Huge festival coming to Toronto with local and international celebrities

One of Toronto's most beloved annual music festivals is getting a total makeover this spring, featuring the addition of comedy and other arts with a truly impressive lineup.

If you've found yourself asking when Canadian Music Week is coming back this year, you may be out of luck; it's not. At least, not as Canadian Music Week, that is.

This year, the festival, gearing up for its 42nd annual edition, is taking 'new year, new me,' quite literally: bearing the new name of Departure Festival and incorporating much more than just music.

“We’re creating a launchpad that opens doors to deeper, more inclusive conversations and showcases the richness of Toronto’s cultural scene, celebrates Canadian creatives, and welcomes global artists," said Executive Producer of Loft Entertainment, Kevin Barton, in an earlier release. 

"We invite industry professionals, music and arts lovers and festival-goers to experience the event in a whole new way.”

Departure Festival now also encompasses industries such as comedy, other arts and technology, describing itself as a place for the "world's hungriest talent," to "find the inspiration, support, and resources they need to take it all the way."

This comes in the form of a festival, which takes place at concert venues across the city, and a conference at Hotel X, where celebrity chef Matty Matheson, Brian "B.Dot" Miller (Rap Radar Podcast), musician Bryan Adams and actress Shayla Stonechild (Red Earth Uncovered), to name only a few, have already been confirmed as speakers.

As for the festival element, Departure will feature dozens of live music performances taking place at venues including — but not limited to — Meridian Hall, Lee's Palace, Axis Club and Bovine Sex Club, with performances from Mustafa, Rural Alberta Advantage, Death From Above 1979 and Avenoir.

This year, for the first time, the festival will also feature a full suite of comedy programming, including stand-up showcases, panel discussions and networking events, but the complete schedule has yet to be announced.

Neither the complete conference nor festival schedules have been released yet, and are expected to come this March, so keep an eye of Departure Festival's website and social media for exciting announcements and schedule drops.

Conference passes are on sale now, priced at $599 for a regular pass and $1099 for premium, both of which grant access to all Departure music and comedy festival showcases, as well as keynotes and panels, while the premium ticket also offers front-of-line access and access to the priority lounge at Hotel X.

Early-bird pricing is in effect until March 12, when prices will increase to $799 and $1299, respectively, so pick up your tickets quick if you're hoping to save a few bucks.

Music-specific festival passes go on sale this March, with more pricing details revealed then.