The City of Cranbrook has announced that Rock the Kootenays will return in 2025, following another successful season of shows.
Administration provided an update to council at a meeting on Sept. 23, with feedback from attendees, vendors and contractors about the high points of the festival and discussion about what improvements could be made to the venue.
The classic rock festival ran Aug. 9 to 11 at Western Financial Place with a roster of nostalgic 80s-era hits from the likes of Prism, Big Wreck, Trooper, Doug and The Slugs, Chilliwack, 50.40, Glass Tiger, Nick Gilder and Sweeny Todd Group, Aldo Nova, Headpins and Nazareth.
According to the latest city data, 70 per cent of concertgoers at the festival came from other areas of B.C outside of Cranbrook, with a large secondary crowd visiting from Alberta. In turn, this spurred strong financial support for hotels, restaurants, stores and campsites.
“The success of Rock the Kootenays could not have happened without our many local businesses and those who contributed sponsorship and volunteer support to this event," said city director of recreation and culture Trevor Thors
“A huge thank you also goes to our staff for their strong efforts to help organize and support Rock the Kootenays. Putting together a festival like this takes an immense amount of work, with staff doing most of the organizing off the corner of their desks while managing their day-to-day activities. This festival could not have happened without them."
The city is already turning their attention towards planning next year's festival, scheduled to be held Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025. Three day passes for next year's events are already on sale for $210 at www.tickets.cranbrook.ca. Acts will be announced in December and a daily schedule and daily tickets sold in January.
For more information on Rock the Kootenays 2025, visit www.rockthekootenays.ca.
