Rockin River Musicfest

Words from the Festival

"The Rockin River Music Fest is a B.C. family-owned and operated country music festival that takes place annually, on the BC Day long weekend, in Merritt, BC incidentally also known as the Country Music Capital of Canada.

The festival, conceived and built from the ground up by award-winning BC country music artist and Hall of Fame member Kenny Hess, was originally staged at the Mission Raceway in Mission BC. In 2015 however, the opportunity presented itself to move the festival from Mission to Merritt, and Hess never looked back. The City of Merritt has embraced the festival and all that it brings to the community and outlying areas. Over the years, the Rockin River stage has been graced by any number of world-class entertainers such as Rascal Flats, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Blue Rodeo, Big and Rich, Johnny Reid, Sam Hunt and many more. The 2017 lineup included Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, The Band Perry and Kasey Musgraves. It continues to be the festivals goal to bring the best of country music to the very best country music fans in the world, and in the process provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of BC.

This goal is attainable due to the fact that Rockin River Music Fest offers so much more than just music: the site itself is breathtaking, with wonderful campgrounds all along the pristine Coldwater River that meanders through the grounds, offering the perfect place to cool off when temperatures soar as they frequently do throughout the BC summer. During the day there are a multitude of activities to choose from, whether its swimming, listening to world-famous songwriters break down the creation of their hits, riding high above the crowds in a helicopter, trying ones luck on the back of the mechanical bull, biking local trails or taking a day trip on horseback. In addition, there is a varied and gourmet blend of food vendors on site, offering everything from outstanding BBQ to Merritts own favourite first nations food. Rockin River Music Fest works hard to provide a weekend experience that people will carry with them for years, and hopefully tempt them back to see more of what this incredible region and gateway to the Okanagan Valley has to offer.

Located in the heart of British Columbia, at the intersection of five major roadways that tie the entire province together, and within 2 hours of Kamloops Airport and Kelowna International Airport, Rockin River Music Fest has built a reputation as being the perfect place to spend a BC Day long weekend for music lovers, thrill seekers, families, young people, retirees, campers, RV enthusiasts, sports and outdoor fans, and those who simply appreciate the vast selection and scope of BCs natural beauty."