Canada vs Ireland: Best Music Festivals to Visit in 2025 + Fun Alternatives Online
There’s something special about music in the open air – the energy, the sounds, the way strangers become friends in a matter of minutes. After spending years chasing summer beats across British Columbia, we finally made it to Ireland this season and caught a few of their legendary festivals. And honestly? The vibes were different but just as unforgettable.
So now that we’ve got both fresh in our minds, we figured it’s time to compare. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking for your next favourite fest – or even something fun to do online – here’s our take on the best music festivals in Canada and Ireland for 2025.
Music Festival Culture in British Columbia
British Columbia is wild, beautiful, and full of sound. Most festivals are outdoors and community-driven, and many are tied to local food, craft beer, and nature. Each year, these festivals draw thousands, and 2025 is no exception.
Rifflandia Festival – Victoria, BC
When: September 11–14, 2025
Where: Matullia Lands & downtown venues
Rifflandia is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025. Over 25,000 fans gather in Victoria for four days of indie, hip hop, and pop acts. Past performers include Lorde, Run The Jewels, and Iggy Pop. The 2025 lineup includes Public Enemy, Alessia Cara, and Shakey Graves. It’s easy to get around – venues are within walking distance, and the city’s charm makes everything feel personal. VIP “pods” with couches and drink service are popular, and 15% of ticket sales go to local charities.
FVDED in the Park – Surrey, BC
When: July 4–5, 2025
Where: Holland Park, Surrey
One of Canada’s biggest electronic festivals, FVDED attracts top DJs and hip-hop acts. In 2025, the lineup includes Zedd, Kaytranada, RL Grime, and Disclosure. The festival is cashless, located steps from SkyTrain, and allows 16+ entry (VIP areas are 19+). No camping here – it’s all about quick access, two days of back-to-back sets, and high production value.
“Definitely recommend! They really have stepped it up over the last few years and the lineup is amazing. It’s also supposed to be perfect weather this year! The crowd is pretty good tbh… suuuper easy to get to the venue if you stay near a SkyTrain station too!”
— pottedplantt_, via Reddit
Squamish Constellation Festival – Squamish, BC
When: Last active in July 2023
Where: Hendrickson Field, downtown Squamish
The festival launched strong in 2019 with eco-friendly practices (94% waste diversion!) and acts like Jessie Reyez. But after COVID, it shrank into a single-day country fest in 2023 and hasn’t released any info for 2025. Their site says, “updates coming soon,” but nothing has changed in months. Location-wise, it’s perfect – nestled between Whistler and Vancouver, with epic mountain views. But for now, we suggest waiting until clear announcements come.
Barnside Harvest Festival – Ladner, BC
When: September 12–14, 2025
Where: Barnside Brewing Co., Delta
Set on a working farm, this festival blends live music, local beer, artisan markets, and family vibes. Acts like Arkells and Walk Off the Earth headline this year, with plenty of food trucks and over 40 vendors. Tickets are C$169 for the weekend, and kids under 10 get in free. Sunday is dog-friendly, with a costume contest. There’s space to relax, and the artisan market has real handmade goods – not mass-produced merch.
Wicked Woods Music Festival – Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
When: August 29–September 1, 2025
Where: Outside Fairmont Hot Springs
Celebrating 16+ years, Wicked Woods is a mountain retreat for electronic music lovers. The four-day fest includes movement workshops, Indigenous arts funding, and massive themed stages. Camping zones range from party-central to quiet retreats. Performers this year include Stylust, Drezus, [IVY], and Felix Cartal. A perfect blend of bass and fresh mountain air.
Shambhala Music Festival – Salmo River Ranch, BC
When: July 25–28, 2025
Where: Salmo River Ranch, West Kootenay region
With no corporate sponsors and six permanent stages, Shambhala has a unique spirit. The 500-acre ranch becomes a temporary city of over 20,000 fans. From sunrise techno to midnight dubstep in forest stages, every corner brings a different vibe. Harm reduction is central – expect medical tents, safe spaces, and volunteer support everywhere. Tickets sold out months in advance, ranging from C$540 to C$579, with camping and glamping options (including $3,395 luxury yurts).
