The Edgefest summer tour was first established by Toronto radio station CFNY in the late 1980's and took place at Molson Park in Barrie, Ontario. Although not officially known as Edgefest, the music festival became an annual Canada Day event that featured performances by Canadian bands and artists, as well as up-and-coming talent from across North America and Europe. When CFNY eventually changed its name to 102.1 The Edge, the festival was baptized Edgefest and was officially inaugurated on July 1st, 1993 at the Ontario Place Forum, in Toronto. From those humble roots, Edgefest grew into a summer musical spectacular that tours across Canada.

Over the years, the Edgefest has featured some of the hottest acts on the Canadian music scene, including artists like The Tragically Hip, Sarah McLachlan, Blue Rodeo, Moist, Sass Jordan, Amanda Marshall, The Jeff Healey Band, The Northern Pikes and The Grapes of Wrath. Although primarily a showcase for alternative rock bands from the "true north strong and free," Edgefest has also played host to international stars like Blur and Elastica, as well as Radiohead's first-ever appearance in Canada.