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#1 Music Event
TD continued to sponsor the 10-day jazz fest in 2018, which returned to Yorkville and drew about 500,000 jazz aficionados to 165 free concerts and other ticketed events. Highlights included the opening-night party at the Royal Ontario Museum and performances by Macy Gray, Herbie Hancock, and Alison Krauss. Next: June 21-30, 2019
#2 Music Event
The country’s largest free jazz festival grew to 900,000 fans in 2017. New this year: the weekend-long Sounds of Leslieville and Riverside Block party. Ontario Lottery and Gaming returned in 2018 as a mainstage sponsor, with Mill Street Brewery and Delta Airlines also supporting the festival. Next: July 5-28, 2019
#3 Music Event (new to the list)
Presented by Ink Entertainment and Live Nation, Veld returns to Downsview Park for the seventh year this summer, expecting 80,000 electronic, dance, and hip-hop fans—up from a record 70,000 last year—over two days. Headliners include DJ Snake, Marshmello, and Migos. Hennessy, Bud Light, and Uber are sponsors. Next: August 4-5, 2018
#4 Music Event (up from #5)
Metric, Bahamas, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs were among the bands that rocked the downtown festival’s sixth edition, drawing 15,000 fans over two days. New this year: a larger day camp space and bigger stage for parents and kids to party together, and an inflatable obstacle course courtesy of Muskoka Woods CityCamp. Next: June 1-2, 2019
#5 Music Event
Canada’s largest all-Canadian music festival sold out again this year, with 5,000 patriotic partiers soaking up the sounds on five stages, including the new CBC Comedy Stage and the River Bar Stage for emerging acts. The family-friendly festival—kids get in free—took place at RBC Echo Beach. Next: May 2019
#6 Music Event
The mainstage reverted to Yonge Dundas Square this year, offering three nights of free, live music and shutting down one of Canada’s most iconic streets. About 60,000 people attended events, workshops, conferences, and concerts over 10 days. Aurora Cannabis joined as the new title sponsor. Next: June 2019
#7 Music Event
Attendance grew by 13 percent to 170,000 at the year’s weeklong, citywide music summit and festival, with 650 artists performing at 50 venues, 2,100 industry delegates, and 550 speakers at the conference. Highlights included a lifetime achievement award for crooner Paul Anka. Amsterdam Brewery joined as a sponsor. Next: May 6-12, 2019
#8 Music Event
Highlights at last year’s gala at the Art Deco-themed Carlu included a solo set by Feist and a breakout performance by Polaris Prize winner Lido Pimienta. CBC Music returned as the event’s major sponsor and attendance was level at 1,000, the venue’s maximum capacity. Next: September 17, 2018
