Just a few hours north of Edmonton is the North Country Fair Grounds outside of Driftpile, Alta. Year after year, these grounds hold space each summer for an early harvest. This harvest, however, is different from what you might get in the fall. Astral Harvest focuses on extracting good music and good times for it’s many participants.
Going into it’s eleventh consecutive season, Astral Harvest stands out in the northern homeland of PK Sound as a festival like no other. Many Canadians think of Shambhala when talking about electronic music festivals. While Astral Harvest has a significantly smaller number of guests, it manages to bring in a community all it’s own.
Photo credit: Astral Harvest
The theme of this year’s festival is Illumination, so we can safely assume this party will be full of light. Whether it’s the lights of the stage or an art installation, this theme will create a spectacle. The festival’s community comes together to celebrate artistic expression through performances, dancing, and appreciation of each other.
Photo: Taylor Kanary
The music is by no means lackluster
Across four different stages, the festival aims to impress it’s crowd. Walker & Royce are headlining with their special style of Dirtybird house. Alongside them, are names like Sam Binga, with his jukebox inspired beats, and Defunk bringing his modern glitch-hop bass. WBBL will be sure to play his special style of ghetto-funk, and SkiiTour are no doubt ready to take the party for a trip.
In addition to more well known artists, the lineup is stacked with performers from the local Alberta music scene. Local Edmonton names like Dunmore Park, High Sobriety, and Beat Burglar will be performing. The artistry doesn’t just stop at audio sets either. Drag queens by the name of Indigo, Ivy League, and JBR will be gracing the stage to perform for ravers.
Artists of all stripes come to perform, including indigenous hoop dancers, spoken word artists, flow artists, and prop spinners. In addition to groundbreaking musical acts the festival showcases all varieties of innovative art for the community. The festival even showcases members of it’s own community, highlighting them and their participation through a podcast series.
Ultimately, what stands out the most about this festival is their desire to build connection. In showcasing local artists of all mediums, they create a space for a community to share. They stand out as an example for other festivals in how to grow themselves as a community. From intentional connections, to rad music, local artists, and great times, you can find a killer festival experience at Astral Harvest.
What do you think? Would you check out a festival in northern Alberta? Let us know in the comments!
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
