What to know
- Ontario’s Four Strong Winds Music Fest is asking supporters to donate after falling short on production costs following its 2026 festival.
- Organizers say they’ve already paid more than $138,000 in artist fees, but still need help covering the cost of the festival stage.
- The fundraising campaign has raised about $3,000 toward its $5,000 goal.
- The festival featured artists including Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, The Bros. Landreth, Begonia, Georgia Harmerand Amanda Rheaume.
The three-day Four Strong Winds Music Fest, set on the 136-acre Riverstone Campus on the Saugeen River in Durham, Ont., just east of Toronto, wrapped up July 12, but organizers are asking for donations after paying all the artists but falling short for production costs.
They have raised $3000 of the $5000 ask.
Described as “boutique summer festival” — which had Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, The Bros. Landreth, Amanda Rheaume, Begonia and Geogia Harmer on the 20-plus-act bill, and offers camping, yoga, swimming, saunas, a marketplace, and more — also has a charity component.
“No gatekeepers No borders Great music and fantastic people,” Tom Wilson, who performed solo and with his band Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, adding that it was “Possibly the best time I’ve ever had in a place I’d never been.”
The event is produced by Four Winds Music Fest Inc., an incorporated not-for-profit organization and a portion of the proceeds goes to their other non-profit, Elephant Thoughts Institute of Changemakers, which provides opportunities around the world to youth facing barriers.
This year, proceeds and donations of goods is earmarked for “Cuban families in vulnerable situations,” but now they need help themselves.
Ariana Dalie and Craig Smith, who co-founded the festival in 2023, are asking for any amount.
“Thanks to your ticket purchases and our own investment, we’ve already paid over $138,000 in artist fees,” they wrote on their website and GoFundMe page. “Supporting the incredible musicians who make Four Winds so special has always been one of our highest priorities, and we’re proud that every artist has been paid.
“Like many independent festivals, however, ticket sales don’t cover the full cost of producing an event of this scale. Our most urgent remaining expense is the festival production costs, including the incredible stage where Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, The Bros. Landreth, Begonia, Georgia Harmer, and every artist shared unforgettable moments with all of us.”
Past performers have included Sarah Harmer, The Strumbellas, The Sadies, Elliott Brood, Julian Taylor, Danny Michel, Bahamas, Terra Lightfoot, Joel Plaskett, Boy Golden, Great Lake Swimmers, Logan Staats, and The Weather Station.
Dogs are also permitted, and children under 12 are free — both reasons are enough to support the festival.
“If Four Winds gave you a weekend you’ll never forget—if you found your new favourite artist, reconnected with old friends, made new ones, swam in the river, danced under the stars, or simply felt at home—we are asking you to help us right now,” the plea concludes.
“Please donate today if you can. Whether it’s $25, $50, $100, or more, every contribution goes directly toward paying the outstanding stage invoice and helping ensure Four Winds can return next summer.”
