Get Ready for BreakOut West: Saskatoon's Ultimate 4- Day Music Festival!
BreakOut West will be happening from September 26th to 29th in Saskatoon—especially the vibrant Broadway area—will come alive with an unmatched atmosphere of music, culture, and community. Keep reading to learn more about this 4-day music festival!
What is BreakOut West?
BreakOut West is an annual music festival that travels to different cities across Western Canada, and as I mentioned, this year, it is in Saskatoon! This event features many of Western Canada's best upcoming and established artists, with various genres and styles, as well as International and Pan-Canadian artists! As I mentioned, it will take place in one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city, at multiple venues along Broadway Ave!
Picture this: Broadway full of people on the streets, bright lights, patios and venues full of live music, delicious restaurants and pubs all around… ah, what a site. And a wristband is only $20 for the weekend; yes, you read that right, $20!!
I can't wait to experience this event!
Photo Credit- BreakOut West
What Venues will be hosting?
Be sure to check out the BreakOut West website for the full schedule, but here are some of the venues that will be included for the festival:
Amigos Cantina- 806 Dufferin Ave.
Amigos is a bustling tavern and live music venue offering Mexican favorites like burritos and classic pub grub. It is located just off Broadway, along 10th and Dufferin.
Black Cat Tavern- 801 Broadway Ave.
Black Cat is another one of Saskatoon's music venues. From metal- folk, there is always something for everyone. Be sure to grab a bite there, from handheld sandwiches to pizza and enjoy a drink while enjoying the shows!
Broadway Collective- #101 733 Broadway Ave.
Located right on Broadway, by day, is a shared working space that you can rent to work at, but at night, it is transformed into the perfect intimate venue for a music series. With a bar on location, play a game of pool and enjoy a drink while listening to live music!
Broadway Theatre- 715 Broadway Ave
The Broadway Theatre is an art film and performance theatre located in the heart of Broadway. Like any theatre, you are hit with the delicious smell of popcorn when you walk in! Grab a bucket of popcorn and a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), find a seat, and sit back (or stand and dance) the night away!
Photo Credit- CONCEPTS Photography & Design
Bud's On Broadway- 817 Broadway Ave
Buds is another iconic music venue located right on Broadway. It hosts all sorts of shows and jam sessions. The snack menu features classic pub food like nachos, burgers, and ribs, and Buds also serves a variety of beers and coolers!
Cosmo Senior's Centre- 614 11th St E
This hall has a lot of great space for a music show! With a stage for the performances and ample room to stand or sit, you will have a great view from anywhere. It is located just off Broadway on 11th St.
The Refinery- 609 Dufferin Ave
Again, this location is just off Broadway, along 12th St. It is an old parish hall that has transformed into a warm and cozy venue for arts, music and concerts.
Photo Credit- BreakOut West
Getting There (and around Saskatoon)
Saskatoon is an excellent city for many reasons, but I love that it takes little time to get anywhere! If you stay downtown, getting to Broadway will be a breeze with a few different options! First, you can walk- it is about a 10-minute walk from the Sheraton Cavalier, Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough or The James Hotel. It is a quick walk across Broadway Bridge over the South Saskatchewan River. Be sure to take a moment to stop and view the scenery. Another option is renting an E-Scooter; you will be able to find them all over Saskatoon. Download the app here and plan to go for a ride (they are a lot of fun!)
We also have our public transportation system. There are a number of buses from downtown and different areas of the city that go down Broadway. You can learn more about Saskatoon Transit here, and if you plan to use the bus, be sure to download the app! Lastly, you can take a Taxi like Riide or Uber. It is a short 5-minute drive from Broadway to Downtown, and you will get to where you need to go quickly!
