It was just about 10 years ago to the day that Post Malone performed at the 2015 edition of Rifflandia.
Long before the Grammy nominations, sold-out arenas, and chart-topping singles, he was on stage in Victoria, still a year away from releasing his debut album Stoney.
But that’s the magic of music festivals like Rifflandia, which gives artists of all levels the chance to connect with new audiences.
Now, as the 15th annual edition is set to open, Rifflandia is returning to the Matullia Lands at Rock Bay from Sept. 11 to 14.
This year’s lineup is stacked with a mix of household names and emerging artists, featuring Maribou State, TroyBoi, The Victoria Symphony performing Daft Punk, Public Enemy, NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge), Alessia Cara, Shakey Graves, Sleater-Kinney, and The Dead South, among others.
For Rifflandia president and CEO Nick Blasko, this year’s festival feels like a culmination of years of work.
“We had a little more space and time to work with this year because we added the Thursday,” said Blasko. “A lot of these artists are ones we’ve tried to book for years – it’s usually a multi-year journey to get them. So when it all comes together, it feels like a small miracle.”
Beyond the music, Rifflandia has grown into a celebration of creativity and community.
Couples can even say “I do” at RiffCity Hall on Sunday, Sept. 14, with an official marriage commissioner presiding over the ceremonies. Comedy will also take the stage as Lafflandia brings stand-up talent into the mix.
Each day of the festival comes with its own theme, inviting festival-goers to dress the part. Thursday is glittery alien, Friday is ruffled cowboy, Saturday is bedazzled businesswear, and Sunday wraps it up with layered creature.
Blasko said one of the special things about Rifflandia is how it has evolved alongside its fans.
“We’re crossing multiple generations now,” he said. “You have people who started coming in their 20s and are now in their 40s, showing up with their kids. That kind of community doesn’t just happen. It builds year after year.”
Since its beginnings in 2008, when roughly 60 artists played across eight downtown venues, Rifflandia has brought in a unique mix of performers. Past headliners have ranged from Iggy Pop and Lorde to Charli XCX, Shaquille O’Neal, Paris Hilton, Run The Jewels, and Moby.
Seventeen years later, the excitement remains.
