The third edition of Wayhome Music and Arts Festival is shaping up with a stellar line up, although topping a three hour set by Neil Young at its inaugural year might still be tough to top!

2015

Other headliners in that first year included Kendrik Lamar and Sam Smith, along with Decemberists, St Vincent, Passion Pit, Modest Mouse, Hozier, Bassnectar, Bear Mountain, and a surprise last minute appearance by Broken Social Scene. Not too shabby for a brand new festival, thanks to the production team of Republic Live, who are also responsible for the equally fantastic Boots and Hearts country music festival at the same Burl’s Creek Event Grounds near Orillia, Ontario (about an hour north of Toronto). Here’s a rewind video from 2015 to see what you missed if you weren’t there. 

2016

WayHome 2016 saw 40,000 fans in attendance, attracting fans from every Canadian province, territory, 32 states in the USA, and eight foreign countries. Last year the featured headliners were LCD Soundsystem, Arcade Fire and The Killers along with by Major Lazer, M83, HAIM, Metric, Chvrches, Ray LaMontagne, and an additional 60+ artists. The music and arts festival presents multiple stages with a variety of late night displays, art installations, unique partner activations, and a variety of reasonably priced international and local cuisine. As well, in 2016 the festival introduced a new fan-friendly cashless payment system to streamline the on-site experience, and free water ensured that fans stayed hydrated with over 2 million litres of water being utilized and 40,000 bags of ice supplied to festival goers over the weekend. Take a look back to last year with Wayhome Rewind 2016 

2017

Now third time even luckier, 2017 looks like it will also be another great event, with headliners Imagine Dragons, Cage the Elephant, Foster The People, Frank Ocean, Porter Robinson, and Flume, along with Justice, Solange, Marshmello, Schoolboy Q, Vance Joy, Tegan and Sara, The Naked and Famous, and The Shins. Other local and emerging talent not to be missed include Constantines, Dashboard Confessional, Photogram, PUP, Dirty Nils, Jagwar Ma, Allan Rayman, Jazz Cartier,  Royal Blood and more. This year the event is presented in partnership with Fource Entertainment Canada

The grounds which the festival happens on is huge! The event sees some 35,000 to 40,000 fans camping on-site, some opting for the VIP upgraded camping experience, while others booked hotel shuttle packages, and a couple thousand fans local fans commute daily. Camping is definitely the way to go, as the party continues day and night. For those that can afford it, the VIP upgrade is well worth it, as it includes private washroom and shower facilities, morning coffee and treats, daytime snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and a much needed chill out zone that is welcomed a few times over three solid days of partying. There are even some ready-to-camp Waycamp tents equipped with a set up tent, sleeping bunks, and chairs. All you need to do is show up with your sleeping gear. There’s also a separate RV section for those so inclined, so the options are many.

Full-event passes are on sale now  – with Tier 1 General Admission passes priced at $229.99 and VIP passes priced at $599.99 until March 31, 2017 at 6 PM. Camping and Shuttle Bus from Toronto are also available.

Here’s your 2017 teaser video. Book early as this is going to sell out.

Full WayHome Music and Arts Festival 2017 line-up can be found here.

A quick note to all the haters and ticket re-sellers posting on the Wayhome 2017 Facebook page about the Osheaga line up being so much better. I can only say that music is a personal preference, and to each their own. Also, Osheaga has now been doing this for over a decade, and have had time to perfect the layout, the rosters, and overall logistics. I was also at their inaugural edition and a few others later, and had an amazing experience. That’s more how I look at these large scale festivals, is as an overall experience. Yes the music matters, but a couple days of carefree living and relaxation, meeting new and interesting like-minded people, being exposed to a variety of other art forms, and all the while submersed within a musical surrounding, cannot be compared. It is what you make of it!

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About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca