By Melissa Brassard
A stripped-back set of songs born from distance, nostalgia, and a beat-up guitar.
Following a four-year hiatus, Rifflandia Festival made a triumphant comeback in 2022, attracting record-breaking crowds. This year, the Victoria, BC based gathering is set to outdo itself once again with a star-studded lineup and an extended festival spanning two weekends Sept 7 to 9 and Sept 15 to 17.
With headliners like living legends Iggy Pop, Herbie Hancock, Mavis Staples, and Stephen Marley, electronic titans Diplo, Chris Lake, and Marc Rebillet, and festival staples intermingling with some of the most unique grabs around as Run The Jewels and Chromeo appear alongside Paris Hilton and Salt-N-Pepa, the diverse lineup offers a one-of-a-kind festival experience that caters to music lovers of all genres.
If you haven’t experienced Rifflandia before, it’s time to add this festival to your summer bucket list. Established in 2008, Rifflandia Festival is one of Western Canada’s longest-running music and arts festivals. Drawing over 60,000 music enthusiasts to the beautiful city of Victoria BC, Rifflandia is not only known to feature a mix of internationally renowned acts and promising emerging artists, giving festivalgoers the perfect blend of established stars and rising talents, but also minimizes the conflicts as each act is given time to shine in their own lineup slot. Depending on your energy levels, it’s fully possible to see almost every act on the poster.
The festivities kick off with Rifflandia Electric Avenue (19+) from September 7 to 9. This weekend will feature extended hours, a dedicated VIP area, and multiple stages for fans to enjoy electrifying performances, including a larger Main Stage. The Park (All-Ages) follows from September 15 to 17, offering two main stages and a wide array of engaging festival activities, including RiffCity – a metropolis of food trucks and merch inspired by the concept of the 15-minute city – Kidlandia, and various vendors and activities.
If you’re itching to secure your spot at Rifflandia Festival, set a reminder in your phone for this Thursday, May 18, at 10 AM PT. That’s when tickets, including VIP Passes, Super Passes, three-day Park Passes and Electric Avenue Passes go on sale at rifflandia.com. Visit the festival’s website for a comprehensive list of ticket options, event details, and updates.
By Melissa Brassard
A stripped-back set of songs born from distance, nostalgia, and a beat-up guitar.
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