Rifflandia announces end of annual festival in Victoria

Rifflandia has announced the official end of their annual festival and the “September Forever” mantra. 

The festival has been around for 18 years and has produced 15 annual festivals in that time, but recently made the decision to conclude its namesake festival. 

What began in 2018 as a small, grassroots festival, grew into an annual event that brought some of the biggest names in music into Victoria.

“We are incredibly proud of what the festival became and deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible,” said Nick Blasko, president and CEO of Rifflandia. 

“Artists, fans, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, partners, crew members and incredibly dedicated staff have all played a role in building something truly special over nearly two decades.”

As an independent festival, Rifflandia has faced increasing challenges in a rapidly changing live entertainment landscape. Financial constraints and peoples’ expectations were two of the biggest concerns that led to this decision. 

Blasko says that rising production costs, shifting consumer behaviour and the realities of operating in a smaller market like Victoria have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the festival.

According to the organization, ticket sales do not support the level of investment and growing financial risks required to produce the event without making significant compromises.

This year, the BC government was going to provide the festival with $90,000 in grant funding, but ultimately, Rifflandia chose to cancel the event altogether rather than pivoting to something smaller. 

“One of Rifflandia Festival’s greatest legacies has been inspiring creativity and community,” said Blasko. 

“As this chapter comes to a close, we look forward to seeing a new generation of creators, promoters, artists, and community builders who will shape the next chapter of live music and culture in Victoria.” 

Though the festival is ending, Rifflandia will continue to produce events as an entertainment company with several projects in the works, both internationally and at home. 

Rifflandia is producing an endeavour called Beyond the Streets, a large-scale exhibition dedicated to graffiti, street art and counterculture. This exhibition is currently on display in Paris.

In Victoria, Rifflandia will continue to produce Canada Day celebrations, The Village Block Party which took place last weekend and W’Hoop It Up, which is an annual training camp and exhibition game for the Senior Women’s National Basketball Team.

The organization will also be producing Unbreakable, a concert and fundraising event at Toronto’s Massey Hall to support the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. 

Rifflandia says that no matter what they are working on, the organization will remain focused on creating memorable experiences that connect communities.

What is your favourite Rifflandia memory? Let us know in the comments.