After a four-year absence, Rifflandia Festival will return to Victoria with a rollicking lineup.

It includes New Zealand’s unconventional singing sensation Lorde, who practically stole the show at Glastonbury earlier this summer.

Also performing will be Charli XCX, Lauv, Cypress Hill, and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, who recently released his new Bloodline Maintenance album inspired by his father.

That’s not all. The Russian punk band Pussy Riot, which has enraged Vladimir Putin in the past, is also scheduled to perform, along with Bikini Kill, DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal), bbno$, and the hypnotic Cat Power.

Plus, many B.C. favourites will be at Rifflandia—Desirée Dawson and Missy D are among them. And did we mention comedy? Lafflandia is being introduced to the festival this year.

Rifflandia features two stages in The Park (a.k.a. Royal Athletic Park) which is fully licensed and all-ages, along with the best of Victoria’s food and beverage scene, exciting festival amenities, vendors, and activities.

In Victoria’s Arts & Innovation District the expanded, 19+ Electric Avenue will serve as the main night time attraction; featuring the legendary Phillips Backyard and five new stages including a mind-blowing immersive geodesic dome.

"It feels amazing to be bringing this event back to the city we love!” Rifflandia President and CEO, Nick Blasko says. “Our lineup is exceptional this year, and we are working hard to create an elevated festival experience that celebrates our past while launching us into the future!”

The full schedule and maps can be found at rifflandia.com/schedule.

Rifflandia was launched in 2008 and remains one of the longest-running large-scale music and arts festivals in Western Canada. Running from September 15 to 18, it combines the joyous feel of an outdoor celebration on the grassy field of The Park with the urban appeal of Electric Avenue.

One of the draws is the city itself—Victoria is spectacularly beautiful with gorgeous beaches, plenty of history, outstanding dining, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

There are few places in North America that can match Victoria at the close of the summer—which is another reason to head over to the provincial capital for Rifflandia.