When May ended, the entire last week of the month seemingly pushed 30 degrees every day. While it wasn’t summer, it sure felt like it! Now that summer is really upon us it means that it is festival season! We have three big fests right in the city and a few more that I even didn’t bring up because there are just so many to cover. I love summer for many reasons, but one of the best reasons is festivals and outdoor venues for concerts. Enjoy your summer everyone!
Field Trip @ Fort York Garrison Commons
June 4-5th, 2016
2 day pass $125.00+ or 1 day pass for $75.00+| All Ages
Last LiL Coverage Day 1 and Day 2
The former Broken Social Scene festival has expanded and attracts some top tier talent. This year it is headlined by The National, Robyn, July Talk, Of Montreal, Santigold, Charles Bradley, DIIV and many more! Kids are free and with the cost you really can’t beat it as far as bang for your buck goes.
Twenty One Pilots @ Molson Amphitheatre
June 7th, 2016
$28.75-$63.75 | All Ages
The emo rap rockers have gotten exponentially huge since they released Blurryface last year. Having seen them at Bonnaroo last summer, I know how great of a live show they put on. I went in not as a fan, but left very impressed. You’re probably sick of hearing their half a dozen singles currently on heavy rotation on all radio stations but they pack a big punch.
Motion City Soundtrack @ The Opera House
June 6th, 2016
$40.00 | All Ages
The pop punk rockers are saying goodbye in style by having a grand farewell tour. I remember way back in 2005 being a big fan of Everything is Alright and I’m sure many of you have fond memories of them when you were in high school. I’m sure they would love to see a packed crowd to send them off.
Florence and the Machine @ Molson Amphitheatre
June 10th, 2016
$30.25-$154.75 | All Ages
Seeing Florence Welch live is a religious experience. If you are a skeptic, all it takes is a few songs to be convinced she truly is the queen of modern music. Watching Welch dance across the stage barefoot and interact with fans will have you grinning the whole time. Also having Of Monsters and Men open makes this double bill well worth the money.
Bestival @ Woodbine Park
June 11-12th, 2016
2 day pass $159.50+ or 1 day pass $84.50 | All Ages
Last LiL Coverage Day 1 and Day 2
The UK festival import returns for a second year, with a bigger and bolder lineup. Top names include The Cure, Tame Impala, Grimes, Odesza, Jamie xx, Porter Robinson, Daughter, Madeon and much more. Obviously the fest is heavy on the electronic side of the spectrum, but it differs greatly from acts typically seen at Veld or Digital Dreams.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis @ Echo Beach
June 15th, 2016
$53.00-$73.00 | All Ages
Forget the jokes you either hear or love to make yourself. Macklemore is actually a pretty damn good performer. Sure you’re probably sick of Thrift Shop, Same Love or Downtown but he actually has been around for quite a while and has 6 releases under his belt. He is also has quite a bit of self-awareness, so any joke you can think of he’s heard it before and probably rapped about it to make fun of himself. Get over your ego and have some fun.
NXNE @ Port Lands
June 17-18th, 2016
$79.50+ | All Ages
NXNE has retooled their fest. No longer will they host free shows at Yonge Dundas Square, but instead focus on having a mini fest at the Port Lands. On Day 1 you have hip-hop acts like ScHoolboy Q, Ghostface Killah, Freddie Gibbs, Shamir, Mick Jenkis and more. On Day 2 you can see rock acts like Father John Misty, Mother Mother, Dan Mangan, The Zolas and more. NXNE will still have club shows, but this will be the focal point of the week.
Daryl Hall and John Oates @ Molson Amphitheatre
June 23rd, 2016
$29.25-$153.75 | All Ages
The legends of 80’s pop are back but touring under their full names instead of just Hall and Oates for some reason. Either this show is a must see for you, or it isn’t there really isn’t much middle ground. But c’mon who doesn’t want to sing along to Rich Girl, Maneater, You Make My Dreams and Private Eye?
Shad @ The Mod Club
June 24th, 2016
$20.00 | All Ages
With all due respect to Drake Shad is Toronto’s top rapper (Drake is a hip hop artist anyways). Come out to the sweatbox known as The Mod Club as Shadrach has a tune up show for southern Ontario fans before appearing at Wayhome in July.
Fitz & the Tantrums @ Danforth Music Hall
June 25th, 2016
$30.00-$40.00 | All Ages
This neo-soul pop band is back with a new record. Chances are you have probably heard HandClap by now with its infectious chorus. While the band has been trending more pop than soul as of late, they are still a ton of fun. This is a great show if you love to dance, because they will make you whether you like it or not!
