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Unpopular opinion: (if you haven’t already guessed) music festivals are just not my thing. The pushy masses of crowds, the constant, all-encompassing noise, the often scorching or windy and rainy weather, the airport level prices for something as basic as water—all of it just screams chaos, and it all makes me feel very Grinch-like, with the 'noise, noise, noise!' Does anyone else feel like this?
I’ve never been one for late nights or partying, and it has nothing to do with being over 40. Even in my late teens, I remember (somewhat regrettably in hindsight) backing out of going to a festival with friends, that had some big-name headliners - at least they were big names at the time. As I was packing, the idea of attending just began to fill me with so much dread that I just couldn’t go - though at the time I didn't know why. It wasn’t until years later that I realized how deeply my anxiety, and the thought of such a potentially overwhelming experience, was affected me.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I've been to festivals over the years and I know that not all music festivals are the same. I completely understand why people love them and I can genuinely see the appeal of the music, the energy, and the community. But for me personally, a Nervous and Awkward soul with ADHD, the sensory overload of festivals and the often inability to escape it if I need to, can be too much. The whole experience often leaves me feeling more drained than energized, and it’s just not where I personally feel most comfortable - until recently.
🎸 Enter the Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival 🛶
When I first heard about the Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival two years ago, I was intrigued but conflicted. Starting back in 2015, it is an annual 3-day weekend event near the end of August which features a smaller stage show on Friday, a main stage event on Saturday, with a street fair and car show on the Sunday, as well as a number of satellite events.
I’ve been visiting Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park for close to 30 years—it’s my happy place, with all of the amenities you need, filled with wonderful memories and countless experiences you'd expect at one of the 100,000 Saskatchewan lakes to make so many more. It's a refreshing and grounding escape to nature, where you can rough it in the back country during the day, and then clean up and enjoy an evening of an incredible dinner at one of the many restaurants, followed by taking in a movie at the local cinema, and late night stargazing on the beach! So the idea of mixing this perfect getaway destination with a busy, chaotic music festival seemed a bit hard to imagine, and if I'm honest, too good to be true. But even back then, ever trying to be the curious adventurer, I cautiously agreed to give it a try.
As we arrived into the park, turning off of the highway, past the gates, and drove onto the picturesque streets of Waskesiu, the familiar sights and sounds of the northern forest and the quintessential townsite took over. The festival was being set up just off of the main beach, and the streets were already busy with festival goers, but I immediately thought it didn't really feel any more populated than the peak of a summer season.
After setting up the tent at the Parks Canada Campsite, it was almost dinner time, and I started feeling the urge to slip into my evening of Netflix and doom scrolling but, I reminded myself where I was and why I was there so hesitantly, I went back into town to check things out... and I was not disappointed.
The Sunset Stage on the Friday evening was absolute perfection. Scads of kids running around for this family-friendly weekend event, and folks of all ages were enjoying the quintessential #LakeVibes, with relaxed nature and upbeat music in perfect balance.
As the sun began to set, some folks were sitting in lawn chairs and blankets on the beach, just steps from the water where others were splashing around, laughing and playing. Paddleboarders and kayakers were silently moving across the calm waters with the multitude colours of sunset reflecting and shimmering with each small wave. Each note of the music perfectly hanging in the air as if it had always been there. But would this balance continued over the rest of the weekend?
On Saturday, the main festival day started around 11.00am, and as the festival's energy built and buzzed, I cautiously started to settle in and found that the festival didn’t once overwhelm, but it continued to perfectly complement the surroundings. I strolled through the townsite and trails as I let the music guide my pace - if I could hear it at all. I was so surprised to find how easily you could still find absolute quiet so close to such a large event. The town was alive, and the overall atmosphere remained laid-back and inviting. The best part I found was that because it is a free (that's right - FREE) festival, and it is not ticketed so you could come and go as you wanted or needed. And to my surprise, it wasn't just myself doing this.
