Getting Hyped for Iceberg Alley Music Festival

Last September, I made the last minute decision to go see the Arkells live at the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent near Quidi Vidi Lake with some good friends. I had never seen the Arkells live and I’d never been to Iceberg Alley Music Festival before as 2017 was the festival’s first year. I was not only blown away by an amazing (and super underrated!) Canadian band, but I was awestruck by the venue. For those of you who don’t know, the Iceberg Alley Music Festival takes place in the first few weeks of September in what can only be described as a massive circus tent.

For those of you who don’t know, the Iceberg Alley Music Festival takes place in the first few weeks of September in what can only be described as a massive circus tent. There are beer counters and bars around every turn and indoor washrooms with heaps of porta-potties. Know what that means? There were hardly any lineups! It was deadly. There was a massive floor area with lots of room to dance around or squeeze up close to the stage, and in the back there are bleachers if sitting is more your thing.

The show started with The Darcy’s, who I’d never even heard of before but they were so cool. I loved the lead singer’s style. By the time the Arkells came on stage, I was so stoked. They started with Amazing Grace– how cool is that? We were all belting it out the hymn like a church choir. They went on to play some of my all-time favorite songs, songs I hardly knew at the time but since hearing the band live, I’ve been listening to on repeat, even a whole year later. Songs like ‘Knocking at the Door,’ ‘Leather Jacket,’ ‘And Then Some,’ and ‘My Heart’s Always Yours’. As I’m writing this, I’m listening to their brand new single, ‘Relentless’. I’m so glad I made the decision to give Iceberg Alley Music Festival a chance. Amazing band, amazing venue. So much energy, positive vibes all around.

This summer, I was lucky enough to be on board the inaugural Iceberg Alley Concert Cruise. And my luck hasn’t run out yet, because in just a few short days, I’ll be headed back to the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent again, this time as a VIP guest in the Jag Sky Bar to see Alan Doyle! And what’s even better? I’m going to get to enjoy it with my best friend, and the other ‘wild tide’, Linds.

This year’s lineup is even more jam-packed with top performers than it was last year. I would love to be able to see Coleman Hell, Serena Ryder, Billy Talent, and Dallas Smith, but unfortunately, my schedule as a work-term student doesn’t allow it. I’m not sore about it though because Alan Doyle was my top pick. So what are you waiting for? You’ve read about the one-of-a-kind venue, now go get your tickets! The festival starts on Wednesday!