The Northwest Territories is a land of spectacular lakes, rivers, and mountains—but it’s also a place where communities come together at festivals year-round, from winter into summer. You might ask, how do you know it’s summer in the NWT? Well, if you’ve swapped your mitts and snow pants for sunglasses, bug spray, and sunscreen, it’s safe to say summer is here! Along with the warm weather comes a lively festival season where you’ll easily feel like part of our vibrant Northern communities.

Every second weekend in July, Yellowknife’s Folk on the Rocks music festival – the city’s biggest festival – draws acts from across Canada and beyond. With six stages set against the backdrop of Long Lake, you’ll enjoy live music, cultural performances, workshops, and great food—all under the Midnight Sun. Don’t miss the festival’s grand finale: a massive drum dance led by the Yellowknives Dene Drummers.

On June 21, the Northwest Territories celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day.  In Yellowknife you can find lively cultural events at the Sombe K’e Civic Plaza. Enjoy traditional Métis, Inuit, and First Nations music, dancing, and a fish fry hosted by the North Slave Métis Alliance. Local artists also display and sell unique Indigenous crafts.

Held in Inuvik each July, the Great Northern Arts Festival is a five-day celebration of visual arts, music, dance, and storytelling. Visitors can admire or purchase intricate beadwork, carvings, and wearable art made from traditional materials like sealskin and moose hide.

At the end of May or beginning of June, Yellowknife hosts the Northwords Literary Festival. This multi-day event brings acclaimed Canadian authors to the North for panel discussions, readings, and workshops. One notable outcome of this festival is the anthology “Coming Home: Stories from the NWT”, which showcases Northern writers. Definitely a highlight of the festival is the artist workshops, which are the perfect opportunity to get involved and learn more about Northern art and cultures.

Looking for a summer must-do? Check out Hay River’s Hay Days Festival in late July. This vibrant event showcases music, art, and cultural performances at various venues across town. Enjoy live music, art exhibits, workshops, kids’ activities, and the popular “Saturday Shaker” party at the beach.

Plan to attend Fort Simpson’s Open Sky Festival in early July. This big-river gathering features many of the Dehcho Region’s artists, musicians, performers, and storytellers. Both locals and visitors alike can join craft-making workshops and immerse themselves in local creativity.

Celebrate the Slave River, one of the world’s premier whitewater paddling spots, at Slave River Paddlefest in Fort Smith over the August long weekend. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s something for everyone, from flat-water canoe races to whitewater kayaking rodeos. The festival also features SUP jousting, guided hikes, kids’ paddling games, great food, and a beach-themed party.

Pack your golf clubs and head to Ulukhaktok in late July. Here, on the tundra of Victoria Island, you’ll play on the world’s northernmost golf course during the Billy Joss Open. This tournament not only offers fun competition but also supports Northern literacy programs.

During the August long weekend, Yellowknife’s historic Old Town comes alive with the Old Town Ramble & Ride festival. This pedestrian-friendly event celebrates the area’s unique character with live music, street performers, art displays, and food trucks serving local delicacies. Explore heritage sites, take part in guided walking tours, or browse handcrafted goods from Northern artisans. Whether you’re admiring the houseboats on Yellowknife Bay or listening to stories from longtime residents, this festival is a perfect way to experience the city’s creative and quirky spirit.

Celebrate the conservation success of the once-endangered Whooping Crane population at the Whooping Crane Festival in Fort Smith in early September. The festival includes nature excursions, guided hikes to the Salt Plains, presentations, and art workshops.

At the end of August, stargazers gather in Wood Buffalo National Park, the world’s largest dark sky preserve, for the Thebacha and Wood Buffalo Dark Sky Festival. Enjoy telescope viewings, astronomy seminars, workshops, and kid-friendly science events, all under breathtakingly clear Northern skies.

Food lovers won’t want to miss the NWT Culinary Festival, a multi-day celebration of Northern cuisine held in Yellowknife each summer. This festival brings together top chefs, local food producers, and culinary enthusiasts to showcase the flavors of the North. In addition to gourmet tastings and cooking demonstrations, the festival offers guided medicine walks, where participants learn about traditional plant harvesting and the deep cultural connections between food and the land. From fresh-caught fish and wild game to foraged berries and Indigenous dishes, this festival is a feast for both the palate and the mind.

Want to discover more about what makes summer in the Northwest Territories so special? Check out The 11 Best Things About Summer Up North and start planning your unforgettable Northern adventure!

The Northwest Territories is made spectacular by the thriving cultures, deep histories, and rich traditions of the people who call it home. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the authentic art and culture of the NWT on your visit through the North.