massif music

september 24-26, 2026

A carefully curated heavy music experience in Nelson BC. We sell out every year.

we’re not massive,

We’re massif.

There’s no festival like MASSiF. Because we’re not really a festival.

We’re more like a pretty big party with your newest best friends. It’s that time when a whole bunch of cool bands came to play hard and hang out, made possible by a small group of volunteers who love music as much as you do, all in a sweet town under mountains overlooking a lake. WTF is this paradise, anyway?

We don’t tolerate jerks. Everyone is here to have sweaty, loud and safe FUN.

Featuring a meticulously chosen lineup, Massif increases gender diversity in heavy music and fosters opportunities for underrepresented bands to play together.

We’re super good at it. Located in the nether regions of British Columbia’s mountainous interior, MASSiF has been blowing minds and eardrums in Nelson BC since 2016.

latest news…

  • David P. Smith Is Playing Massif!

    Strapping on a dusty accordion, looking out into the crowd of eager Massif fans, Victoria’s multi-disciplinary artist David P. Smith wonders…how the hell did I get here? David has spent his career deconstructing and reconstructing music—whether that be with classic folk, hillbilly and the blues, or through noise with his project Grampa Big Balls. Years…

  • Volunteer at Massif!

    We need volunteers to help make Massif happen! Just a few hours of work gets you into the entire weekend of our 10th anniversary. Limited shifts available, so email massifvolunteering [at] gmail [dot] com now to secure your spot! Massif 2026 is presented by Backroads Brewing

  • The Tarholes Are Playing Massif!

    The Tarholes make a triumphant return to the Massif stage having added a new member to their ranks. Now a four-piece, these local favourites draw from a variety of influences to bring their own version of grunge-inflected, sludgy punk. One of the longest-running bands in the Kootenays for a reason. These dudes are legendary! Get…