Kick your Golden summer into motion

Family-friendly or far-out? The eclectic sounds of Golden chime a particular tune

The heat of a Golden summer extends beyond temperature; its residents’ warmth can be felt by visitors who wander downtown. Summer Kicks is a free concert series held at Golden’s Spirit Square alongside the Kicking Horse River and the famous timber-frame covered bridge. The site is the central gathering place in Golden and just off the main street. Concerts are held every Wednesday night throughout summer for 10 weeks. Performing artists are a mix of locals and virtuosos from around the world.

“It’s a real community vibe,” said Bill Usher, executive and artistic director of Kicking Horse Culture. “One visitor told me that she felt like she had come upon a big family picnic. She felt so welcome in a true, authentic local experience compared to the usual touristy stuff that is typically marketed to travellers.”

Audiences range from 250 to 400 concertgoers and includes all ages and generations. Usher said that 80 to 90 per cent of the audience is local. “Families come out regularly to enjoy what’s going on,” he said. “It almost doesn’t matter the draw of the artist. They’re going to be there anyway.” 

If you’re looking for a musical outing that has a touch of home while you’re on the road, Summer Kicks is the concert series for you. As their website states, “Bring a chair, bring a friend and enjoy our town as if it were your own.”

Motion Notion

For an eccentric concert experience, try Motion Notion. The Motion Notion Festival is an exploration of electronic music, art and nature and dubs itself as “something off the beaten path—an auditory adventure of fantastical proportions.” The four-day festival takes place at the historic Beaverfoot Lodge and Festival Grounds 40 kilometres east of Golden. 

“We’ve brought the strongest team together to combine brand new transformational experiences with one of our best lineups to date to really take this festival to new heights,” Motion Notion’s director, Kevin Harper, said. “The collective efforts of our MoNo family have come together to deliver a beautiful and unique environment, and this year will by far top them all.”

Motion Notion looks to propel itself to new heights for its 18th edition. The festival is bringing expansions to the grounds, including the unveiling of a beachside stage, immersive art installations and more performers than ever before. The expanded lineup features fire dancers, contortionists, hypnotists, magicians, aerialists, comedians, yogis and workshop luminaries.

A down-home kind of night or an electric weekend in the Rockies—Golden caters to all kinds of musical flavours.