#1 Music Event
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the TD-sponsored jazz festival returned to its roots to feature solid jazz this year and paid tribute to the late Oscar Peterson, a Canadian jazz giant. New sponsors included Toyota and Weber. Next: June 2016
#2 Music Event
Free concerts at Yonge-Dundas Square were expected to increase attendance even though the festival was scaled back to five days following its 20th anniversary bash in 2014. Airbnb was a new sponsor, while Budweiser and Vans returned. Next: June 2016
#3 Music Event (up from #5)
Attendance grew to 180,000 in 2015 as programming doubled to 10 days. More than 1,000 artists performed at 60 venues, while 600 music journalists reviewed and interviewed bands. Jim Beam came on board as the official whiskey sponsor. Next: May 2016
#4 Music Event
Billed as the biggest festival to date, this year’s event will be extended by a week to take advantage of crowds visiting for the Pan Am Games. Canada’s largest free jazz festival added two beverage sponsors: Two Oceans Wines and Savanna Dry Premium Cider. Next: July 10-26, 2015
#5 Music Event (up from #6)
Prize money for Canada’s album of the year—based solely on artistic merit—grows to $50,000 from $30,000 this year. The award gala takes place at the Carlu again in 2015, with music-streaming service Spotify as a main sponsor. Next: September 21, 2015
#8 Music Event (new to the list)
Urban hipsters and their kids keep boosting attendance at the three-year-old, two-day music and arts festival at historic Fort York. This year’s event included more infrastructure and activities for families. Sponsors include TD Canada Trust and American Apparel. Next: June 2016
