Festival season is officially in full swing and the weather finally seems to be cooperating this year! This comes as a huge relief after the disappointing soggy season we experienced last summer. With all of the events and festivals to choose from around Toronto, it can be difficult to decide which to attend, but for anyone who is familiar with the Toronto techno scene, they know that Electric Island Concert and Picnic Series is one they absolutely cannot miss. Electric Island is an event like no other.
Hosted by Platform, Embrace and Footwork; the venue itself sets an absolutely magical tone. Tucked away at Hanlan’s Point on the Toronto Islands, you immediately feel the positive energy and vibes the minute you step onto the ferry. The enchanted series takes place four times throughout the summer over the long weekends, typically landing on the Monday. However, we seem to have gotten lucky with the next one landing on a Friday, not to mention the fact that it is Canada Day. I can’t think of a more epic start to the long weekend than getting a paid day off to party.
The lineup this season is out of control and includes some of the best chart-topping techno artists out there. The Canada day event includes the headliners Tale of Us, Ben Klock Vs Marcel Dettman, Apollonia, and Honey Dijon among others. Attendees can expect the day to begin on a lighter note and lead into some dark heavy techno that fans crave. Honey Dijon, hailed as a transgender icon to many people in the dance scene, will set the stage with a distinct Chicago house sound, followed by the French trio Apollonia, who will lay down some heavy tracks perfectly setting the tone for the rest of the night.
Ben Klock Vs Marcel Dettman, both resident DJ’s at world renowned club Berghain, is a rare booking and can be described as “German Techno perfection”.
We can expect Tale of Us to close out the night with a more melodic set. If you would like to get a feel for what to expect, check out more of their sets on SoundCloud!
Doors open at 1PM and the concert runs until 11PM. This is a 19+ event and government ID is required with no re-entry. This is a rain or shine event with no refunds, so dress according to the weather, which always seems to be on point. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but there are many food trucks with delicious options, as well as cash bars. I highly encourage you to bring a picnic blanket for you and your tribe to enjoy the sunshine and positive vibes. There is truly something there for everyone, whether you want to dance your day away, chill out on a blanket or picnic table jamming to the tunes, or even play a round of ping pong.
Tickets can be purchased here or in hard copy at Moog Audio (442 Queen St W) or Park Agency Print Shop (1418 Queen St W). Options are available for general admission, general admission + ferry, and VIP. You can RSVP on the event page here, and check for news and updates on the event.
LINKS:
Electric Island
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Tale of Us
Ben Klock
Marcel Dettman
Apollonia
Honey Dijon
Heather Lee – EDM TOR
