You don't have to take the tent out of storage just yet, but music and camping are in the cards for BC concertgoers again this year. Promoters behind the much-loved, multi-genre Pemberton Music Festival confirmed this morning (Feb. 21) that the eclectic event will be returning for its fourth consecutive summer. To say the least, it's time to get excited.
“For the last four years, the community of Pemberton has opened their arms to help us welcome fans far and wide to experience an incredible musical event in the best place on Earth,” Huka Entertainment Chairman and CEO AJ Niland said in a statement of the festival's return.
While acts have yet to be announced, the fest runs July 13 to 16. If you're willing to trust organizers' tastes, early-bird tickets go on sale this Thursday (Feb. 23) at a starting price of $299. You can also tack on a camping option to your four-day ticket, but if your idea of fun doesn't include waking up with your partner in a stench-heavy pup tent for one, you can also consider booking a room in nearby Whistler. A shuttle service is being offered from the ski-town, too.
Whether you're a fan of '90s rock, contemporary rap anthems, or a follower of deep, expressive dance music, Pemberton Music Festival is set on pleasing everyone. Last year alone, the crowd of over 180,000 people was treated to over 100 acts.
Spread out across several stages – in front of majestic Mt. Currie, no less – the summer fest has hosted anyone from legacy alt-rock acts like Pearl Jam and Nine Inch Nails, to one heck of an all-day dance party at its electronic music stage. It's twice boasted rapper Kendrick Lamar, while a cross-section of previous top-shelf talent includes Frank Ocean, Modest Mouse, Missy Elliot, Deadmau5, Weezer, the Chainsmokers, and more. On a local front, the fest has also offered slots to BC-bred bands like the Zolas.
If you're looking for more than music, keep in mind that there's also a comedy contingent to the Pemberton Music Festival each year, which has hosted classic stoner duo Cheech & Chong and '00s weirdoes Tim & Eric.
• Early-bird ticketing is being offered in limited supply. More info on the costs can be found here.
