Festivals like Rock the Harbour Bring Much More than Music to the Dartmouth Waterfront!
For decades at Alderney Landing, locals have had the opportunity to enjoy concerts from their favourite artists and discover new up-and-coming talent.
Joel Plasket, April Wine, July Talk, Ludacris, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and the Arkells have all headlined the Alderney Landing Waterfront stage. As of August 2023, you can now add classic rock legends Tom Cochrane, Gowan, and Kim Mitchell to that list thanks to Rock the Harbour, Atlantic Canada’s first three-day Classic Rock music fest!
But you may have noticed that events like these do more than just give Maritime music lovers a chance to see the artists they love. They also play a vital role in stimulating the local economy, and building a sense of community!
Artists and fans alike took to social media in droves last August to express how much they loved being a part of the first Rock the Harbour Classic Rock Music Festival.
Harlequin poses on stage in front of thousands of fans to say “Thank you” for the incredible experience and take advantage of the amazing view from the stage!
Toronto shares a sentiment with those who attended the Rock the Harbour festival: they “don’t want it to be over!”
Gowan shared his gratitude on social media, saying he can’t wait for the next time!
This feedback makes it clear that Alderney Landing provides a top-tier performance venue for artists and a welcoming gathering place for thousands of fans. As expressed by many festival attendees, “Not even drenching rain could dampen people’s spirits.”
But the impact of events like Rock the Harbour doesn’t stop when the music ends and the stage lights dim. According to a recent economic and social impact study,
Festivals and events like Rock the Harbour contribute an estimated $36 million annually to the local economy!
Events also have wide-reaching social impacts through volunteer opportunities, and arts and cultural education.
Each year, over 1100 volunteers spend over 11,000 hours bettering their community at Alderney Landing.
Volunteer opportunities help build confidence and skills in the individuals participating while enhancing the sense of connection and community in the areas served by the volunteer. Alderney Landing has been a hub for entertainment, events, cultural diversity, art, and social impact for almost 25 years. As the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront grows, so does Alderney Landing and its influence as the heart of a quintessential Downtown Dartmouth experience.
Members of Helix pose with an excited fan at the “Rock the Harbour” merch station on the Dartmouth Harbourside.
Sometimes, the impact of events like these is immeasurable. Here’s to many more years and many more festivals that ‘Rock the Harbour’ on ‘Our Side’.
Tom Cochrane closes out night 3 of Rock the Harbour 2023 at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
