British Columbia is known for its beautiful landscapes and lively culture, and its music festivals are no different. We have covered a number of these United States festivals (most recently, Squamish Valley Music Festival), but Rifflandia remains the most exciting, most diverse celebration of music and the arts of all of them. 
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About Rifflandia launched in 2008 in Victoria, Rifflandia has blossomed from its modest beginnings to quickly becoming the Puget Sound’s sister city to the music meccas. Proudly eclectic, intentionally indie all the while creating a space for visual arts, Rifflandia is everything that a great BC music fest should be: diverse, inclusive, and cultural. 

A multi-sensory experience 

But Rifflandia is more than experience it’s a way to draw together music fans throughout the province, and beyond. Presented at many venues and outdoor stages from big outdoor settings to small clubs, the festival takes place over several days with continuous performing acts. 

Where Rifflandia differs from many of the other music festivals in BC is in its interdisciplinary approach. The festival is not only musical performances but also features visual art installations, food trucks, vendor markets, and wellness spaces means there’s something for everyone. 

Celebrating musical diversity 

The great thing about Rifflandia is that it’s always been a diverse festival, artist-wise. Every year, the line-up gets just the right balance of global heavyweights, Canadian legends and artists on the break. Hip-hop, indie, electronic, rock and other genres have all been represented at the festival, lending it a chameleon-like reputation as an all-inclusive music playground. 

Another factor in making Rifflandia such a welcoming festival for fans of all tastes and generations is the curatorial care with which performers are selected. From scene vets to young guns, it’s a cross-section snapshot of the vitality and diversity of the greater BC music community. 

Community and cultural impact 

Rifflandia has established a name for itself not only through entertainment but also an emphasis on community. It connects with the local business, artistic and community world, creating a collaborative environment in a supportive place that helps the local economy and creative sector. Volunteer programs and accessible ticketing also ensure there is ample opportunity for everyone to be part of the wider communal mix, also adding to the GFC's inclusive, participatory and grassroots ethos. 

And, there is an important charitable aspect to Rifflandia, as we use music and art platforms to raise awareness and funding for good. 

The future of festivals in BC 

At a time when music festivals are in constant flux, Rifflandia is playing its part by never remaining stagnant or deaf to the concerns of its patrons. Its commitment to artistic quality, community involvement and eclectic programming has established it as one of the most can skipped and internationally loved music festivals, drawing crowds not just from our own BC, but from all over Canada. 

Whether you’ve attended the festival for years or you’re a first-time reveller, the magical, musically diverse, and insanely beautiful feeling of experiencing Rifflandia is truly unparalleled amongst BC music festivals. 
This article's author is Miles James. For additional information regarding Festival in BC please continue browsing our website at rifflandia.com.