Those looking for an event that fuses eclectic music with the Ottawa’s exceptional local food and drink creators need look no further than this weekend’s Arboretum Festival, being held Aug. 18-19 at the Rideau Pines Farm.

Located south of the city, this pastoral setting offers attendees the opportunity check out established and emerging artists across a three-stage set-up that includes a main stage, barn shows, and even a pond-side venue for those looking to dance late into the night. Given the unique location, attendees will also be able to wander the fields and take advantage of the farm’s “pick-your-own” organic fruits and vegetables.

Though the line-up is somewhat pared back compared to recent years, it still features incredible bands from Ottawa and all across the continent; less is more at Arboretum this year! San Francisco’s Deerhoof tops the bill followed by NYC’s Le1f, and Polaris Music Prize multi-shortlisted outfit YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN. Local acts include the indefatigable Claude Munson, dream pop band Sparklesaurus, and prog-grunge artist Boyhood.  Arboretum starts today and ends tomorrow night, but there’s still time to grab some passes!

One of the hallmarks of the Arboretum Festival is its eye for socially conscious and ethical practices, an approach that is holistically integrated into the selection of both the music and the food. This year, the forward-thinking festival is tightly drawing the connection between mindful food consumption practices and the arts, as Rideau Pines Farm supplies many conscientious restaurants around the city, including Beckta, The Whalesbone, The Pomeroy House, Two Six Ate, and Bridgehead Coffeeshops. Combined with a special focus on the local artisans, growers, and creators that work in the city, the festival truly walks the talk.

Weekend passes are only $75 and includes either an optional parking pass, or shuttle bus transportation from Beyond the Pale Brewert; children under 10 can attend for free, and the grounds and festival are family friendly. You can also buy an individual pass for either Friday at $35, or Saturday at $55. Keep up with the Arboretum Festival and their other events held throughout year via Facebook or their website.

FOREST STAGE

7:30 pm
CADENCE WEAPON

9:00 pm
YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN

10:00 pm
LE1F

BANG BANG BARN

7:00 pm
UN BLONDE

8:30 pm
ISAAC VALLENTIN

POND STAGE

11:30 pm
WAKE ISLAND

12:00 am
FEELS

FOREST STAGE

12:00 pm
GAMELAN SEMARA WIANGUN

1:00 pm
FOREST STRING DUO

2:00 pm
CEDRIC NOEL

3:30 pm
GIANNA LAUREN

5:00 pm
CLAUDE MUNSON

7:00 pm
DIANA

8:30 pm
TOPS

10:00 pm
DEERHOOF

BANG BANG BARN

1:00 pm
FOREST STRING ENSEMBLE

3:00 pm
SPARKLESAURUS

4:30 pm
CAM MCLEAN

6:00 pm
FUTURE STATES

8:00 pm
BOYHOOD

11:30 pm
FOREST STRING ENSEMBLE

POND STAGE

2:30 pm
secret artist

2:30 pm
secret artist

11:30 pm
L.A. FOSTER

12:15 am
OPEN AIR SOCIAL CLUB

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

DINNER / 5pm – 9pm
two six {ate}

LATE FOOD / 9pm – 2am
Great Glebe Garage Sale Tacos

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

LUNCH / Noon – 4pm
Dash Food Truck

OYSTER O’CLOCK / 2pm – 8pm
She Sells Seashells

DINNER / 4pm – 9pm
two six {ate}

LATE FOOD / 9pm – 2am
House of Targ Pierogis