Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival

Get ready to rejoice! Roots and Blues is finally coming back this year, starting from Thursday, 17th August, to Sunday, the 20th, 2023. The whole family can enjoy three days of fun-filled music at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds.

Every third weekend in August, the beautiful Shuswap Lake town of Salmon Arm transforms into a three-day musical paradise as it hosts its renowned annual Roots and Blues Festival. At this special event, visitors can revel in up to six stages showcasing an expansive array of international stars and Canadian talent at the picturesque 18-acre site on Mount Ida's base.

The Roots and Blues Festival provides an opportunity to explore a variety of music genres, from folk and blues to alternative roots and electronica – plus many unique fusions. In addition to the incredible range of live performances, there are also food vendors, artisan stalls selling handmade goods, and beer gardens for those who fancy a tipple or two! Further adding enrichment is a series of workshops where attendees can learn about diverse musical instruments as well as discover more about the artists behind them. There's even something special for little ones with an area dedicated specifically for children. Plus, don't forget you can camp over, too!

The Roots and Blues Festival, created by the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society in 1992 as a result of the Shuswap Coffee House movement from decades prior, has blossomed into an iconic Canadian outdoor event. From humble beginnings of stand-alone folk shows in small community halls near Salmon Arm to being enjoyed by music fans all over Western Canada and the Pacific North West, it's no wonder why this beloved festival continues to thrive year after year!