OVO Fest

Celebrating music and community in Toronto since 2010.

via Wikipedia: OVO Sound · see source

OVO Fest is an annual music festival founded in 2010 by Drake, Noah "40" Shebib, and Oliver El-Khatib. Typically held annually in Toronto, the event features performances from OVO Sound artists alongside prominent guest artists. The inaugural edition in 2010 set a high standard with guest appearances by Jay-Z and Eminem. Throughout its history, the festival has included special guests such as Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Nas, Kanye West, and Lauryn Hill. Following an annual run, the event was put on hiatus after 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2022 for a "October World Weekend" event featuring a Young Money reunion.

Quick Facts

Founder: Drake & Oliver El-Khatib
Brand affiliation: October's Very Own (OVO)
Primary location: Toronto, Canada
Status: Active Event Series

Lore & Background

The history of OVO Fest is marked by significant returns and evolving lineups. Founded in 2010, the festival quickly established itself as a major event in Toronto's cultural calendar. The inaugural 2010 lineup featured heavy hitters like Jay-Z and Eminem, while subsequent years saw special guest performances from artists including Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Nas, Kanye West, and Lauryn Hill. The festival serves to promote the OVO Sound label and its roster of artists, maintaining a strong connection to the city of Toronto. In 2022, after a pause caused by the pandemic, the event returned as part of an "October World Weekend" that notably featured a Young Money reunion.

Reader's Guide

For those following the event's timeline, the festival began in 2010 and typically takes place annually in Toronto. Key historical moments include the 2010 debut with Jay-Z and Eminem, and the diverse guest list over the years featuring Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Nas, Kanye West, and Lauryn Hill. Attendees should note the event's resilience; after running annually until 2019, it paused for the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2022 as an "October World Weekend" event with a Young Money reunion. Most recently, in May 2025, Drake announced the festival's return for summer 2025, signaling its continuation as a staple of the city's music scene.