Rifflandia officially kicks off tomorrow night!
The three day, four night music festival that takes over Royal Athletic Park by day and the downtown core of Victoria by night is finally here.
With over 150 performances taking place across 14 stages this weekend, it’s hard to know what shows to check out. So we’ve highlighted the top eight acts you won’t want to miss this weekend!
Adventure Club
The Montreal-based Adventure Club are taking over Thursday night. Set to headline the first night of night music, the party-starting duo is the perfect way to dance your way into the weekend. You’re going to want to stretch before this one!
- When: Thursday, 11:00 p.m.
- Where: Phillips Backyard, 19+
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be3GUxQnUQ0/?taken-by=danielcaesar
Daniel Caesar
Daniel Caesar rolled through Victoria last November on his Freudian tour and played to a sold out crowd at Capital Ballroom. Since then, he’s been nominated for a Grammy, won two JUNOs, and played at a whole lot more sold out venues. If you’ve never listened to Daniel Caesar before, do yourself a favour and check out his Spotify or YouTube account – and then catch him live on Friday! You won’t regret it.
- When: Friday, 7:45 p.m.
- Where: Main Stage, All Ages
Fucked Up (night show)
Fucked Up’s 2012 show at the old Sopranos Sports Bar will forever go down as one of the most epic Rifflandia sets. Festival-goers were treated to an in-your-face, sweaty, supercharged punk rock experience. Fucked Up are headlining Friday night at Capital Ballroom, but you’ll want to get there early to catch local acts Smash Boom Pow, No Liars, and Bad Hoo, all of which fit this bill perfectly. If you like your music on the heavier side, this is the night for you.
- When: Friday, 12:30 a.m.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 19+
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnVaNiBFpy5/?taken-by=thatgirlbishop
Bishop Briggs
Bishop Briggs is going to win over a whole lot of new fans this weekend at Royal Athletic Park. The UK-born singer/songwriter broke through with her song, “River” (often heard on The Zone at 91-3), and has been captivating fans ever since. This will mark her first show in Victoria, and what better spot than the Main Stage at Rifflandia?
- When: Saturday, 5:45 p.m.
- Where: Main Stage, All Ages
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkDxl5iBsuu/?taken-by=jessiereyez
Jessie Reyez
The JUNOs Breakthrough Artist of the Year is coming to Rifflandia! Jessie Reyez is tearing up the music world right now, with her most recent work being a two song feature on Eminem’s latest album Kamikaze. She captured the hearts of Canadians when she performed at the JUNO awards, and she’s going to do the very same for any Rifflandians who catch her set!
- When: Saturday, 6:45 p.m.
- Where: Main Stage, All Ages
Mix Master Mike
Mix Master Mike is one of the most revered DJs in the industry. As The Beastie Boys’ man on the ones and twos throughout the late 90s and early 00s, MMM knows a thing or two about rocking a party. A favourite at this past year’s Shambhala Festival, his solo sets are a force to be reckoned with. This one is going to be a party.
- When: Saturday, 11:00 p.m.
- Where: Phillips Backyard, 19+
Beardyman
Beardyman is a legend in the beatboxing community. But beyond that, London-based Beardyman is a multi-vocalist, looping genius, and a very funny comedian. His live sets are interactive and unforgettable – just watch some of his YouTube clips. Gold. Guaranteed laughs and dances at this one.
- When: Sunday, 6:25 p.m.
- Where: RiffTop Tent, All Ages
Current Swell & Friends
Local music legends Current Swell are bringing some friends along for their first ever Rifflandia headlining set. A Victoria favourite, Current Swell will close out the festival and there really isn’t any other way we’d have it. It doesn’t get more Victoria than this! PS – we hear they have pretty cool friends.
- When: Sunday, 7:15 p.m.
- Where: Main Stage, All Ages
Other great acts to check out
- CloZee
- Stickybuds
- SonReal
- Lights
- Diamond Cafe
- Dunks
- Megan Hamilton
- The Sorority
- Iskwé
- Haley Blais
- Kallitechnics
Tickets are still available for Rifflandia Festival, and can be bought online, in-store at Lyle’s Place, or at Rifflandia’s Wristband Exchange located in the McPherson Playhouse lobby.
Don’t forget, kids 12 and under are free when registered and with a paying adult!
Rifflandia 2018
- When: September 13–16
- Where: Various venues including Royal Athletic Park
- Cost: $44.50 to $299.50; full ticket pricing here
