We all love listening to music at the lake. We’ve spent years curating the perfect sitting-on-the-dock playlist, and we’re dedicated fans of our local radio station. But sometimes, there’s an itch that a speaker—no matter how loud, or portable, or waterproof—just can’t scratch.
From the May long weekend to the last days of summer, this list of live music events has everything from local shows, to tribute band tours, to festivals with iconic acts from Canada and abroad.
1. Music on the Barge
Sundays from June 29 to September 7
Gull Lake Rotary Park, 405 Brock St., Gravenhurst, Ont.
This Sunday night series is back for another year at Gravenhurst’s Gull Lake Rotary Park. Music on the Barge is hosting 11 concerts between June and September, featuring artists from near and far. Acts perform on a floating stage atop Gull Lake while guests kick back in lawn chairs or on the newly-installed rock seating. Their 2025 line up features original tunes from emerging artists and the throwback sounds of Garth Brooks, Journey, and more.
2. Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival
July 18 and 19
Gull Lake Rotary Park, 405 Brock St., Gravenhurst, Ont.
Also hosted at picturesque Gull Lake Rotary Park is the Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival. The two-day event in mid-July features 11 acts from across Canada. Whether you want to rock out to old favourites—like Sloan—or discover new names—such as Buck Twenty and Natasha Fisher—the 2025 set list delivers. Find more information, and pick up your festival pass on their website, tallpinesfestival.com.
3. All Your Friends Fest
June 28 and 29
Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 240 8 Line S, Oro Station, Ont.
You may know of Burl’s Creek from the annual Boots and Heart’s Music Festival, but they are also home to the lesser known All Your Friends Fest in late June. This event is only in its second year, but has already booked huge names—Rise Against and Avril Lavigne are set to headline in 2025. You can choose to pop in with a day pass or camp overnight on the event grounds. Either way, be sure to bring all your friends.
4. Live music at Blue Mountain Village
May 11 to August 6
Blue Mountain Village, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, Ont.
Blue Mountain Village presents live music all throughout the summer featuring a smorgasbord of events and genres. Between their holiday concerts, Midweek Music series, and various arts and media festivals, there is always a show to catch. They’re kicking things off on Mother’s Day with a performance from Emily Power and Rick Fairburn, followed by a talented May long weekend line up headlined by Rob Watts and Dean James. See their full summer schedule here.
5. The Ultimate Tribute to Pearl Jam: LEASH
April 11 to November 22
Touring across Ontario
While the wait continues for Pearl Jam to perform in cottage country, it doesn’t mean you can’t hear their tunes! LEASH, a Pearl Jam tribute band, is bringing the iconic grunge band’s energy and essence around Ontario on their 2025 tour, with stops in Owen Sound, Sherkston, Sudbury, and many more. If rocking out to some Pearl Jam is on your summer bucket list, get your tickets here.
6. Mariposa Folk Festival
July 4 to 6
J. B. Tudhope Memorial Park, 500 Atherley Rd, Orillia, Ont.
This classic Canadian music festival is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2025, and it’s booked some big-time performers to mark the occasion. The festival began in Orillia in 1961 and, after a spell in Toronto, returned to its home in cottage country in 2000. From Canadian talent, such as Serena Ryder and The Sheepdogs, to international headliners, such as Waxahatchee and The Paper Kites, it’s almost impossible to pick between the show nights. Good thing they offer a weekend pass!
7. The KEE to Bala
May 16 to August 30
1012 Bala Falls Rd, Bala, Ont.
The May long weekend might kick off the summer (at least in our hearts), but it also marks the first show of The KEE to Bala’s 2025 live music line up. The KEE is roughly halfway between Orillia and Parry Sound and has been bringing great music to cottage country for more than eight decades. This year, they claim the bragging rights to booking Billy Talent (not once, but twice!), The Beaches, Down With Webster, and Nelly. While the show is indoors, the venue is right on the shore of Bala Bay—you can spend the day on the water, then ride a new kind of wave when the concert starts.
8. Boots and Hearts
August 7 to 10
Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, Oro-Medonte, Ont.
Get ready for one of Canada’s biggest country music events of the year. Known for its multi-stage setup, vibrant camping scene, and commitment to showcasing both superstar and emerging talent, Boots and Hearts is a must-attend event for country and rock fans alike. Tickets (including camping packages) are on sale now, with flexible payment options.
9. Concerts on the Dock
Every Wednesday throughout July and August
Town Dock Park, Hunstville, Ont.
The beloved Concerts on the Dock series is back for another summer season. This series brings live music to Town Dock Park every Wednesday night at 7:00pm throughout July and August. Presented by the Town of Huntsville and Algonquin Theatre, this special series features a diverse line-up of artist and genres which spans folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, and more. Bring your lawn chair, friends, and prepare to enjoy an evening of music set against the beautiful Muskoka River.
10. Base31
Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer until the end of October
26-343 County Rd 22, Picton, Ont.
Base31 is Prince Edward County’s hottest new outdoor concert venue. Since opening in 2022, it’s quickly become a province-wide attraction for its weekend concert series, art installations, historic buildings, immersive exhibits, and expansive market serving food and drinks. Live music is hosted every weekend throughout the summer and into October, and this year, they’re featuring some big-ticket bands, such as The Sheepdogs, Down With Webster, and Marianas Trench. The coolest part? Base31 is located on a 70-acre decommissioned WWII airforce base.
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