
The stoke is at an all-time high for live music in Fernie!
Over ten years ago, a group of individuals came together to start the Wednesday Concert Series. Passionate about music, they wanted to provide accessible, diverse, free music for everyone. As the event grew the demand for food increased and the food trucks arrived. Growth also meant it was becoming difficult for these volunteers to run the event, and they passed the torch to the Arts Station, who renamed it the Wednesday Socials
The Wednesday Socials are free outdoor live concerts welcoming everyone in Fernie to gather in Station Square to enjoy each other’s company. They take place each Wednesday in July and August starting at 5:30pm. This family friendly event caters to all ages and is an inclusive space to enjoy a fun summer night in downtown Fernie! Over the years the Socials have become a summer staple for locals and visitors alike.
*New* for 2023 we are welcoming local support acts to kick off the event! Plus our usual beverage garden with Fernie Brewing Company, Lonetree Cider and BC Wine, kids craft tent and a variety of local vendors. We aim to provide a range of musical genres, with a unique Canadian musician or band headlining each week. You just might find your new favourite artist! Dance the night away, watch the sunset over the mountains and support local businesses by enjoying a variety of food trucks and vendors. Be sure to head downtown early to check out local boutiques, then stick around after to enjoy the restaurant and bar scene!
The Wednesday Socials are facilitated by the Fernie and District Arts Council. We could not host the event without the support of sponsors, funders and volunteers. The events are almost entirely volunteer run and would not have come together without the hard work of community-minded Fernie Folks. We can’t wait to see you all at the Socials this summer!
Know Before You Go
- Entrance is Free! Bring your ID if you are 19+
- Drink tickets for sale, no outside alcohol allowed
- No dogs in the beer garden
- Come prepared for any kind of weather
- Kids craft table & many other vendors!
- Kids must be monitored by their parents
- Event starts at 5:30pm, Headliner at 6:30pm
- Be aware of road closure around Station Square
- Be respectful of everyone in attendance
- If not adhering to the rules, we have the right to remove you from the event
2023 Band Lineup
Headliners
GARRET T. WILLIE – July 5th
Garret T. Willie is an old soul masquerading as an uncommonly wise, weathered, witty and world-weary 23-year-old. He’s about to give rock ‘n’ roll a formidable 21st -century kick in the ass with plenty of wild, heartbreaking, and hilarious stories to share in true rock ‘n’ roll form.
BEND SINISTER – July 12th
Labeled as anything from prog to pop but feeling most comfortable in the plain guise of rock, Bend Sinisterof Vancouver BC have evolved through numerous styles and absorbed a plethora of influences to become a band so refreshingly original that the struggle to categorize them is a losing battle.
SHAELA MILLER – July 19th
Shaela Miller’s years spent doing good country music work are safely etched into public consciousness. Miller’s fast-rising path is set to be amplified by a sonic reintroduction to one of Alberta’s best voices and most sincere stage personalities.
UNDER THE ROCKS – July 26th
Under the Rocks is one of Canada’s premier emerging bluegrass acts. Featuring upright bass, acoustic guitar, fiddle and banjo/mandolin the band makes a big sound that tips its cap to traditional American bluegrass, while incorporating fiddle and singer-songwriter music intentionally put together with clever, progressive song arrangements and jaw-dropping instrumental breaks.
THE FUGITIVES – August 2nd
A folk collective headed by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod, the band has toured extensively through Canada, Western Europe, and the UK. They’re joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters). Over the past twelve years, they’ve earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows, brimming with complex harmonies, infectious storytelling and top-notch musicianship.
GOODNIGHT SUNRISE – August 9th
A fun rock band brimming with uniqueness! Blending pop, rock and psychedelia. Based in Toronto & fronted by Vanessa & David.
THE STEADIES – August 16th
The Steadies aren’t invited to the party—they ARE the party. Mixing the explosively popular dance-rock genre with funk and reggae influences, The Steadies have created a signature sound they’ve dubbed, ‘island rock.’
BRASS MONKEY BAND – August 23rd
Brass Monkey is a seven piece professional rock and pop band with a full brass section. A high energy dance and party music group with an extensive play list of favourite covers ranging from The Beatles, Chicago, Powder Blues, Stevie Wonder and Huey Lewis and the News.
BRASS CAMEL – August 30th
“This Vancouver based triad of musical masterminds have crafted an album that will without failure stand the test of time, and you’d regret it if you didn’t grant it a thorough listening.”
-RED Rock Magazine
Support Acts
NIALL MCKENNA – July 5th
KYLIE ROGERS – July 12th
THE HOLLERS – July 19th
DOGGONE BROTHERS – July 26th
CHARLES BENJAMIN – August 2nd
LINDEN GIGLIOTTI – August 9th
PETER MACINTYRE – August 16th
SAMI VALAVARRA – August 23rd
NAENA ROBINSON – August 30th
