Annual Fort St. John music festival returns for fifth edition this year

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A local summertime music festival will return for its fifth edition next month, bringing local talent to a two-day event in Fort St. John.

Fred Fest, founded by McRae Powder Coating owner and Fort St. John resident Fred McRae, will take place on August 22nd and 23rd.

He joined Moose FM’s Bernard Conner-Suen on Tuesday, July 29th to speak about it.

“We’ve got a fantastic line-up,” said McRae. “People are really buying-in to what we’re trying to achieve at Fred Fest. To do something positive for the community. It’s really turning out well.”

As with the case in prior years, the event will raise funds for a charitable organization. This year, McRae said the campaign will go toward Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary to raise funds for wheelchairs for its HandyDart bus.

“That will be our goal,” said McRae. “We’re trying to help them out there. We’ll have more details at Fred Fest.”

A live auction and silent auction will be held to raise money for the auxiliary, with corn hole boards around the grounds where attendees can play. McRae said there will be a chance people can win the boards.

A merchandise tent and food vendors will also be available.

The line-up includes Duane Steele, Alex Hughes, Tom Cole and the Ridge Riders, Kent and Carrie Lessing and Drew Gregory for night one.

Kyle McKearney, Morgan Klaiber, Kikbak, Darion Wray and the Other Fellows, Me and the Boys, The Montney Coulees Band will play day two, closed out by Garrett Gregory.

Wray will play on August 14th at the Radisson Hotel’s bar in Fort St. John as a “Fred Fest pre-show.”

Several acts including Steele, Hughes and McKearney have been nominated for regional or national country music awards, most notably Steele who earned the 2001 Canadian Country Music Award for Independent Male Artist of the Year.

“There will be something for everybody,” said McRae. “Bring your smile and come on down to Fred Fest.”

Fred Fest 2025 will take place on Friday, August 22nd and Saturday, August 23rd at 6786 285 Road in Fort St. John.

Tickets are $75 for a single day, with $140 for the entire weekend. A senior rate is available for the weekend at $100. Youth 13 to 17 years are $20 and children 12 and under are free. All tickets are available on Showpass.

Camping rates are $40 per evening and will be open on Thursday, August 21st. More information is available at the event’s Facebook page.