The first day of the Barnside Harvest Festival set the tone for a weekend that blends music, community, and the beauty of fall in Ladner, BC. Held right on the fields of Barnside Brewing Co., the Friday lineup on September 12 brought together an impressive mix of BC talent and Canadian favourites, creating an atmosphere that felt equal parts block party, family gathering, and outdoor concert.

The gates opened at 4 p.m., but with it being a workday, most of the crowd rolled in closer to 7. Families came with kids in tow, groups of friends grabbed craft beers brewed just steps away, and the laid-back, welcoming vibe never wavered. Barnside has a way of making you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a backyard party where everyone is invited, complete with food trucks, a kids’ zone, and artisan markets.

The festival opened with an indigenous welcome with Tsawwassen First Nation & Bryce Williams. Musically, the night leaned heavily on BC’s homegrown scene. Royal Oak and Melissa Endean respectively kicked things off on the Dueck Cadillac stage and Delta Heritage stage, each bringing their own brand of local energy. Endean’s rootsy songwriting carried well despite the competition with Said The Whale performing at the same time on the main Stage, while Royal Oak delivered bright, upbeat indie-pop that warmed up the crowd nicely.

On the Dueck Cadillac stage, Fionn, the twin sister duo from White Rock, leaned into their harmonies with an emotional set that included a cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie.” It was one of the early highlights of the evening, a mix of nostalgia and raw power that drew big cheers. Blonde Diamond followed with a dose of shimmer and swagger, their synth-tinged sound adding some grit and groove as the sun dipped lower.

The Boom Booms and Said The Whale took the main stage in the afternoon and got the festival grounds buzzing right away. The Boom Booms brought their trademark funk and feel-good energy, the kind of music that makes you dance even if you hadn’t planned to. Said The Whale kept the energy rolling with their alt-rock anthems, reminding the crowd why they remain one of Vancouver’s most beloved bands. Both sets felt like love letters to the West Coast, and the mostly local audience embraced it fully.

Bedouin Soundclash added a change of pace with their reggae-inspired rhythms. Their set was breezy yet commanding, and their cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” had the whole farm singing along, a perfect fit for the setting. It was one of those small festival moments where time slows down. You’re standing under the open sky, surrounded by neighbors, with everyone locked into the same song.

The night closed with Walk Off the Earth, who made sure no one left without a grin. Known for their playful, inventive performances, the band didn’t disappoint. They pulled out clever covers like Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy,” Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season,” and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” each reimagined in their signature style. Their kids, who perform as Luminati Suns, even joined them on stage for a few songs, adding to the family-friendly spirit of the festival. In a particularly heartwarming moment, they handed a ukulele to a teenager in the crowd who had made a standout sign, a small act that summed up the generosity and fun of their set.

By the time the last notes faded, Day One had set the bar high. Barnside Harvest Festival isn’t trying to be the biggest festival on the map; it’s carving out something more personal where community is the goal. It’s about celebrating local talent, sipping beer brewed on the very fields you’re standing on, and spending time with family and friends as the seasons change.

Stay tuned for our coverage of Day Three!

Check out our favourite photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!

WALK OFF THE EARTH

BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH

SAID THE WHALE

THE BOOM BOOMS

BLONDE DIAMOND

FIONN

ROYAL OAK

MELISSA ENDEAN

FESTIVAL GROUNDS

All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer