4 Must Do "Green" Music Festivals

Celebrating Canada One Festival At A Time

By Bryen Dunn

HILLSIDE FESTIVAL Guelph, Ontario

July 12 to 14, 2019

Hillside Festival was founded over three decades ago by musicians and environmental advocates. It has presented innovative music, indigenous drumming, childrens entertainment, creative workshops, artisan crafts, and local food and drink every summer.

It has received several awards for its “green” initiatives, such as the naturally constructed stage covering. They also offer free water and reusable dishes that volunteers wash onsite. No single use plastic items allowed.

There’s also onsite composting, solar heaters, and pedal-powered charging stations. Ride your bike or take the shuttle from Guelph or Toronto. Book a traditional campsite in advance or go rustic with field camping.

Guelph Lake Island, Guelph Lake Conservation Area, 7743 Conservation Drive, Guelph, Ontario. www.hillsidefestival.ca

SHAMBHALA MUSIC FESTIVAL Salmo River, BC

Aug 9 to 12, 2019

In 1998, some 500 people gathered at the Salmo River Ranch for a party that showcased local art and underground electronic music. Today it attracts world renowned DJs, artists, and the most eclectic, energetic fans in the universe. Food vendors, general store, artisan market, charging stations, showers, and fresh mountain water are available onsite. Each ticket purchased allows for free basic camping with luxury glamping and RV upgrades available. Shuttles and ride-share available. Organize your own workshop, design a costume, and join the fun, as this 500-acre working farm becomes the largest city in the West Kootenays for five days!

7790 Hwy 3 & 6, Salmo, British Columbia shambhalamusicfestival.com

RIVERFEST ELORA Elora, Ontario

Aug 16 to 18, 2019

Riverfest Elora, held along the banks of the Grand River, has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a backyard festival just 11 years ago. The festival was founded by Elora artist Marilyn Koop in 2009 to celebrate music alongside the beauty of the Grand River. Koop passed away in 2012 and the festival continues in her memory. Over the years, the festival has brought an impressive array of musicians to the small town. Riverfest practices waste reduction by prohibiting bottled water and straws, and utilizes reusable mugs for beer sales. Get ready for a full weekend of music, arts, camping, food and culture that is sure to deliver lasting memories!

Bissell Park, Mill Street East, Elora, ON riverfestelora.com

ELECTRIC ECLECTICS Meaford, Ontario

Aug 2 to 4, 2019

Electric Eclectics takes place on a privatelyowned farm overlooking the scenic Big Head Valley, just outside of Meaford, Ontario. The “Funny Farm” features some of the best sunsets you will ever see, and the strangest music you will ever hear. An eclectic program of avant-garde and crossover musicians, as well as art installations, DJs, and films. There’s onsite primitive camping available (no water/ electricity/campfires). Shower outdoors or head to the local beach. Grab a bite from the onsite food vendors. Free shuttle to and from Meaford. If Burning Man and Woodstock had a provincial Canadian kid, this would be it!

202 Scotch Mountain Road, Meaford, ON www.c3r.ca/electriceclectics