Wake the Giant: More than a Music Festival

Imagine this: you’re 13 years old, moving hundreds of kilometres away from your family, friends, community and basically everything you know, just so you can go to high school. For hundreds of Indigenous youth in Northern Ontario, that’s not a “what if,” it’s reality. And this is exactly why Wake the Giant Music Festival exists.

Now in its sixth year, Wake the Giant has grown into Canada’s biggest student-orientation event, cultural awareness project and one of the most powerful music festivals in the country. It’s part epic concert, part cultural celebration, and 100% a giant welcoming party for Indigenous students coming to Thunder Bay every September.

And this year? Wake the Giant is on another level. The Black Eyed Peas are headlining (yes, those Black Eyed Peas). But this isn’t just a mega headliner flex—this is history. For the first time ever, Wake the Giant has an Indigenous headliner. Taboo, who is proudly Shoshone, has spent years using his platform to push Indigenous voices into the mainstream. From writing a children’s book about reconnecting with culture, to championing Indigenous artists on some of the world’s biggest stages, he’s the real deal. Wake organizers have been shooting their shot with Taboo on Instagram for years, and now it’s finally happening. Manifestation at its finest. But the Peas are only the beginning. The lineup is STACKED:

Prozzäk – Yes, Simon & Milo are back to make us sing “Sucks To Be You” like it’s 1999.
Neon Dreams – Returning after blowing minds in 2023.
Crystal Shawanda- The powerhouse blues-country queen who’s been waiting to hit the Wake stage since day one.
The Poets – Because everyone needs more Tragically Hip vibes in their life.
Wyatt C. Louis- A Plains Cree singer-songwriter bringing raw soul to the stage.
G DUBZ– Repping Fort William First Nation with serious Northern energy.

Wake the Giant hits different. While most festivals are about the music, Wake the Giant is about something way bigger. Every dollar raised supports Indigenous youth, through workshops, mentorship programs, student orientation events, and cultural awareness training for the community.

And here’s where it gets even cooler— every single artist steps off stage and into the classroom. Students at Dennis Franklin Cromarty (DFC) High School get to learn directly from the people performing at the festival. Past years have seen students co-write songs with July Talk, share the stage with DJ Shub, and even open X Ambassadors’ set in front of thousands.

Let’s talk about the vibes of the fest! The Thunder Bay Waterfront transforms into one giant cultural celebration. You can expect:

A spontaneous round dance breaking out mid-set.
The smell of bannock tacos wafting through the crowd.
Jingle dresses catching the sunlight as they move to traditional drums.
Pineapple Guy (yes, he’s back for more selfies and speaker dancing).

Plus, you can shop the Indigenous Craft Market for beadwork, moccasins, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind creations from northern artists. Chill out in the Wellness Tent, smudge with an Elder, or just catch your breath before diving back into the crowd.

And if you’ve got kids? The Kids Zone has bouncy castles, crafts, and hours of fun to keep your little ones busy while you vibe out.

Insider tips for the best Wake experience:

Get there early: Smaller crowds, shorter lines, and you’ll catch some of the most underrated sets.
Hydrate: Bring a water bottle. Refill stations are free.
Buy the merch first: Official Wake tees, hoodies, zip-ups, and kids shirts (sustainably made by Ungalli Clothing Co.) sell out fast.
Plan a meetup spot: Just in case you get separated from your crew (there’s a designated area at the entrance).
Check socials: Wake loves to drop surprises, and trust us, you’ll want to know when they hit.

Wake the Giant isn’t just another music festival, it’s a whole movement. It’s where big names meet bigger purpose, a place where you can dance to the Black Eyed Peas, eat bannock by the lake, shop Indigenous art, and leave with more than just a good time, you might just leave with a new perspective. See you September 6th at the Thunder Bay Waterfront. Tickets and info: wakethegiant.ca