If your summer bucket list includes live music by the big lake, waterfront sunsets, food truck eats, and good times with your favourite people, then you need to put Live on the Waterfront on your itinerary!

Happening every Wednesday evening at Thunder Bay’s Marina Park, this free outdoor concert series is what summer dreams are made of. We’re talking lakeside breezes, Sleepy G views, and some of the best live music the region has to offer. Picture blanket on the grass, local snacks in hand, and the sounds of blues, indie pop, folk, and classic rock floating across the waterfront.  It’s the perfect local spot for your midweek fix of summer fun, Live on the Waterfront is basically your weekly invitation to chill out! 

This summer’s lineup? A total chef’s kiss. From up and coming indie acts to favourite local bands, there’s something for everyone. And we haven’t even gotten to the part about the 400 drone light show (yes, 400!!!!) happening at the end of August. More on that in a sec. Meet the artists you won’t want to miss:

• Bells Larsen– If you’re into lo-fi 90’s indie mixed with tender folk ballads, Bells Larsen is about to be at the top of your next playlist. Their latest album Blurring Time is more than just music— it was a personal journey. Larsen recorded their vocals before transitioning, then returned to the studio three years later to layer in new harmonies blending past and present into one. The set will bring intimate storytelling, dreamy melodies and all the feels.

• Goodnight Sunrise- Toronto’s Goodnight Sunrise will bring the party! Formed in 2011, this five-piece alt-rock crew brings an electric stage presence. They call their sound “anthem party rock”, and honestly, it’s exactly that! Expect big energy, bigger hooks and a performance that will have you out of your chairs and dancing.

• KT and the Rhythm Aces– These guys are bringing the soul. With powerhouse vocals and a whole lot of groove, KT and the Rhythm Aces (a TBay act) is made for warm summer nights, with bluesy, funky tunes that hit just right.

• Nadjiwan– A trailblazer in Indigenous rock music, Nadjiwan creates a soundscape that’s a combination of both traditional and modern musical approaches. From the very beginning, storytelling is what NADJIWAN’s music has been all about, reflecting about his heritage as a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and telling stories of Indigenous peoples.

• Honest Heart Collective– A Thunder Bay staple and fan fave, these guys are known for delivering rock anthems made for singing along to at the top of your lungs. The rock band has been together for more than a decade, featuring the McDonald brothers, Ryan and Nick, and is all about big feelings. Word is they’ve been cooking up new music too, so expect some fresh tracks alongside your old faves.
• Lockyer Boys– UH HUH! If you love catchy hooks and feel-good pop, the Lockyer Boys are your jam. Will and Charlie (yep, they are brothers too) have been taking the Canadian pop scene by storm and are stoked to be back home to play in TBay!