Music concert with large crowd

Dance the Night Away at Toronto's Best Music Festivals

Published: July 12, 2024

Calling all music enthusiasts and festival fans!

Dive into Toronto's electrifying outdoor music scene this summer with UP Express! The 2024 festival lineup features diverse music, from indie rock to electronic dance.

What better way to jumpstart your musical adventure than hopping aboard the UP Express? Running every 15 minutes, UP Express swiftly transports you from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto in as little as 25 minutes, immersing you in the city's vibrant music scene without the stress of crowds.

Are you a student? Save on your UP Express fare! Students save 40% off the strand adult fare using PRESTO.

So, grab your festival essentials and embark on a harmonious journey through the city - with UP Express as your ticket to musical paradise, it's sure to be a musical summer!

Canadian summer: the perfect music venue

Group of four youth walk down Bay Street, adjacent to Scotiabank Arena

Summer in Southern Ontario is the perfect venue for outdoor music! With the region's rich diversity and vibrant cultural scene, Southern Ontario offers various settings for music fans to enjoy. With winters in this part of Canada being extremely cold, summer in Southern Ontario is when everyone comes out of hibernation, making music festivals full of life.

These festivals are more than music; they also showcase fantastic food, unique art, and the opportunity to explore new and exciting venues. For those visiting Canada for the first time, these music festivals offer a chance to immerse in a diverse and dynamic atmosphere while enjoying the best that Canada has to offer.

Given that summer is the best time for music festivals in Toronto, UP Express has compiled a list of all the top music festivals in the region. As Toronto's only airport rail link, UP Express is your first stop while exploring these different locations, music types, and festivals!

Top Electric Festivals

DJ at music festival turning turntable

Veld Music Festival

The 2024 Veld Music Festival is one of the most anticipated summer events. Located in the sprawling urban park at Downsview in midtown Toronto, this annual festival happens August 2 to 4 and features a lineup of top electronic music artists and DJs, drawing crowds of music enthusiasts from near and far. Ravers can expect high-energy performances, immersive light shows, and a vibrant, young atmosphere. UP Express is the perfect way to travel to the festival, providing swift and convenient transportation from Pearson Station to downtown Toronto, with easy connections to local transit options for reaching the festival grounds at Downsview Park through TTC or GO Transit.

Electric Island Music Festival

The Electric Island Music Festival is a unique event on the picturesque Toronto Islands. This stunning location offers festivalgoers an escape from the city while enjoying world-class electronic music acts. Its proximity to Union Station makes it even more convenient, making the UP Express the perfect way to travel to the festival. With its beautiful island setting and easy transportation access, the Electric Island Music Festival promises an unforgettable experience for electronic music lovers.

The Best Rock and Country Music Festivals in Toronto

Close up shot of person strumming guitar

Boots and Hearts Music Festival

This festival is a must-attend event for country music fans, occurring annually in Oro-Medonte, 2 hours north of Toronto. All outdoor, this weekend-long festival on August 8 to 11, features a lineup of top country music artists and promises a great mix of live performances and a distinctive country atmosphere. To get there quickly, you can take the UP Express from Pearson Station to downtown Toronto and then transfer to GO Transit at Union Station for a smooth journey to Barrie, where shuttle services are available to reach the festival grounds. With convenient transportation options, getting to the Boots and Hearts Music Festival is a great opportunity to get some country in during your trip to the city.

All Your Friends Fest

Get ready to experience the ultimate musical extravaganza at the All Your Friends Fest! This rock festival on August 23 and 24 at Burl’s Creek Event Ground features an eclectic mix of indie rock, pop, and alternative music, promising non-stop entertainment for music enthusiasts who remember the early 2000s fondly. To reach Barrie for the festival, you can take UP Express from Pearson Station to downtown Toronto and then transfer to GO Transit at Union Station for a smooth journey to Barrie.

The Best Jazz Music Festivals in Toronto

Person playing saxophone at dusk at a music festival

TD Markham Jazz Festival

The TD Markham Jazz Festival is a local community event showcasing the best jazz music from Toronto and all over Canada. Held in Markham, this festival attracts local and international jazz enthusiasts with its diverse lineup of talented musicians and captivating performances. UP Express provides a seamless and swift journey for festival-goers travelling to the TD Markham Jazz Festival from Pearson Airport, Bloor and Weston through Union Station using GO Transit for onward travel to Markham.

Beaches Jazz Festival

The Beaches Jazz Festival takes over an entire road, transforming Queen Street East into a lively and bustling music and entertainment hub. This jazz festival features a diverse lineup of jazz performances and talented musicians from the international jazz scene, matching the diversity of the city itself. It also features food and cultural stalls to keep the party going well into the night. To get to the Beaches Jazz Festival, you can take the UP Express to Union Station, which connects you seamlessly to the TTC and GO Transit, which will take you right to the festival area on the East End.

Something for everybody!

Group of people sitting on the ground at an outdoor music festival watching the stage

Toronto's vibrant summer festival scene offers an exciting array of musical experiences for enthusiasts of all genres. Whether you're into electronic beats or smooth jazz melodies, there is a festival for everyone this summer. With UP Express as your reliable transportation partner, getting to your favourite festival has never been easier. UP Express provides swift and convenient travel from Pearson Station to downtown Toronto, offering seamless connections to local transit options like TTC and GO Transit, ensuring you never miss a beat stuck in the crowd.

With UP Express, the journey to musical paradise begins the moment you hop on board.