March 12, 2024 — The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
What started as a single marching band parade in 1980 has since transformed into Canada’s largest free music festival. The Sound of Music Festival (SOMF) takes over Burlington’s picturesque downtown and waterfront every Father’s Day weekend in June. This year, from June 13 to June 16, SOMF will feature an exciting lineup of over 50 acts, including emerging artists, local and international talent, past favourites, and some of today’s newest chart-topping performers. The Festival’s three stages will host a jam-packed offering of all genres sure to bring music to the ears of every demographic of festival-goer!
The long-lasting success of this Festival credits Burlington’s deep love of music and appreciation for cultural excellence. As an organization that equally aims to celebrate the performing arts in Burlington, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) has teamed up with this SOMF as this year’s title sponsor. This long-awaited partnership strategically aligns two organizations that equally strive towards bolstering the performing arts scene in Burlington and to contributing to a flourishing community brought together and widely inspired by the arts.
SOMF Board Chair Steve Cussons is enthusiastic about this year’s title sponsorship, saying “The partnership between BPAC and SOMF marks a milestone that’s been eagerly anticipated. We are absolutely delighted to welcome BPAC as our title sponsor for this year’s event. BPAC brings incredible value to the table, offering not just their facilities but also a wealth of expertise, a passionate team, and an extraordinary group of individuals collaborating with SOMF to ensure this year’s festival is nothing short of spectacular.”
Spread across the three SOMF stages — the TD Main Stage, the Access Storage Stage and the Cogeco Stage at BPAC — attendees will find an array of free concerts each day and evening that are sure to entertain fans of every genre, including performances of indie, folk, country, rock, pop, reggae, and hip-hop music. The 2024 artist lineup announcements will run from March 5 to 31 and can be found on SOMF’s website and social media channels.
“This year’s lineup will reflect SOMF and BPAC’s mutual commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and was programmed with every type of music fan in mind. We are incredibly excited to present this diverse group of amazingly talented and entertaining artists,” says BPAC Executive Director Tammy Fox. VIP and Front Stage Access tickets will go on sale Tuesday, April 2 at the BPAC Box Office.
SOMF not only offers free concerts, but also countless other events to form an entire weekend of immersive entertainment for all ages. The morning of Saturday, June 15, the streets of downtown Burlington will be flooded with marching bands from across North America. These musicians will walk alongside whimsical floats from around the community, unique vintage vehicles, and local performers. The result will be the iconic Grande Festival Parade.
SOMF’s Streetfest and Family Zone will take over Civic Square and Brant St. from Ontario to Lakeshore to create a corridor to the Festival full of an eclectic mix of music, dancing, shopping, and outdoor patios. Streetfest will also showcase craft and retail vendors displaying their artistic creations.
One of SOMF’s most popular attractions will be returning in 2024 with the midway in Spencer Smith Park, featuring carnival games and rides for everyone to enjoy. The midway will complement the vivacity of the Festival’s live music to create an exuberant atmosphere sure to immerse patrons in the magic of the weekend. To ensure everyone can enjoy this wonderful experience, low sensory times will be available again this year, as lights and sounds will be turned down Thursday, June 13 (at a time to be announced).
On Saturday, June 8, in advance of the Festival, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre will host a live battle between local bands. Named “Battle of the Bands,” this event presents an exhilarating showdown of local talent. Do not miss the opportunity to cheer for your favourite group as they go head-to-head in an electrifying contest. By supporting local talent, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre, along with the Sound of Music Festival, amplifies regional artists’ voices while forming a community that proudly celebrates its very own musical prowess. The winner of the Battle of the Bands will have the opportunity to perform on the TD Main Stage on Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m.
Unsure of how you will get downtown or where you will park? SOMF is once again offering a free shuttle to and from Spencer Smith Park. Patrons are encouraged to park in the Burlington Centre lot and take the shuttle leaving from the Hudson’s Bay entrance and arriving at Lakeshore Road and Elizabeth Street. This service is free, yet passengers are always encouraged to make a donation while on board to keep the Festival and all its services free.
“We owe a huge thank you to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to prepare for the 2024 Festival,” says Cussons. “Their enthusiasm and hard work do not go unnoticed. Similarly, our gratitude extends to our corporate and local business sponsors, as well as the City of Burlington and all levels of government, for their unwavering support and generosity towards SOMF. We are excited for the festivities to start and can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on. Can’t wait for the fun to begin!'”
Attendance is free. VIP tickets will be available for purchase Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
The Sound of Music Festival website is available here:
https://soundofmusic.ca/
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