Winter Music Festivals in Toronto are generally not as massive or memorable as some of the spring and summer fests, but they’re still pretty exciting. They’re also something to do after you finally catch frostbite from winter surfing (check out 50 things to do in winter post for more indoor and outdoor winter ideas). From a one day outdoor EDM fest to indoor showcases by local promoters committed to doing the talent scouting heavy lifting, here are five ongoing and upcoming winter music fests to look forward to.
Long Winter | Jan 10, Feb 7, March 7th | The Great Hall | PWYC
Long Winter is back for year two and already in full swing. The curated/invented/branded dealie mixes bands, art installations, food and more at The Great Hall, where temperatures are always womb-hot no matter how much ice and snow deign to cover this great metropolis. Remaining concerts will take place January 10, Febrary 7, and March 7. They’re also taking over the AGO for first Thursdays tonight.
Class of 2014: Indie Rock Honour Roll | January 3, 11, 17, 18, 24 | Silver Dollar
From January 11 – January 25, the Class of 2014 concert series will rock out at the Silver Dollar Room every weekend. Headliners include Fresh Show, Jef Barbara, Cellphone, and Akua, while presenters include Wavelength, Silent Shout, Mark Pesci’s Toronto Punk and Hardcore Shows, and Aron Miller of Arts & Crafts. . Will these bands be Toronto’s break out acts of 2014? Decide for yourself.
Brrrrr! Winter Music Festival | Feb 1 | Echo Beach | $47 – $94
Brrrrr! Winter Music Festival will be back for a second year, heating up outdoor venue Echo Beach on February 1st, 2014. Brrrrr! promises “a diverse lineup, stunning visual displays and an incendiary vibe” for about $50-$60. Wolfgang Gartner, Sharam, Bass Jackers, Lee Foss and Felix Cartal and more are on the line up. VIP tickets are pricey at $97 but get you access to heated areas and bottle service. Did anyone go last year? Was this awful, or fun?
Wavelength 14 | Feb 13-16 | Various Venues | free – $49
Now entering its 14th year, the 2014 Wavelength Festival will run from February 13-16. The local collective’s music and arts fest will showcase some killer bands at venues around Toronto. This year you can see Colin Stetson, Marnie Stern, DIANA, Cousins, TOPS, US Girls, The Wet Secrets, Odonis Odonis, and many more. You can also bet on special connected events and daytime programming, freebies, and hopefully some all-ages gigs. $49 all access passes are available.
Winterfolk | February 14-16 | Various venues | $15+
Not feeling the indie and electronic concerts? If you’re looking for something more roots oriented, Winterfolk XII will showcase over 150 blues and roots artists on 5 stages from February 14-16. This winter festival is held at various locations on the Danforth. It will also include panels, and workshops for guitar playing, song writing, and more. Check out ticket pricing here.
Photo of Wavelength 13 by Brian Chambers
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