.com/