May 1, 2025: Whistler, B.C. – Five-time JUNO Award winning artist and Grammy nominee, Bahamas, is set to kick off this year’s Whistler Summer Concert Series as the musical headliner on Tuesday, July 1. The free outdoor concert will complement Whistler’s 2025 Canada Day celebrations, which are centered on natural beauty and storytelling.
Visitors and locals alike are invited to come together in celebrating Canadian pride with a vibrant and inclusive day set against Whistler’s picturesque mountain backdrop. This year’s activations are designed for reflection, connection, creativity, and play – offering meaningful experiences for all ages. Highlights of the day include a colourful non-motorized parade, interactive village animation, local performances, and the launch of the annual Whistler Summer Concert Series presented by the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
“Honouring Canadian talent on our international stage is the perfect culmination of Whistler’s Canada Day celebrations” says Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “One of the highlights of every summer is witnessing how the free, outdoor concert series brings together people from around the world through the shared joy of experiencing live music. Bahamas is sure to do just that.”
A masterful songwriter with an uncanny ability to weave humour, heartache, and melody, Bahamas (Afie Jurvanen) has quietly become one of Canada’s most celebrated musical exports. His latest album, Bootcut, a classic-country-infused gem, was nominated for CCMA Alternative Country Album of the Year and has further cemented his place in the pantheon of modern songsmiths. Songs like “Lost in the Light” and “All The Time” have become streaming juggernauts, beloved by fans and fellow artists alike, including Taylor Swift, Wilco, k.d. lang, and BTS. The Bahamas performance will be accompanied by an opening DJ set by Whistler’s own SOUL CLUB (Ben Keating), delivering an all-vinyl, all-45rpm affair showcasing the best in funk and soul music from around the globe.
The complete lineup of free live concerts and outdoor movie nights at Whistler Olympic Plaza will be announced on May 26, 2025. With 13 nights of musical performances confirmed for this year’s Whistler Summer Concert Series, audiences will be enticed by the magnetic energy of live music through July and August. The series kicks off on Canada Day, and continues on Thursdays and Fridays for the majority of the summer, with a break surrounding Crankworx festivities. Each week, concert programming begins at 6:30 p.m. with live opening DJ sets before the headlining performers take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Concertgoers are encouraged to enjoy an early dinner in the village at one of Whistler’s exceptional dining establishments or a delicious takeout meal to accompany the festival-like atmosphere of Whistler Olympic Plaza. Complimentary secured bike parking will be available for those who pedal along the Valley Trail to the event in support of Whistler’s Big Moves climate action strategy.
More information about Whistler’s Canada Day can be found at whistler.ca/canadaday, including parade registration for community groups, clubs, and local businesses. Information about the Whistler Summer Concert Series and Outdoor Movie Nights is also available at whistler.ca/concerts.
Media Notes: Additional photography or promotional materials from the musical line-up for any of the artists performing are available upon request.
About the Festivals, Events and Animation program
Celebration is an essential component of Whistler’s culture. This was highlighted during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games when Whistler presented the most outstanding display of sport, the arts, and entertainment the resort had ever seen. The RMOW and resort partners continue to build on that momentum through the Festivals, Events and Animation (FE&A) program by developing and attracting a wide range of high-quality programs throughout the year including an exciting line-up of festivals and events for all ages and audiences. The FE&A program is primarily funded by provincial Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT Hotel Tax) revenues collected in Whistler in support of tourism initiatives across the community.
About the Resort Municipality of Whistler
Situated within the shared, unceded territory of the L̓il̓wat7úl (Lil’wat People) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish People), the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is a destination resort community, local government organization, and leader in providing municipal programs, services, progressive planning, and infrastructure for almost 14,000 permanent residents and over three million annual visitors. Whistler is located approximately two hours north of Vancouver along the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Highway and within the epic Coast Mountain range.
Our vision: A place where our community thrives, nature is protected, and guests are inspired.
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Justine Nichol Communications | justine@justinenichol.com
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