Bass Coast

Listed provision only. Facilities change between editions — confirm anything you depend on directly with the festival.

About Bass Coast

Bass Coast is an electronic music and art festival held each July on grounds beside the Coldwater River outside Merritt, in the BC Interior. The 2027 edition runs July 9 to 12, with early admission available on July 7 and 8 for those who buy it. The festival sits on Nlaka'pamux and Syilx territories.

The event is independent and artist-owned, run without corporate sponsorship, and was founded and is still led by Liz Thomson and Andrea Graham. The festival says it is celebrating its 19th year. It has been named Best Boutique Festival in North America by DJ Mag twice and Best Midsize Festival in Canada at the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards. Alongside the music there are workshops, yoga and art installations, and the Slowtempo stage uses mellow lighting with no strobes.

Tickets are on sale now. General Admission is $479 CAD, which is the only GA tier and covers music, workshops, yoga, art and camping from Friday, July 9 at 9 am until Monday, July 12. Payment plans are offered and capacity is limited. Reserved campsites in Camp A and Ventura, bell tent glamping and early entry are sold as separate add-ons. Campgrounds B and C are first-come, first-served. The 2027 lineup has not been announced.

Practical points: the festival is 19+ with government photo ID. Bars, ice, showers and the General Store are cashless, while independent food and artisan vendors may take cash or cards, and there are no ATMs on site, so bring a card and some cash for vendors. Free potable water is available at several points, so bring refillable containers. Showers are near the Camp B Store. Drive in via Highway 5 Exit 28, past Moonshadows Campground, to the Main Gate on Midday Valley Road or the A Gate on Neilson Road. If you'd rather not drive, the Bass Shuttle runs from the Olympic Village SkyTrain area in Vancouver and gets priority gate entry.

Bass Coast publishes a sexual harassment and assault policy and runs a harm reduction programme that includes FTIR drug checking and an on-site sanctuary. First aid is on site. The river is a salmon spawning area, so the festival asks people not to build rock dams or use soap or sunscreen in the water.

Accessibility is covered in detail on the official site, including accessible camping with power near the Cantina Stage, elevated viewing platforms and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Terrain is grass, gravel and dirt, so expect bumpy routes.

Getting there

Merritt sits at the junction of Highways 5, 8 and 97C, about three hours' drive from Vancouver or an hour from Kamloops. Check the official Gates & Directions page, Bass Shuttle and rideshare board.

History

Bass Coast has been held in Merritt for more than a decade and describes itself as an independent international exhibition of electronic music and art.

Packing tips

Shade structure, water jugs and a reusable bottle, sun protection, river shoes, warm night layers and a card for cashless payments. Register any service animal in advance.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users: the grounds are flat grassy fields, gravel roads and dirt paths; all stages, workshop areas, bars and first aid are wheelchair accessible but bumpy, and seating is limited. Wheelchair-accessible all-gender porta-potties are placed at four locations, elevated viewing platforms are available at designated stages for attendees with mobility needs and a companion, and accessible camping near the Cantina Stage has power (110 V/20 A) for charging motorised wheelchairs and an accessible porta-potty; registration is by form with a June 15 deadline. Certified guide and service dogs are welcome if registered in advance. Main stages use moderate to heavy strobes, lasers and flashing lights at night; the Slowtempo stage has no strobes. No specific Deaf/hard of hearing or blind/low-vision services were found. Contact: accessibility@basscoast.ca.

Frequently asked

Contact the festival