Edge of the World Music Festival – Tlell, Haida Gwaii
When: August 8–10, 2025
Where: Tlell, Graham Island, Haida Gwaii
Remote and magical, this alcohol-free, family-friendly festival celebrates Haida culture and live music. It’s entirely volunteer-run, and the Haida Dancers open and close each day. Flights or ferries are required to reach the island, and there are no ATMs in town, so bring cash. Performers are a mix of local and Canadian acts, and the vibe is peaceful, rooted, and respectful of Indigenous heritage.
The Irish Festival Scene: Folk, Rock & Guinness
Ireland knows how to throw a party. From castle courtyards to city parks, music festivals here feel timeless and alive. There’s often a folk backbone, but the lineups are as diverse as BC’s.
Electric Picnic – Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois
When: August 30–September 1, 2025
The biggest fest in Ireland, hosting 70,000+ attendees. Expect global headliners (Billie Eilish, The Killers) and immersive experiences – comedy, art tents, hidden forest stages, and all-night dancing. Easily accessible from Dublin.
“EP isn’t really about line up. It really is a great festival. Loads of small communities, loads of art and just overall lots of fun. I walked through an open-air art exhibit to go to a queer dance party in the woods. Main stage doesn’t even occur to most of us.”
— Gillybilly, Reddit
Longitude Festival – Marlay Park, Dublin
When: July 5–6, 2025
Hip-hop and dance dominate this urban fest. Previously featured Travis Scott, Cardi B, and Tyler, The Creator. Perfect for a younger crowd and very Dublin – music, city, no camping, just vibes.
Forbidden Fruit – Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin
When: June 1–2, 2025
A smaller, cooler cousin to the bigger fests. Past artists include Aphex Twin, Bonobo, and Nelly Furtado. Set in the heart of Dublin in a historic location, it’s ideal for those who want great music without leaving the city.
BC vs Ireland: What’s the Vibe?
Here’s a side-by-side to help you decide what fits your summer best:
Feature | British Columbia | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
Music Style | Indie, Rock, Electronic | Folk, Rock, Electronic |
Crowd Size | 5,000–25,000 (mostly outdoors) | 10,000–70,000 (city-based) |
Venues | Mountains, beaches, forests | Parks, castles, fields |
Atmosphere | Chill, eco-conscious, hippie | High energy, festive, pub culture |
Camping | Common, even remote | Rare – most events are in cities |
Local Drinks | Craft beer, kombucha | Guinness, whiskey, cider |
What If It Rains? (Or You Can’t Travel…)
Let’s face it – summer plans don’t always go to plan. Maybe you missed the ticket drop, or international travel is off the table this year. That doesn’t mean the excitement has to stop.
Online Casinos in Ireland: Music, Games, and Adrenaline
Not everyone can make it to Electric Picnic or Shambhala. But if you’re still chasing that dopamine rush, and maybe a little risk, online casinos in Ireland offer a different kind of thrill.
From themed slots with Celtic legends to blackjack tables hosted by live dealers, the entertainment is nonstop. Some platforms even pair games with curated soundtracks or host music-themed tournaments. It’s like catching a set between headline acts – all from your phone or laptop.
Why consider it?
- It’s legal and regulated in Ireland (just stick to licensed operators)
- You get music, games, chat – without packing a bag
- Many sites offer welcome bonuses, daily drops, and special events
- Fast, flexible fun when the weather kills your outdoor plans
Editor’s tip:
“Use features like deposit limits or time-outs to keep it fun and safe – just like taking breaks between sets.”
Planning Your Summer Around Sound (or Screens)
Whether you’re festival-hopping across BC or kicking back in Cork, the point is the same: music brings people together. Some of us chase it in forest clearings and beer gardens. Others find it between playlists and virtual jackpots.
Whatever your vibe, just make sure you’re part of something that feels good – whether it’s a front-row moment at Electric Picnic or a lucky spin under your covers.
We’re making our 2025 shortlist now – what’s yours?
🎟️ Quick Festival Links
British Columbia Festivals
- Rifflandia Festival: https://rifflandia.com
- Barnside Harvest Festival: https://barnsideharvestfest.com
- Shambhala Music Festival: https://shambhalamusicfestival.com
- Edge of the World Festival: https://edgefestival.ca
- FVDED in the Park: https://fvdedinthepark.frontgatetickets.com
- Wicked Woods Festival: https://wickedwoods.ca
Irish Festivals
- Electric Picnic: https://electricpicnic.ie
- Longitude Festival: https://longitude.ie
- Forbidden Fruit: https://forbiddenfruit.ie