As the summer heats up, so does this year’s lineup of music festivals, which allows us to immerse ourselves in once-in-a-lifetime showstopping performances. From Montreal’s Osheaga to Toronto’s Veld, Canada is home to some of the biggest music festivals in the world. From performers including Paris Hilton and Charlotte Cardin gracing stages across the country, here the music festivals you need to check out this summer.

Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ)

This year, the Festival d’été de Québec offers several big rock nights that will take us back to the 1990s-2000s, with names like Green Day, Foo Fighters and Weezer, as well as homegrown staples like Les Cowboys Fringants and Les Trois Accords, who will be shaking up the Plains. But the biggest draw of the event is undoubtedly the spellbinding Lana Del Rey, who alone deserves to spend the last weekend of the Festival in the Old Capital.

When: July 6-16

RBC Bluesfest

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RBC Bluesfest (@ottawabluesfest)

Ottawa’s RBC Bluesfest will feature top acts like Shania Twain and Pitbull on this year’s stage. Known as Canada’s fastest-growing outdoor music festival, the blues stage has had the most legendary performances ever on our northern soil. Past performers have attracted thousands each year, including Ray Charles, Sting and Nelly Furtado.

When: July 6-16

Calgary Stampede

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Calgary Stampede (@calgarystampede)

Get ready to say yeehaw: much more than a ten-day long celebration with midway rides and bucking broncos, the Calgary Stampede is a gathering place that hosts, educates and entertains visitors from around the world. This year, the traditional rodeo shows continue during the day, but at night, Canadian talent including Jessie Reyez, Tegan and Sara taking the stage amongst pop powerhouses like Fletcher and Pitbull.

When: July 7-16

Osheaga

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by OSHEAGA (@osheaga)

If Osheaga‘s more “alternative” origins are still palpable, and discoveries abound, the names at the top of the bill are more pop than ever. Rüfüs Du Sol will close the first night with a dance party, while Billie Eilish will electrify Saturday night (preceded by the hazy The National and the sunny Carly Rae Jepsen). And to finish on a high note, we welcome the return of the great Kendrick Lamar on Sunday, where we’ll be keeping an eye out for several remarkable female artists, including Beabadoobee, Kim Petras and Japanese Breakfast.

When: August 4-6

Veld

Happening in Downsview Park, Veld is Canada’s biggest EDM festival. From Steven Aoki to Martin Garrix, the Toronto event is known for its prestige within the EDM community. This year, 60 artists are part of the lineup featuring top names like Zedd and Tiësto. Also, there won’t be one but three stages to keep up the festivities. They’ll have all the LED screens you can imagine and the largest speakers you’ve ever seen.

When: August 4-6

Electric Zoo

Just across the border, New York’s Electric Zoo is a three-day event in Randall’s Island Park. The best in EDM will give their most electrifying performances yet. Considered one of New York City’s biggest festivals, the event usually attracts a crowd of more than 85,000. Past performers include David Guetta and Deadmau5, with this year’s lineup featuring Marshmello and Major Lazer.

When: September 1-3

Rifflandia

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rifflandia Festival (@rifflandia)

One of the longest-running music festivals in Western Canada, Rifflandia is a six-day event in Victoria, British Columbia. Running over two full weekends, the festival regularly features some of the top acts globally and nationwide. It welcomes over 60,000 attendees each year, immersing them in local vendors well-known in Victoria. Their upcoming lineup will include performances from Paris Hilton, Diplo and many more.

When: September 7-9 and 15-17

More from Travel