Starting in 2005 with a scrappy group of musicians in the basement of McDonald Block in deciding to put on a charity show, and growing to 2024 with dozens of musicians over 12 nights and 8 venues. The GovFest battle of the Bands is the premiere event for current and former civil servants in Ontario to let their hair down, make amazing music, have a great time, and raise money for charity.
And 2025 will be our best year yet.
All the latest Updates
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Call for Bands
Do you want to perform with us? […]Read More… from Call for Bands
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Congratulations to our winning bands at the Govfest Grand Finale of the 2024 Battle of the Bands!
Audience Choice: New Original CynJudge’s Choice: The RegimentalsPeople’s Choice: The Invisible Hands […]Read More… from Congratulations to our winning bands at the Govfest Grand Finale of the 2024 Battle of the Bands!
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A Banner Year for GovFest
Thanks to our volunteers, the musicians, artists, patrons, audiences, and donors, GovFest 2024 raised over $40,000 for our charity partners, United Way and Ryan’s Well. Since its inception, GovFest has raised over $285,000 for charity. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you all again at our 2025 events! […]Read…
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Join us for our 20th year of Battle of the Bands!
We’ll once again hit the stage in November! Further details coming soon. Use our ‘contact us‘ form if you’re interested in performing or would like to learn more […]Read More… from Join us for our 20th year of Battle of the Bands!
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Battle of the Bands – Grande Finale Announcement
The bands who will be performing at The El Mocambo on December 9th are: N.O.C.The BridgeThe HollowmenThe PrecedentsUncle DeadlyVersion ControlVintage Derelicts […]Read More… from Battle of the Bands – Grande Finale Announcement
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Mayor Olivia Chow Supports GovFest
Thank you to the Mayor of Toronto for recognizing Govfest. We are proud to be a part of the artistic community of Toronto, and love that we are able to give back to the community by doing so. […]Read More… from Mayor Olivia Chow Supports GovFest
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Toronto’s Mayor John Tory Letter of Support (2022)
Once again, we have received endorsement form the Mayor’s Office. […]Read More… from Toronto’s Mayor John Tory Letter of Support (2022)
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QCC News – GovFest 2020
GOVFEST 2020 A celebration of music, art and employee engagement Govfest is an annual music and cultural fundraising show organized by public servants. The event started in 2006 with five bands rising to well over 30 musical acts and has become one of the largest fundraisers organized by public servants. Proceeds from the events go to community-based…
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Join Govfest at the 2019 United Way Kick-off Event!
On Thursday October 3rd, 2019, please join Govfest, United Way guest speakers and Ontario Public Service staff in celebrating the 2019 OPS United Way Kick-off Event! The event will feature live music by three Govfest bands across two Toronto locations: Government Rock Picnic and Andrew Abballe 777 Bay Street, 12:00 pm—12:45 p.m. & B4UW 315…
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Toronto’s Mayor John Tory is a Long standing supporter of Govfest!
Read his 2019 endorsement letter here to find out all of the wonderful things he’s saying about the work we do at Govfest. It is my pleasure to once again extend a warm welcome to everyone attending and participating in Govfest 2019. Govfest, now in its 13th years, continues to be among the largest events…
