Toronto’s Electric Island returns to Hanlan’s Point for its seventh season on May 19, 2019. With 5 events throughout the summer, there are many elements of this festival that are worth mentioning. This year brings a fire lineup with new dates that have shifted most of this year’s events to Saturdays and Sundays instead of Sundays and Mondays. After dancing the weekend away, this leaves patrons more time to recharge before heading back to the work week. Here’s an insider look at what patrons have to look forward to this year:

The Lineup

Photo by WLSN SZTO of Ded Agency – All Right Reserved ©

If you’re not familiar with techno or house music, Electric Island is the perfect introduction to both international and local talent. With two different stages, patrons are encouraged to wander and discover new music throughout the event. Each artist brings their own signature style to the (turn)tables.

The lineup for the main stage includes killer artists like Grammy Award winning producer Dubfire, Berlin masterminds Âme, Brooklyn duo Bedouin, Detroit’s Woman on Wax founder DJ Minx, and Toronto talent Jonathan Rosa and Carerra & Tavares. The lineup for the Moog stage includes Toronto’s very own Carlo Lio playing a back-to-back set with Nathan Barato, Chicago legend and Jackin’ House producer DJ Sneak, Ghetto-House pioneer DJ Deeon, and Berlin Based producer Caleb Calloway.

The Island Experience

Photo by WLSN SZTO of Ded Agency – All Right Reserved ©

One of the best parts about attending music festivals in general is the anticipation leading up to the festival gates. When it comes to Electric Island, that anticipation begins at the Ferry docks. Groups of friends will be dressed to impress while they line up for the ferries. The greatest piece of advice is to buy your tickets online and ahead of time to avoid the long lines. Once your Ferry has left the dock, enjoy the wind in your hair and the beautiful view of the city skyline. As you get closer to the Island, faint bass lines can be heard in the distance. Electric Island is calling!

The Atmosphere

Photo by Alec Donnell Luna of Ded Agency – All Right Reserved ©

The vibes at Electric Island are warm and inviting every year. In previous years, there have been chill out stations with bean bag chairs or inflatable hammocks set up for patrons, as well as phone charging stations so you can keep in contact with your friends. There’s also been activities like ping pong, collaborative murals and black light rooms for people to enjoy. It’s a nice way to break up the day and socialize with friends. Due to this event being 19+, there is a certain level of maturity felt at EI that does not compare to other festivals. Patrons are encouraged to take care of one another, drink responsibly and get off the island safe.

The Food

Photo by Alec Donnell Luna of Ded Agency – All Right Reserved ©

Electric Island offers some of the best food trucks for those who need a solid meal or a quick snack. Some of the trucks feature tacos, pierogies, burgers and poutines. Most of the trucks offer vegetarian options as well. The festival organizers are really great at setting up picnic tables in this area so that patrons can sit down and enjoy lunch or dinner on the island. Due to this event being a picnic concert, some patrons also tend to bring blankets for sitting in the grass.

The Hippie Market

Photo by WLSN SZTO of Ded Agency – All Right Reserved ©

As of 2018, Electric Island presented The Hippie Market for the first time: a series of local vendors and artists who were able to sell their work. Vendors included face painting, fortune telling, vintage clothes, handmade jewelry and more! One of the best vendors was The Community Market Toronto: a pop up shop started by Toronto-based artist Johnny Chacon who has a love for Toronto’s arts scene. With a background in promoting, DJing and woodworking, Johnny started an artist collective that features artists who paint, sculpt, sew, and more. Their shop pops up in the West end every few months and had the pleasure of being featured in Electric Island’s Hippie Market last year.

The Friends

Photo by WLSN SZTO of Ded Agency – All Right Reserved ©

Whether you are rolling up with a group or going alone, the friends you make and bonds you strengthen at Electric Island are ones you will keep for life. People in the crowd are generally very approachable and helpful throughout the event, so there’s no need to worry about bothering strangers, as most of them are just friends you haven’t met yet. The music and energy at Electric Island has a way of bringing people together both on and off the dance floor.

Tickets

Experience Electric Island and purchase your tickets here. You can also save some money by purchasing a season pass which is valid for all of the 2019 dates: Sunday May 19, Saturday June 22, Saturday August 10, Saturday August 31 & Sunday September 1. Don’t forget to purchase your ferry ticket and RSVP to the Facebook Event. See you on the island!

Follow Electric Island

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE