“This years line up is dark, heavy, and bursting with energy,” says festival director and talent buyer Ryan Rathjen. “Last year we really found our groove having all the venues in a two-block radius. It gives the fest a more communal vibe among the artists, volunteers and attendees.”

New headliners include San Francisco shoegaze band Tamaryn, Texas punk rockers Radioactivity, Saskatchewan’s cosmic country duo Kacy & Clayton, Detroit experimental noise group Wolf Eyes, Toronto’s alt-country outfit Fiver, and New York drone rockers Dead Leaf Echo. The lineup also boasts artists like Vancouver experimentalist Hitori Tori, Lethbridge’s twang king Skinny Dyck, Saskatoon psych rockers The Radiation Flowers, and Toronto’s industrial darkwave act OLGA.

Local talent will also shine at the festival, with performances from Calgary’s Sunglaciers and Bridgeland, as well as St Arnaud, Uncanny Valley, and Edmonton favourites Real Sickies, Fire Next Time, Visitor, Beach Towels, and VERTTIGO. The festival promises an inclusive experience with all events being all-ages and licensed.

“We are also excited to announce that we added one more new two-floor venue, bringing the total number of stages up to nine,” says Rathjen. “Also a new exciting addition is a wrestling ring at the block party. Love Wrestling will be hosting matches in between sets on Saturday and Sunday from 2  to 8pm.”

Previously announced headliners include Gustaf, Urban Heat, Conan, ACTORS, Spoon Benders, Pelada, and Total Chaos. With a blend of international and local artists, Purple City 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and community.

“We are super proud that our entire festival is All Ages,” says Rathjen. “Purple City is here to create space for the youth and to inspire the next wave of local bands.”

Purple City runs September 6 to 8, 2024 | TICKETS & INFO