The Eastern Slopes Music and Arts Festival is set to return to the Bridgeland Community Association on Aug. 23, following a highly successful inaugural year.
Unlike many other music festivals in Calgary, Eastern Slopes has put a focus on local Alberta artists, giving them a stage—in this case two of them—to connect with Calgarians.
“I think in our eyes, we’re able to showcase local talents and the culture here in Calgary, and southern and central Alberta. People liked it enough, and we had enough fun that we wanted to do it again, and kind of bring forward the same atmosphere and culture, but just do it a little better if we can,” said Tory Rosso, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of the Eastern Slopes Music and Arts Festival.
This year’s festival has booked 14 acts, who will be performing on both the indoor and outdoor stages at the festival.
Rosso said the lineup was opened up to submissions from artists this year instead of being wholly curated as in year one.
While that resulted in an overwhelming response of interest, the goal of showcasing Alberta’s talent hasn’t changed, he said.
“I think what we represent a lot of the live music acts in the Calgary area and beyond. I’m really excited about the lineup that was put together this year. I think there’s a great mix. You’ve got everything from rock, pop, hip hop, R and B, country, and folk,” Rosso said.
“Sometimes there would be artists that submitted where you think, ‘oh, they would be so perfect for this special I want them to play.’ It’s just so tough to pare it down, and then also trying to curate the vibe based on who else is playing, and having something that just flows and creates a really diverse and somewhat accessible atmosphere for all the festival goers.”
Local artists, fantastic vibe
Rosso said that some of the performers were ones that he had a chance to see live this year already, and that were set to contribute heavily to creating the vibe that the festival is beginning to be known for.
“Ginger Beef is fantastic. I’ve had the privilege of seeing them live a number of times, and they always just blow my mind. I’m really excited for people to see that. Brock Geiger is another artist that we have this year. He just released a record that I think is just so lovely and really kind of taps into some fun sort of psych pop and experimental sensibilities,” Rosso said.
Pop-country-folk-roots artist Caylie G, hailing from Edmonton, is set to make one of their first appearances ever in Calgary, at the Eastern Slopes festival.
Well-known local musicians Amy Nelson and The Blue are also set to perform at the festival.
“The whole lineup is great. I couldn’t really and I don’t want to single anyone out. Everyone there is a rock star of their own right,” said Rosso.
New for 2025 is an art market, where attendees will be able to purchase art, alongside checking out interactive art pieces throughout the festival.
No tickets will be required to attend the art market.
Ice cream from Made by Marcus and Village Ice Cream, beer, cider, and cocktails from Big Rock will also be available for attendees, along with food from YYC Food Trucks I Believe I Can Fry and Dragon Boat.
The festival remains all-ages for 2025, with kids 12 and under receiving free admission, and discounted tickets available for youth and students.
Tickets are $45 online and $50 at the door.
For more details, see easternslopesfest.com.
2025 Eastern Slopes Music and Arts Festival Lineup
- (un)decided
- Amy Nelson
- Bennett Mitchell
- Brett Cassidy & The Corduroy Cowboys
- Brock Geiger
- Caylie G
- Dempsey Bolton
- Ginger Beef
- I Am The Mountain
- Laura Hickli
- Melyssa Lee with Education Party
- Motherdaughters
- The Blue
- The Moonsnakes
