Vaughan music festival returns free for two nights in July
Rock and country lineup takes over Assembly Park. Two nights of live music, food trucks, and a beer garden.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Vaughan International Music Festival (VIMF) is returning July 17 and 18 for its fifth year, bringing two high-energy nights of live rock and country to the heart of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre at Assembly Park.
The festival features 12 breakout Canadian rock and country artists across a massive main stage with world-class sound and lighting. Night one is anchored by headliners BRKN LOVE alongside Bleeker and Sticks n' Stones. Night two shifts to country with headliners Myles Erlick, Ryan Langdon, and Jade Hilton. Best of all: admission is completely free.
VIMF was inspired by founder Sandra Yeung Racco's lived experience arriving in Canada and facing racism and social isolation. She credits music with giving her voice, confidence, and identity—and that philosophy shapes the festival's mission to spotlight underrepresented, rising local talent and reject industry gatekeeping.
"Musicians don't always get the recognition they deserve," Yeung said. "Like doctors, lawyers, or engineers, they spend years mastering their craft, but unless they're famous, they're often overlooked."
The festival also supports the VIMF Creative Futures Scholarship Program, which dismantles financial barriers for young musicians. Food trucks and a beer and spirits garden will be set up for socializing before the shows. The location is a short stroll from the subway and minutes from the 400 and 407.
Tickets are free—just reserve a spot to secure your attendance. The application deadline for the Creative Futures Scholarship has been extended to the end of November.
