Eight live local bands, an indoor skate park, activities for kids and more will fill a Chilliwack venue for an all-ages event this summer.
The Controlled Chaos Music Festival is set for Saturday, July 5 at the Chilliwack Coliseum, and organizer Steve Giesbrecht is calling it the biggest concert the venue has seen in a while.
“There's really nothing for all ages – for kids – to go and see live music in Chilliwack,” Giesbrecht said, adding that there may be some smaller events for youth, but nothing compared to what he has in store.
"This event will be the largest concert at the Chilliwack Coliseum in a very long time, perhaps ever," said the born-and-raised Chilliwack man.
Giesbrecht is welcoming three rock bands, three punk bands, one country band, and a Halq’eméylem/English group which will provide a total of nine hours of live music.
“I’m not in a band, don't play an instrument, never played music myself. I just love live music,” he said.
He heard local band The Bobby’s perform about three years ago and he’s been hooked ever since.
“I've seen some local bands in the last couple of years and figure there hasn't really been a big festival or big show in town for quite a while," Giesbrecht said. “I want to support the local musicians around here.”
Most bands performing on July 5 are from Chilliwack, plus there are a few from the Lower Mainland and one from Whitehorse. The lineup includes: Good Medicine Songs, Big Duke Sorrow, The Bobby's, Cows Go Moo, Whitey, The Unbranded, Tayos, and The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets.
“I’ve heard and seen them all perform live except the Thickets. I think I'm most excited for the Thickets.”
There's a plethora of other entertaining things that day, too.
HMI Skate Park in Hope is setting up an all-ages indoor skateboarding park on the concourse where people can not only watch demos, but also try out the ramps.
There will be on-site tattooing by Captain's Tattoo Company for people of age, and airbrush tattoos for kids.
A kids' zone will be set up with an inflatable obstacle course, games, activities, face painting, and more.
There's a vendor's market, plus tables set up selling both concert and band merchandise. Vendors will be selling items like pop culture stickers and patches, used vinyl records, clothing, jewelry, art and much more.
And what's an all-day music festival without food?
Inside the Coliseum, J's Kitchen will be open with their regular menu, and there will be alcohol available. Outside will be two food trucks. People can come and go as they please.
There's also a kid-friendly, alcohol-free zone. Plus, there will be boat-rental giveaways as well.
“You gotta have it all," he said.
It's a big endeavour, but Giesbrecht has had some experience with a music festival in the past. In 2024, he hosted Spring Rockuinox featuring four local bands at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
He said it was very well received.
“The bands were like “This was awesome. Now you can only go bigger from here,” and I guess I took it literally.”
What was the reaction when he told some of those bands about his idea for the Controlled Chaos Music Festival?
“They thought I was crazy,” he said with a laugh.
In order to make it affordable for everyone, including youth, he's offering “very fair, cheap festival prices.”
Tickets are $23 for kids, $38 for general admission, and $53 for floor passes.
The Controlled Chaos Music Festival is Saturday, July 5 at the Chilliwack Coliseum. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the music starts at 2 p.m. and goes until about 11 p.m.
Tickets are available at showpass.com/controlled-chaos-music-festival-5. For more, check out the event on Facebook.
