. sled island festival

Rockin out at Sled Island Music Festival

Sled Island is an annual independent multi-venue music and arts festival in Calgary, Alberta.

Sled Island is not for the faint of heart. 200 artists and bands playing in more than 25 venues over the city in a four day period seems overwhelming, an almost impossible task. Sled Island is the product of a city coming together to throw one of the best parties in Canada. Months of planning, negotiations, and fund-raising result in a vivacious celebration of ingenuity, reminding everyone why this city’s cultural sector is a force to reckoned with.  The independent music and arts festival has recently been voted by listeners of CBC Radio 3 as one of the top 10 music festivals in Canada. Founded in 2007 by Zak Pashak, owner of Broken City, Sled Island has been making waves nationally and internationally, receiving praise from world-renowned artists.In the festivals inaugural year, over 6000 participants flocked to the city to witness 96 bands. Sled Island has been growing at an exponential rate, with the festival incorporating more musical acts, an extensive film component and the Market Collective- a space for local artists and designers to display and sell their work. Sled Island’s expansion over the past few years has been a communal effort, requiring the support of many local businesses and the creativity from Calgary’s energetic youth.  However, even after four successful years, the months leading up to the announcement of 2011’s Sled Island were full of speculation to whether or not there would be a fifth year.  But through increased donations from the community, government funding, and a new focus on maintaining sustainable growth, the festival will live on for another year. Sled lsland utilizes over 25 venues within the Beltline area and downtown Calgary. Watch for performances at Broken City, the Bamboo Room, Hifi, Local 510, Sloth Records, and the Ship and Anchor to name a few.  The main stage for the 2011 festivities will be at Olympic Plaza, with an opening ceremony and several all-ages shows.