Whether it’s a one day event or a week-long celebration, there are a number of music festivals taking place over the summer. From jazz, rock, folk, country or any musical style to suit your taste, each festival is unique in what it has to offer. But many have one similarity – they cost money. What most people don’t know, however, is that there are hidden secrets just waiting to be found. Here is a list of some of the free music events happening throughout Ontario.
Greater Toronto Area
Location: Whitby - Rotary Centennial Park
Every Wednesday from June to August, Rotary Centennial Park offers music concerts in a beautiful park setting. Weekly performances may include jazz, classical, blues, pop and children's performances. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the outdoor musical experience.
June 3 – August 26 from 7pm – 8:30pm
Burlington's Sound of Music Festival
Location: Burlington – Downtown/Waterfront
This free four-day event features jazz, folk, rock, pop, country, blues, Latin, Celtic, and more on several stages. There is also a parade, carnival, marketplace, Family Zone and the Downtown Streetfest.
June 18 – June 21 Thursday 7pm - 11pm Friday 6pm - 12am Saturday 1pm - 12am Parade - 11am Sunday 1pm- 5pm
TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival
Location: Toronto – Nathan Phillips Square
The 23rd edition of the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival offers a number of free performances. Check out the website for details.
June 26 – July 5
Unionville Heritage & Big Band Festival
Location: Unionville – Historic Main Street
In celebration of the fall season, this Labour Day event will be filled with the sounds of Big Bands. There are also antique and street markets, entertainment and historical displays.
September 7 from 10am – 6pm
Muskoka
Band Shell Concert Series
Location: Bracebridge - Memorial Park
Music for the whole family. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to Memorial Park throughout the summer to enjoy concert bands, country, folk, rock n' roll, gospel, pipes and drums, brass bands, dixieland, blues and children's musical entertainment.
Donations are welcome, which go directly to the performers.
May 25 – August 26 from 7pm – 8:30pm
For Specific Dates, check out http://www.doitinmuskoka.ca/events/doit2_eventslist.php
Huntsville Jazz Festival
Location: Huntsville – Algonquin Theatre
Three evenings of professional jazz concerts, featuring National and International artists. Many of the events require tickets, but there will be additional concerts and outdoor performances that will be free.
July 30 – August 2
Southern Georgian Bay
14th Annual Barrie Jazz & Blues Festival
Location: Barrie – Various Venues
With over 25 venues lined up for this incredible jazz and blues fest, it will be easy to find events that are free. Check out the website to find no admission venues and performances.
June 11 – June 22
North Central Ontario
Location: Thunder Bay – Marina Park
Local musicians will perform every Wednesday night. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy some of Thunder Bay’s most talented artists.
June 24 – August 19 from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
There are also a number of festivals taking place in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. With all these free concerts, there’s no excuse to stay indoors this summer. So grab the kids and the sunscreen and get out there and enjoy the music!
Jennifer Berube - I am a freelance writer based in Victoria, B.C. I graduated from the Humber College Journalism program and have worked as a reporter for a ...
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