A new music festival in Banff is inspired by this eye-popping natural phenomenon

The aurora borealis (northern lights) is one of Canada’s most beautiful natural phenomena. Recently, photographs were captured across the country of these gorgeous dancing lights. Now, there’s a brand-new music festival dedicated to it.

Aroabora Mountain Music Festival is launching in the heart of the Rocky Mountains this March 27 to 28. Located at the Historic Train Station in Banff, Alberta, the festival promises a “two-night electronic music gathering rooted in alpine culture and Boreal Techno”.

This is more than just a music festival; it sits on a mountain stage, beneath a vast Northern sky, where sound, art and spirit converge.

“High in the Rockies, as winter begins to loosen its grip, something shifts,” said Bill Robinson, president of Aroabora Music Festival, in a press release. “The music mirrors the landscape — expansive, spiritual, and powerful. The spectacle isn’t just on stage — it’s all around you.”

This is a can’t-miss way to experience EDM in the heart of the Rocky Mountains this winter. Here’s what else you can expect at this exciting upcoming event.

Groove to Boreal Techno

If you’re asking yourself, “What is Boreal Techno?” you’re not the only one. This unique subgenre of EDM is melodic, cinematic and deeply atmospheric — shaped by the altitude, stone and the aurora borealis effect.

You’ll be able to hear it for the first time on an open-air mountain stage, beneath a swoon-worthy northern sky. The festival is designed as a true-to-place experience, one that’s deeply and distinctly Albertan.

Free community session

While you’ll be able to snag tickets to Aroabora, the event isn’t just for ticket holders. The festival will host a free Community Session on March 28 from 12 to 3 p.m., offering community members of all ages a chance to experience the magic of Boreal Techno for themselves.

That’s not all. According to a press release from Aroabora, “this relaxed afternoon gathering will also include festival art installations, local food trucks, and a soundtrack of chill mountain music — providing a welcoming space for the Banff community to gather and play.” It’s designed to be an opportunity where you can check out the festival and see what it’s all about. Plus, you can grab a quick bite and engage with public art installations along the way.

United by rhythm and heightened by the alpine environment, this is going to be one cool music festival experience. Don’t miss it!

When: Friday, March 27 to Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Banff Train Station — 327 Railway Ave., Banff, Alberta
Tickets: $70+ for general admission; free on March 28 from 12 to 3 p.m.

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