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Drake Announces The OVO Fest Dates For This Summer After A Two Year Hiatus

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Drake is known for many things: record-breaking music, Instagram caption-ready lyrics, a charmingly corny disposition, and an undying love for his hometown. His loyalty to Toronto materialized over a decade ago with his longstanding event OVO Fest, where he’s brought out the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and many more rap titans. As with many things, the pandemic hindered his ability to keep the tradition going, but OVO Fest is officially set to return at the end of this month.

In an Instagram post, the “One Dance” artist enthusiastically announced “October World Weekend” after previously alluding to his desire to make the festival happen. He revealed that he is looking to turn OVO Fest into a full tour come 2023, but to start, he’s bringing it back to its roots on Thursday July 28, Friday July 29 and Monday August 1. The July 28 show at History will feature the “All Canadian North Stars,” which opens up the imagination to a few major acts that could appear. The July 29 installment, at Budweiser Stage, will feature Chris Brown and Lil Baby. A few days later (August 1), the show returns to Budweiser Stage with Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and a Young Money Reunion.

After not being able to tour 2021’s Certified Lover Boy and adding the June dance album Honestly, Nevermind to the mix, this is sure to be a huge moment for Drake, his fans, and, of course, Toronto.

Tickets go on sale this Friday via Ticketmaster. Check out Drake’s official OVO Fest announcement above.

Drake’s OVO Fest Is Returning In 2022

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In addition to anointing UK rapper Dave as one of the most unique artists in the business today, Drake also had another surprise for fans at Dave’s tour stop in Toronto last night. After performing “Wanna Know” and “Knife Talk” alongside his host (or guest, since Drake owns the venue, History), Drake told the diehards in attendance that he’s also planning on bringing back his own event, OVO Fest, sometime this year. “I love you with all of my heart,” he said. “They let the city back open so I will see you at OVO Fest soon.”

Drake’s festival would have had its 10th iteration in 2020, but COVID-19 and the resulting safety restrictions forced him to forego plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary at the event itself. Unfortunately, as a side effect of the slowed income from that year, there was no 2021 edition, either. The last OVO Fest took place in 2019 with guests like millennial favorites B2K, Chingy, and Lloyd. Intriguingly enough, Drake’s festival isn’t the only one coming back to Toronto this year; in April, Rolling Loud announced its own event in The Six featuring none other than Dave as a headliner alongside Future and international superstar Wizkid.

Drake didn’t offer any more details, but you can bet when he does, there will be a frenzy to get tickets to his hometown show — no matter how much they cost.