Article by Melanie Macpherson
Award Graphic by Brian Snell
Earning its title as NSMZ's Festival of the Year for 2024, the Ness Creek Music Festival is a shining example of what a world-class festival should be. Set against the backdrop of Saskatchewan’s stunning boreal forest, Ness Creek is far more than a music festival—it's an immersive, magical experience where community, culture, and creativity flourish.
One of Ness Creek's most striking features is its culture of openness, responsibility, and care. Attendees are encouraged to embrace freedom and fun while being consistently reminded to stay safe, hydrate, and care for the environment. This balance between open expression and collective responsibility fosters a unique atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. Seeing thousands of attendees taking care of the grounds and each other is a rare and beautiful thing that creates a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that truly feels like home.
The festival grounds are a perfect mix of modern and rustic, all with a focus on sustainability. From the main stage with high end lights and sound, to hand made signs, lighted forest paths and a forest garden you never knew what you would find around the next corner. The artisan market was brimming with local talent, the food trucks and booths had something for everyone, and the workshops ran the gamut from gardening to art to music and dance. Whether you were sweating through a yoga session or getting your hands dirty in a creative workshop, there was always something to dive into.
One of the weekend’s most unforgettable features was the Stage of Aquarius, a floating stage surrounded by a flotilla of festival-goers on floaties. This unique setup created an enchanting, surreal atmosphere that could only happen at Ness. Floating amidst lively music, the blazing sun, and a sea of happy people, the lake seemed to resonate with an entrancing harmony, allowing time to slip away in a seamless union of sound, nature, and community. It was an experience that felt otherworldly and unforgettable.
The Main Stage brought powerful, high-energy performances that kept the crowd moving, while the cozy Community Kitchen hosted intimate acoustic sets. The After Hours Stage was its own adventure, with a grungier, late-night vibe that had everyone letting loose. And with activities running nearly 24 hours a day, there was always something to see, hear, or experience, no matter the hour.
Ness Creek isn’t just about the music—it’s about connection. It’s about coming together to celebrate art, community, and nature in a way that feels both exciting and deeply grounding. Whether it was your first year or your twentieth, you left feeling like part of the Ness family. For its exceptional organization, rich variety of entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of togetherness it fosters, Ness Creek Music Festival has truly earned its title as Saskatchewan’s Festival of the Year. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when music, community, and nature intertwine.
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