Photo Credit- City of Saskatoon
Restaurants in the Area
One of the concepts I love about this festival is that everything is in one area, so whether you walk from downtown or get dropped off, you can hop around to all the venues, restaurants and shops within the Broadway area! Here are some of my recommendations:
First up, Odla: If you are looking for an authentic Saskatchewan meal, Odla serves a farm-to-table dining experience, and they get their supply from over 50 local Saskatchewan farms. An excellent way to experience Odla is to enjoy their 4-course meal, which gives you a little bit of everything! Also, not only is their food delicious, but their drinks are also amazing, so if you want to stop by for just a drink, this is a great stop. (They do take reservations, so book yourself in!)
If you are looking for more of a pub style, The Yard and Flagon is a great stop to enjoy some fish & chips, a veggie burger or some appetizers (also, a poutine hits the spot for a nightcap, just speaking from experience!) They also have a great selection of local beer on tap and various wines and cocktails!
Photo Credit- Aspen Films
Another suggestion I have for pizza lovers is UNA pizza + wine. Their cozy vibe is perfect for a fall evening, and their patio is a little hidden gem! Enjoy some pizza with a wine flight! Also, for someone who is not a fan of kale, I highly recommend their Kale Caesar Salad—it is amazing!
For beer lovers, add Prairie Sun Brewery to your list! With an extensive selection of local beer (from right here in Saskatoon and the province), there is something for everyone! Socialize in their front area, which has room for your whole group, or secure a table at the back and have a bite to eat (the macaroni salad is my favorite!).
Also, if you haven’t heard, 9 Mile Legacy Brewing, one of our local breweries in Saskatoon, has made an official beer for BreakOut West, the SK Festbier! The coolest part is they have a QR code on it that gives you the full festival details, genius! Be sure to try one of their beers at a local pub or brewery!
These are just a few suggestions. Be sure to check out Saskatoon's thriving and diverse food scene; there really is something for everyone!
Photo Credit- Carey Shaw Photography
Saskatoon 101- AKA #Saskatooning!
Well, I know many visitors, artists, and festival goers are coming to Saskatoon for BOW, so Welcome to #YXE! Saskatoon is located on Treaty 6 Territory, the Homeland of the Metis. It is the Paris of the Prairies, the City of Bridges, and the City that Shines, and for the 2024 BreakOut West Festival, it is your host city, and we are excited to have you!
What is #Saskatooning? It's the act of discovering and exploring all that Saskatoon has to offer! Grab a coffee from Café Del Rey and walk along the Meewasin Valley Trail, taking in the fall colours and views of the South Saskatchewan River. Stop at the end of your walk, stop at the Remai Modern, a modern and contemporary art museum! Or stop by the Gather Local Market to shop for local food and shops!
Photo Credit- Aspen Films
Here are some other great blogs to with some helpful information about Saskatoon:
- Saskatooning: Where To Shop & Explore In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- 10 Cool and Interesting Facts about Saskatoon
- Saskatooning: Where To Eat In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Your guide to YXE's best cocktails
- Saskatoon Walking Brewery Tour through Broadway, Downtown, and City Park
- The artsy guide to Broadway Avenue
You can also browse our website for Tips & Resources, take a look through our Visitor Guide and Itineraries, and anything else you need to know!
I'm confident this blog will give you a better sense of Saskatoon, and for locals, it provides valuable information about BreakOut West. I hope you enjoy Saskatoon as much as I do and get to experience this wonderful city! I'm excited to check out BreakOut West and immerse myself in this amazing music festival. I hope to see you there. As always, show us how you're #Saskatooning by tagging us on social media!
Photo Credit- Discover Saskatoon
Bailie Knowles
Bailie grew up in a small town but was always a "city girl" at heart. Saskatoon is home to her and her family. Her household is full of love and chaos with her husband, four (wild) & wonderful children, and their beloved furry companion. Bailie works as a Marketing & Communications Coordinator with Discover Saskatoon. She loves getting out into the community with her family and taking in all of Saskatoon's events and attractions. Her family loves discovering new parks, trying new restaurants and breweries, hitting up all the events, and attending sporting events like the Saskatchewan Rattlers & Huskies. Follow along with her family adventures @bailie.knowles on Instagram!