Time to cash in on early bird summer concert tickets

What would your ultimate August look like? If it’s a month-long spree of music festivals then we’re on the same path. August is B.C.’s music festival month and while planning ahead may not be your thing, getting early bird ticket prices should be.

There are lots of great shows coming up; here are few top options to choose from this August.

Weekend number 1

Why not start with the Wanderlust Festival from August 1 to 4 in Whistler. This yoga-meets-music festival was a big hit when it debuted last year, and this year promises to be big with Moby playing. Find it online at whistler.wanderlustfestival.com

But if downward dog isn’t your thing then check out Bass Coast Electronic Art and Music Festival, August 2 to 5. This year it’s moved from Squamish to the previous home of the Merritt Mountain Music Festival.

Festival organizers chose to move the festival because of “logistical challenges (that) could put the future of the festival at risk.” Parking at this festival was a nightmare before, so while the new site is not “coast” at all, the camping, parking and swimming options have improved. Also, if you’re an artist, Bass Coast has $20,000 in artists’ grants up for grabs. Tickets are $220 plus tax and fees, plus an additional $50 if you want a river-front camping spot.

Find Bass Coast online at basscoast.ca

Weekend number 2

For the next week you have two good options. If you really miss Squamish and want to see some big acts for a really good price, then go to Live at Squamish, August 8 to 10. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Queens of the Stone Age and the Ballantynes are headlining the event and regular priced tickets are only $149 at squamishfestival.com.

Or, if your ears aren’t still ringing from Bass Coast, you could head to the large and chaotic Shambhala Music Festival from August 7 to 12. More people, more stages, and more headlining acts make this festival a must-do at least once in your life. Shambhala is a great place to see big electronic acts, such as Flux Pavilion, Krafty Kuts and Skrillex and the stages are ultimate experiential works of art.

The only kicker about Shambhala is that tickets are $310, before early entry fees, and the entry lineup can be really slow-moving. According to Britz Robins, social and communications manager at Shambhala, the festival lineup will be out mid-to-late April. Keep updated at shambhalamusicfestival.com

Weekend number 3

By this time, you might be tired and ready to take it down a notch. Two options are again available, so choose your adventure: Rockin’ River Music Fest or Salmon Arm Roots and Blues.

Rockin’ River, from August 15 to 17, takes place in Mission and this country music festival lineup includes Brad Paisley, Big and Rich, Chris Young and Joe Nichols. Don your best cowboy hat and join the whopping 20,000 attendees. This is a family-friendly festival and tickets start at $179 at rockinriverfest.com

If a solid weekend of country music isn’t your thing then Salmon Arm Roots and Blues is a good choice. This year City and Colour, Bruce Cockburn, Ben Waters and DJ Skratch Bastid are part of the lineup. Bring your lawn chairs and cozy up to a stage with your family for this one. It’s also one of the more affordable festivals at $135 per ticket (until May 31). Get them at rootsandblues.ca

As your August of road-tripping and concert-going comes to an end, your money’s all gone, and you just want to shower and sleep in your own bed remember that not every province is so lucky to have so many great music festivals within a short day’s drive. See you out there!