Looking for something fun to do this summer? Why not hit up one of these hot west coast festivals?
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Bard on the Beach, June-September
Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest Shakespeare Festivals and is set against the backdrop of Vancouver’s Vanier Park. The festival features Shakespearean plays and dramas as well as special events in a 520-seat tent.
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Saskatoon Jazz Festival, June
A small-town festival that draws big names (like Macy Gray and The Roots) you’ll hear everything from jazz to blues and worldbeat to funk. You can also indulge in great food and family events. The festival is Saskatchewan’s largest event.
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Winnipeg Folk Festival, All summer
Featuring over 80 folk artists, the Winnipeg Folk Festival is one of the city’s premier events and takes place in Birds Hill Park. There are shows throughout the year.
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The Calgary Stampede, July
Don your cowgirl (or boy) hat and spurs at this 10-day event celebrating outdoor activities. There’s always a massive carnival, parade and rodeo.
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Craven Country Jamboree, July
Today’s hottest country acts, as well as a few legends, will perform at this annual Saskatchewan event. There’s even on-site camping and a songwriter’s festival.
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Festival of Words, July
This festival, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, has a way with words and features all sorts of activities to get your creative writing juices flowing. There are also events featuring storytelling, book illustrating, book design and tips on the trade from journalists, editors and actors. Workshops include Narrative for Non-beginners, the Great Big Book Club and Slam Poetry.
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Vancouver’s Symphony of Fire, July
The largest fireworks competition in the world, this is the place to get your fix of fireworks. The displays are all synched to music. Each year various countries compete against one another in an amazing spectacle of lights.
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Marine Festival and Bathtub Race, July
The Nanaimo Marine Festival features a Bathtub Race (a 36-mile course which is raced by hundreds of boaters), a parade, an arts and crafts fair and various other events for the whole family to enjoy.
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Big Valley Jamboree, Late July or early August
Whether you’re a true country music fan or are just starting to dabble in the genre’s tunes, this is the festival, in Camrose, Alberta, for country music. Headliners include Keith Urban and Brad Paisley. There’s even a mini-music village.
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Edmonton Folk Festival, August
As one of the world’s premier folk festivals, Edmonton plays host to some of the newest performers in the music industry in Gallagher Park at this yearly event. It features dozens of concerts as well as music-themed events throughout the city.
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Edmonton Labatt Blues Festival, August
The premier blues event on the west coast, this event draws thousands to Edmonton’s city centre each year. Dozens of mainstay blues event acts got their big break here.
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More festivals in Canada
12 Canadian Summer Festivals: East Coast
4 of the Top Fall Festivals in Canada
10 Great Canada Day Bash
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