Many people were just enjoying the festival how they wanted to - whether that meant setting up chairs and staying all day, or occasionally leaving their chairs on the festival grounds while heading off for a while to their next activity within the Park.
Going between all of the different things to do and back to the festival site felt effortless, and something that I felt oddly comfortable doing, without always anxiously asking myself "is my chair safe here?", "will it be in someone's way?", "I should enjoy the park while I'm here - no the music, no the park...".
Eventually, I settled into a mindset of "what do I want to do right now". If it was to sit on
the beach reading - I would. If it was heading back to the campsite for a bit of solitude - I would. If it was to head into town to join the hustle and bustle of the many shops and restaurants - I would do that too. I did of course also spend time at the event site, but the freedom to choose knowing I could easily join in or take a break was the most welcoming and comforting feeling. And throughout the day, as the music continued to play in the distance, it was an uplifting soundtrack to a perfect day, rather than the overwhelming headache, I had once naively predicted.
As the day turned to evening, I retreated to my campsite, nestled among the tall forest trees. Eventually, tucked into my tent, with a cup of tea in hand and my go-to show, Unsolved Mysteries, playing on my phone, I reflected on the day and my experience. The festival, with its perfect blend of music and nature, had managed to win me over —a self-proclaimed music festival skeptic.
Since that first trip, I have been fortunate to go twice more, and each time I have had the most beautiful experiences, growing in comfort and anticipation with each year.
This year I surprised everyone, even myself, when I went out at 10.30pm on the Friday to the festival 'kick-off' event featuring the entertaining, awesome band Mo'Marley. Then I danced along with the energetic and talented headlining band from Saskatoon The Steadies at the main stage on Saturday - which was honestly the most fun I've had in a long time!
Fun fact - similar to the ol' 'Clark Kent and Superman' situation, Mo'Marley and The Steadies are actually the same band!
As The Steadies, they play their incredible original music, and when Mo'Marley, they play familiar yet amazing covers! I absolutely love listening to them and watching them play, and if you haven't checked them out yet - make sure you do! Did you know they recently played at the Laketown Shakedown Festival which featured headliners Busta Rhymes and Gwen Stefani! Seriously, they are a band to watch! Keep an eye on their socials for their upcoming gigs!
I want to shout out a big thanks to my sister for telling me about the festival in the first place, and for allowing me to enjoy it how I feel comfortable, and continuously inviting me to join her and her friends! This festival is the new highlight of my summer, and I wouldn't have ever known about it or ever gone if it hadn't been for you!
If you would have asked me a few years ago if I would be a repeat music festival goer, I would have just laughed! But, now that the Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival has wrapped for another season, I find myself already looking forward to next summer - and who could have guessed that!
So if you’re like me, someone who enjoys quite paced lake life, and who is interested in the idea of an energetic and fun music festival, but might need a little space, peace, and quiet to enjoy it fully it, this might just be the perfect hidden gem for you.
Will I see you there next year?
TOP TIP: If you are thinking of going next year, book your accommodations early. When I say early - I mean, as soon as soon as possible in the season. Whether its tent or RV camping in the Parks Canada Campgrounds, renting a self-catering cabin, or booking a lux hotel room for more of a pampered experience, they all book up fast the weekend of this sought after event!
RESOURCES: The Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival website has tons of information including festival line-ups and schedule, additional event info such as the 'kick-off' and 'after-parties', sponsor and vendor information, links to buy their iconic festival merch, and so much more!
Don't forget to check out Waskesiu Lakeside Resort to find all your information here about the townsite, accommodations, things to do, and more and to help plan for your 2025 Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival Experience!
From their website, 2024 headlining band, “The Steadies aren’t invited to the party—they ARE the party. But even more than that, their feel good music and positive vibe brings people together of all ages, races and genders. Mixing dance rock with funk, pop and reggae influences... created their own signature sound they've dubbed ‘island rock’ ”. Check them out and learn about their music, upcoming gigs and tours, and oh so cool merch!
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