From June 30 to July 9, 2023, Saskatoon will host the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Around 75,000 fans of music and culture will gather in Riversdale at the festival’s new Victoria Park location, which is located along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The festival, which was founded in 1987, features up-and-coming and well-known performers in genres ranging from pop to jazz (and many things in between). “Saskatoon’s summer is synonymous with the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. It unofficially marks the start of summer in the city and brings people together for memorable moments and wonderful music. Shannon Josdal, Executive Director of the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, says that if you live in Saskatoon long enough, you’ll have at least one Jazz Fest tale to tell.
From June 30 to July 5, the festival will offer an incredible six days of family-friendly free programming, followed by four days of ticketed programming, July 6 to July 9, with five main stage performers performing each day. Prepare to attend by following these advice on how to master the 2023 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival!
Head to Victoria Park: The 2023 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival Hub
The majority of this year’s celebrations will take place in Victoria Park’s riverbank setting. “The new Victoria Park festival location is a standalone event. The new festival site is intended to be a terrific location to meet, explore, and enjoy fantastic music all day long. A few of the features include the 9 Mile Legacy Artisan Market, the Saskatoon CO-OP Beer Gardens, a Family Fun Zone, Food Trucks, and Yoga in the Park. Additionally, the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Time Music Society will be hosting an Instrument Petting Zoo and offering free art courses for children and youth in collaboration with Art By The River.
How to get there: A complimentary shuttle will run between Victoria Park and popular city spots like Riversdale, The Maurice Drouin Lounge at Persephone Theatre, The James Hotel, and The Broadway Theatre. A free bike and pram valet service will also be available at the Victoria Park event location.
Not to Miss: Highlights of the 2023 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
On its stages, the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival features up-and-coming and seasoned performers from the region, the country, and the world. Serena Ryder, Amanda Marshall, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, together with special guests Daniel Lanois and Terra Lightfoot, return to the festival this year to perform. Finding new music is one of the best parts of the festival, and this year has debut performances by a number of musicians, including St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Charley Crockett, Margo Price, Johnnyswim, Brekky Boy, The Della Kit, Joe Rainey, and many more. The festival provides the ideal setting for appreciating classic acts and finding new performers to love.
Celebrate Community: Keeping it Local at the 2023 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
Throughout the duration of the festival, take advantage of the opportunity to interact with the locals through local music, art, and activities. You can browse local exhibitors, attend a free yoga session, enjoy regional specialties in food and drink choices, and engage in family-friendly activities at the festival’s main venue in Victoria Park.
When it comes to the music, “local artists are the festival’s foundation and represent at least 50% of the artists performing in any given year.” Giving local artists the chance to perform, improve their craft, and further their careers is one of our top goals. Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys, Katie Tupper, Jeffery Straker, Eliza Mary Doyle, FunkJoint, Wolf Willow, and The Whisky Jerks are just a few of the Saskatchewan musicians appearing at the event in 2023.
