Saskatoon is known for being incredibly diverse when it comes to summer festivals and events. The Sheaf is here to guide you through some of the major summer events taking place in Saskatoon and beyond from June to August 2016. Chock-full of art, music, culture and food, there is something for everyone to look forward to this summer!

MoSo 2016

MoSo 2016, which takes place June 16-18, is a part conference, part music festival that specializes in professional development in the areas of design, art, social media, marketing and digital development. MoSo 2016 includes an incredible lineup of speakers, ranging from entrepreneurs to journalists, and even a virtual reality engineer. MoSo 2016 will also be hosting a slew of amazing musicians, including Buffy Sainte-Marie, Suuns and Close Talker.

The cost to attend MoSo 2016 varies depending on your interests. For information regarding ticket packages and prices, check out their website, moso2016.com.

Saskatoon Pride Festival 

Enjoy a variety of live shows this summer at the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.

Saskatoon Pride is an annual week-long festival, hosted by the Saskatoon Diversity Network, which fosters a safe and accessible space to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Taking place from June 3-11, some of the events this year include a Second Chance Prom, a Live in Colour Art & Fashion Show and the Saskatoon Pride Party. More information on ticket prices and details about each event, including locations, can be found at their website, saskatoonpride.ca.

SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival 

The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival is an all-ages international jazz festival and is the second largest of its kind in Western Canada. The lineup this year includes Lauryn Hill, Big Boi, City and Colour and our very own University of Saskatchewan Jazz Ensemble and more. Some events are free, while others are ticketed. Tickets can be bought for each individual artist as well as bundles on their website, saskjazz.com. The festival will be taking place this year from June 24 to July 3.

Ness Creek Music Festival 

The Ness Creek Music Festival is a four day music festival that takes place near Nesslin Lake, Sask. This year the lineup has many great Canadian artists, including Yukon Blonde and The Sojourners. The festival also offers individuals the opportunity to experience and learn new things and foster a loving and diverse community through activities such as the community kitchen, a drum and dance circle and the forest garden.

Information regarding passes and prices for the festival can be found on their website, nesscreekmusicfestival.com. Most importantly, however, Sunday admission is free! The festival will be taking place on July 14-17.

Potashcorp Fringe Theatre and Street Festival 

The PotashCorp Fringe Theatre and Street Festival is a celebration of art and theatre in the Broadway District of Saskatoon, which will be taking place from July 28 to Aug. 6. The Fringe Festival presents 250 independent theatre shows, and more than 200 vendors, including around 30 different food vendors. Street entertainment and outdoor shows are free to the general public, however you must purchase tickets for each theatre show. All of the tickets for each show are $15 each.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan performs two full-length Shakespearean plays each summer by professional artists, and takes place in huge tents set up by the riverbank. This summer’s performances include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Julius Caesar and The Roving Show. Tickets are usually $23 each and can be purchased at their box office or online at ticketmaster.ca. This year’s performances will be taking place from July 6 to Aug. 21.

Other events such as the Broadway Artfest, A Taste of Saskatchewan, YXE Beer Festival and more will be taking place during the summer of 2016 in Saskatoon. Round up some friends and enjoy the incredible events and festivals the beautiful city of Saskatoon has to offer!

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Kay-Lynne Collier

Photo: Caitlin Taylor

Featured: Young Benjamins, 2013