It can be said that with the exception of the Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto is really lacking in the space necessary to hold a top-notch summer music festival downtown. And before you start, no, Downsview park doesn’t count.
But then our good friends and usually quiet neighbours over at Fort York went and let a bunch of musical hooligans into their yard for some good old fashioned fun. Which has us all excited about these amazing shows lined up this summer.
Last year was a landmark year for the Fort York grounds, as they had opened up the Garrisson common to summer festivals, This year is looking even more promising due to the top-level talent playing at the birthplace of our city.
Field Trip Music and Arts Festival
Saturday, June 8th
Broken Social Scene, Feist, Bloc Party, Stars
Because of indie label Arts and Crafts 10th anniversary, one of the bands that helped launch an indie rock label in Toronto are reuniting for the occasion. Broken Social Scene have been on hiatus since 2011.
Toronto native (and occasional Broken Social Scene member) Feist is on the bill, as well as Brit-punk rockers Bloc Party. This should be a great kickoff to festival season in Toronto.
TURF – Toronto Urban Roots Festival
July 4,5,6,7
She and Him, Arkells, Belle and Sebastian, Flogging Molly, The Hold Steady, Matt Mays, The Joel Plaskett Emergency
A massive festival taking place across 4 days in the heat of summer, TURF music festival combines the best of indie and local acts and sticks them in a blender for 4 days of audible fun. I mean, how often do you get a chance to see Zooey Deschanel?
The Grove Music Festival
Saturday August 3rd
Phoenix, Girl Talk, The Gaslight Anthem
Perhaps the biggest of the 3 festivals in terms of headliners, International darlings Phoenix, mash-up maestro Girl Talk and post-punk rockers The Gaslight Anthem are in town for those of us that don’t want to make the trek to Montreal or that 5th best town, Chicago for the other major festivals.
Which one are you going to? Let us know in the comments or on twitter!
