Despite producing artists such as The Sheepdogs, Joni Mitchell, One Bad Son, Streetheart, Jess Moskaluke, The Dead South, and countless others, Saskatchewan doesn’t necessarily hold a reputation of being a musical province.
Saskatchewan being relatively off the map when it comes to the tunes is a shame, because this is a province that not only produces excellent musicians, but also lays claim to a plethora of die-hard music fans.
From Rock to Country to Jazz to Classical, here are ten Saskatchewan Music Festivals that you don’t want to miss:
Regina Folk Festival
Where: Regina
What to expect: Folk and alternative artists ranging from the knowns to the unknowns. Past talent has included Tegan and Sara, Lights, The Strumbellas, Twin Peaks, and Sam Roberts Band.
When to expect it: Mid-August
Admission: $100 – 115 CAD with early bird specials. 12 and under = free.
Winterruption
Where: Regina & Saskatoon
What to expect: 40 + local and international alternative/indie artists performing at three venues over three frosty days. Past talent has included Elliott Brood, Northcote, and Said the Whale.
When to expect it: Mid – late January
Admission: $25 – $35
Saskatoon Blues Festival
Where: Saskatoon
What to expect: Brought to us by the Saskatoon Blues Society, the Saskatoon Blues Festival hosts talented blues artists at various clubs, bars, and coffee shops around the city.
When to expect it: Late February – Early March
Admission: Varies; roughly $25 – $50 depending on the performance
Regina Jazz Fest
Where: Regina
What to expect: Brought to us by the Regina Jazz Society, Regina Jazz Fest showcases prominent Jazz artists at different venues around the city. Past artists have included Serena Ryder, Jack Semple, and Nicky Lawrence Quartet.
When to expect it: Mid June
Admission: Varies
Craven Country Jamboree (Country Thunder)
Where: Craven
What to expect: From the local to the international, a great stock of your favorite country artists. Past talent has included Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Blake Shelton, Dixie Chicks, and Martina McBride.
When to expect it: Mid July
Admission: $150 for 4-day General Admission
Rock The River Saskatoon
Where: Saskatoon
What to expect: A collection of your favorite classic rock bands pumping out their greatest hits. Past performers have included Five Man Electrical Band, Harlequin, Prism, Randy Bachman, and The Stampeders
When to expect it: Mid August
Admission: Day pass – $57; Weekend Pass – $150
VIBE Music Festival
Where: Saskatoon
What to expect: Saskatoon’s biggest music festival, VIBE is an intense one-day Hip-Hop and Electronic music marathon. Past artists have included Ludacris, Zomboy, and DJ Craze.
When to expect it: Late August
Admission: $60 – $90
Swamp Fest
Where: Regina
What to expect: Swamp Fest is a community organized event geared to supporting up and coming artists. Past talent has included The Garrys, Snake River, and The Florals.
When to expect it: Early – Mid September
Admission: $40 – $60 for passes; door ticket prices vary
Symphony Under The Sky
Where: Abernethy (Motherwell Homestead)
What to expect: A family-oriented festival with symphonic treats from the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
When to expect it: Late August
Admission: $11 single, $38 family, children 5 years and under free.
The Gateway Music Festival
Where: Bengough
What to expect: A family friendly celebration of music and culture. Past performers have included The Dudes, Northcote, Jess Moskaluke, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider.
When to expect it: Mid – Late July
Admission: $55 – $95
About the Author
Taylor Herperger is a Saskatchewan-born writer with a passion for concerts, travel, and Guinness. Follow her adventures at tayloronatrip.com, on Facebook, or on Instagram.
