Festival Express (2003): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2003, Festival Express is a music, history and documentary film directed by Bob Smeaton, running about 90 minutes. “Festival Express... The longest party in rock-n-roll history.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The filmed account of a large Canadian rock festival train tour boasting major acts. In the summer of 1970, a chartered train crossed Canada carrying some of the world's greatest rock bands. The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Buddy Guy, and others lived (and partied) together for five days, stopping in major cities along the way to play live concerts. Their journey was filmed.

Who’s in it. Festival Express stars Rick Danko as Himself - The Band, Levon Helm as Self - The Band, Garth Hudson as Himself - The Band and Richard Manuel as Himself - The Band, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Festival Express has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video with Ads and Shout! Factory Amazon Channel and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Festival Express page.

If you liked it. Fans of Festival Express tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.