Ruby Waters, Ikky, Bells Larsen Take Guelph’s Hillside Festival: Canadian Concerts of the Week
Plus, punk band PUP plays three iconic Toronto venues, while The Weeknd makes a stop on the West Coast during his After Hours ‘Til Dawn tour.
This week, there are many events to keep music fans busy nationwide — from a beloved Canadian artist performing in Edmonton to a highly coveted tour at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium.
Concert of the Week
Hillside Festival, Guelph Lake Island, Guelph — July 18-20
This annual three-day summer festival has earned a reputation as one of the country's best for broad artistic vision. Its laidback and attentive vibe makes it a favourite for artists to play. Set in an accessible conservation area near Guelph Lake, the festival is best known for its progressive outlook, environmentally conscious spirit and non-commercial celebrations.
The lineup traditionally leans towards roots and indie rock artists, and this year's roster is no exception. Notable names include esteemed singer-songwriters Tim Baker and Steve Poltz alongside rising stars like Ruby Waters, Polaris Prize shortlister Bibi Club, Bria Salmena and Bells Larsen. It’s a diverse lineup, including afrobeat artist Femi Kuti and award-winning Punjabi-Canadian producer Ikky.
What’s more, Hillside Festival is known for its dedication to the Indigenous community, boasting the Indigenous Circle, which offers various activities like musical performances, community drum circles, talking circles, storytelling and arts and crafts within an atmosphere of inclusiveness throughout the weekend.
Tickets are available here.
More Canadian Concerts of the Week
PUP, multiple venues, Toronto — July 17-19
PUP kicked off their hometown shows earlier this week, hitting the stage at increasingly bigger venues each day. After performing at intimate venues, including a house party, then Sneaky Dee’s (July 14) and Lee's Palace (July 15), the Canadian pop punk band are showing out at The Concert Hall tonight, before hopping over to The Danforth Music Hall tomorrow night, concluding their week-long stint at History on July 19.
Tickets are available here.
The Weeknd, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton — July 19
After kicking off the Canadian leg of his After Hours ‘Til Dawn in Vancouver, The Weeknd is heading over to Alberta — which doesn’t often receive love from touring artists — for a night of nostalgic hits and fresh bangers. While the city won’t be able to experience Playboi Carti’s opening stint, the Scarborough native is doing the rounds while visiting his home country, including stops in Toronto and Montreal next week.
Tickets are available here.
Rod Stewart, Budweiser Stage, Toronto — July 22
Rod Stewart is hitting Toronto on his One Last Time tour, with special guests Cheap Trick. At 80 years old, the stage legend promises an unprecedented evening of iconic hits and a fun concert production befitting of one of the era’s greatest live performers.
Tickets are available here.
Tyler, The Creator, Bell Centre, Montreal — July 22
In support of his recent album, Chromakopia, Tyler, The Creator is taking the stage at Bell Centre. Standing atop a green storage container, this era’s fantastical visuals make it a can’t-miss show. If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket, don’t panic — he’ll be headlining Osheaga on August 2.
Tickets are available here.
BLACKPINK, Rogers Stadium, Toronto — July 22-23
The next performers to take the stage at the newly opened venue Rogers Stadium is the beloved K-pop girl group BLACKPINK. For two nights, the global stars will bring their Deadline World Tour to Toronto as their sole Canadian stop. The lyrics “BLACKPINK in your area” have never felt so real.
Tickets are available here.
