Canada Rock Fest

CannaFest 2015 – The Birth of Canada’s Ultimate Rock Festival!

CannaFest 2015 made history as the first Canadian classic rock festival in Grand Forks, bringing together legendary rock acts for an unforgettable weekend of music, energy, and pure rock ‘n’ roll. Fans experienced electrifying performances from iconic bands, setting the stage for what would become an annual rock tradition. Relive the magic of the festival that started it all!

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Darren Lulka, official Canada Rock Fest photographer, smiling at the camera.

Pictures

David Coverdale singing passionately into a microphone during a live performance.

Rock Legends

CannaFest Was Born – 2015 Marked the Start of a Rock Legacy!

In 2015, the journey began with CannaFest Music Festival, initiated by owner Chuck Varabioff, who kicked off the grand opening of his retail cannabis store with a performance by local 80s Canadian rock band Prism. Despite a rainy start that drew forty people to the parking lot, the festival has evolved over ten years to host some of the biggest rock stars still touring today. The eclectic lineup includes a stellar roster from Gene Simmons to Whitesnake, making CannaFest an enduring celebration of rock music’s diverse legacy.

Friday, Aug 7, 2015 – A Night of Rock in Grand Forks!

Maddog 2020

Mad Dog 2020 kicked off CannaFest 2015 with an explosive performance, bringing high-energy rock and setting the tone for an unforgettable night!
Franklins Dealers

Franklins Dealers delivered a powerhouse set, showcasing their signature sound and keeping the crowd on their feet with their electrifying performance!
Lee Aaron

Lee Aaron, the Metal Queen herself, commanded the stage with her iconic voice and fierce presence, thrilling fans with her classic hits! She rocked the crowd with powerful performances of “Metal Queen” and “Whatcha Do to My Body”, proving once again why she’s a legend in Canadian rock!
Prism

Prism lit up the festival with their legendary anthems, captivating Grand Forks with their soaring vocals and timeless rock sound! They had the crowd singing along to classics like “Spaceship Superstar” and “Take Me to the Kaptin”, delivering a performance that was nothing short of electrifying!
Streeetheart

Streetheart with Kenny Shields closed out the night with an unforgettable performance, as Shields’ legendary vocals and stage charisma left the crowd in awe! The band delivered powerful renditions of hits like “Under My Thumb” and “Action”, creating a magical rock moment that Grand Forks will never forget!

Saturday, Aug 8, 2015 – Another Epic Night of Rock in Grand Forks!

Whisky Throttle

Whisky Throttle cranked up the energy with their hard-hitting rock sound, delivering a powerful performance that had the crowd roaring!
Jerry Doucette

Jerry Doucette brought his smooth bluesy guitar and timeless rock hits to Grand Forks, mesmerizing the audience with his legendary sound! He had the crowd swaying to classics like “Mama Let Him Play” and “All I Wanna Do”, proving why his music continues to stand the test of time.
Headpins

Headpins electrified the night with their classic anthems, as their high-energy set and soaring vocals kept the festival crowd on their feet! This was one of Darby Mills’ last shows with the band, making the performance even more special as she delivered powerhouse renditions of hits like “Don’t It Make Ya Feel” and “Turn It Loud” one final time.
Harlequin

Harlequin closed out the night with an unforgettable show, blending powerful vocals, dynamic instrumentals, and crowd-favorite hits that echoed through the festival grounds! The crowd sang along to classics like “Innocence” and “Thinking of You”, as the band delivered a high-energy performance that left a lasting impression on Grand Forks!

Final Thoughts

CannaFest 2015 was the start of a rock revolution in Grand Forks, bringing together classic rock icons and dedicated fans for an unforgettable weekend. From Mad Dog 2020 to Prism, Streetheart, and Lee Aaron, the festival’s first edition proved that Canada had a new home for classic rock. With an electric atmosphere and a lineup packed with legendary performers, CannaFest 2015 laid the foundation for something that would only grow louder and bigger in the years to come.