Final Edition of The Electric Highway Festival: A Farewell to an Iconic Journey
After nearly a decade of unforgettable music, art, and community spirit, The Electric Highway (formerly the 420 Music & Arts Festival) is hitting the road for the final time. Known for its deep roots in hard rock and metal, this festival has always brought together a passionate and loyal crowd, creating an atmosphere where fans can immerse themselves in both homegrown talent and high-energy performances. With its unique blend of genres and unwavering dedication to its audience, The Electric Highway has earned its place as a beloved staple in Calgary’s music scene — and this final edition promises to be one for the books.
Night One kicked off with a diverse lineup of seven bands, offering something for every rock fan. The evening begins with BUNS, a local powerhouse known for its thunderous riffs and high-energy performance. Their gritty vocals and blistering guitar solos set the bar high.
Next, The Astral Prophets took the crowd on a cosmic journey with their space-themed rock, including a crowd-pleasing cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.”
Hydracat followed, captivating the audience with their psychedelic, experimental sounds and pulsating basslines, creating an immersive experience. Each band brought a unique style, raising the stakes for the night ahead.
Chûnk revved up the crowd with punk-infused melodies and raw emotion, giving a charged performance that had the energy soaring.
Blacksmith & Brewer, a B.C.-based duo, took a more intimate yet explosive approach, blending 90s grunge with a touch of artisan craftsmanship — imagine Smashing Pumpkins colliding with Francis Black from The Pixies!
Buffalo Bud Buster brought their high-octane blend of southern rock and gritty blues, firing up the crowd with their infectious energy.
Castle brought the evening to a dark and powerful close. Their sludgy doom riffs and haunting vocals left the audience in awe, capping off a night of unforgettable music.
Night one of the festival showcased the vibrant diversity of Calgary’s hard rock scene, from psychedelic and doom influences to southern rock and punk. Hosted at Dickens Pub, the venue provided the perfect atmosphere for fans to immerse themselves in an unforgettable evening of music, camaraderie, and raw energy. Not only did the night celebrate the legacy of The Electric Highway, but it also set the stage for the epic conclusion, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the second night of this legendary festival.