Festivals
Barnside Harvest Festival 2025 – Day Three Recap & Photos
The final day of the Barnside Harvest Festival leaned hard into country, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better fit. Paterson Park in Ladner was soaked in rain for most of the morning, but by 2:30 the skies cleared, the temperature crept up, and the crowd settled in for one last round of music, dogs, and local beer.
Sunday was “dog day,” which meant the park was full of wagging tails, costumes, and a rescue booth stocked with puppies that stole just as much attention as the performers. Add in a row of dog-friendly market stands and it almost felt like a county fair. Boots stomped, dogs barked, and the music rolled.
We started the day at 3 p.m. with Madisyn Gifford, who made the most of her slot. Newly signed to 604 Records, she played nearly an hour, unusually generous for such an early set, and showed the polish of an artist quickly on the rise. Her mix of pop-country hooks and confident stage presence set the tone for the day: upbeat, heartfelt, and proudly homegrown.
Tony Stevens was scheduled next, but rain-soaked sound equipment delayed his start by fifteen minutes. Once things were sorted, though, his easygoing charm carried him through. Stevens kept the mood light, joking about the weather between songs, and the crowd was forgiving as most people were still drying out themselves.
By mid-afternoon, the Dueck Cadillac Stage came alive with Chase the Bear, a band whose name, as per their introduction, was chosen by their mother. Their energy was infectious, with a rock edge that gave the day’s country tilt a welcome kick. They’re clearly a group that doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but they play like they’ve got something to prove.
One of the biggest ovations of the afternoon went to Jesse Roper, a festival favourite from Victoria who’s been with Barnside since the very beginning. It’s rare to see a performer so genuinely loved by both organizers and fans, but Roper fits that bill perfectly. His soulful guitar work and gravelly vocals hit the sweet spot between blues and country, and the crowd responded with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you think he’ll be booked here as long as he wants to return.
As the sun began to sink, the main stage welcomed Shakey Graves, whose dusty Americana sound felt tailor-made for a Sunday evening. His one-man-band roots still shine through, even with a full band behind him now, and his mix of storytelling and sharp picking pulled the crowd closer to the stage. He was a clear bridge between the local acts and the headliner.
Closing out the weekend was The Dead South, a band that has built their reputation on blending prairie grit with old-time string-band swagger. Dressed in their trademark white shirts and black suspenders, they had the crowd hollering along from the first note. By the time they reached their viral hit “In Hell I’ll Be in Good Company”, they had given a finale that stitched the festival together: rootsy, fun, and proudly Canadian.
What makes Barnside work is how much it balances the feel of a serious music festival with the ease of a community gathering. Three days in, it was clear that organizers have thought through every detail, from shuttles and bike valets to food trucks and family-friendly zones. Day three proved that a festival can lean into country without losing its wider identity. It was still eclectic, still welcoming, and still one of the most laid-back weekends on the B.C. music calendar.
The rain may have tested spirits early, but by nightfall, boots were muddy, dogs were tired, and fans were smiling. Barnside has already carved out a unique identity in just three years, and Sunday’s finale proved it’s only growing stronger.
Check out our favourite photos of the day or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE DEAD SOUTH
SHAKEY GRAVES
JESSE ROPER
TONY STEVENS
MADISYN GIFFORD
SHRED KELLY
THE VAUDEVILLIAN
CHASE THE BEAR
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins to Headline Darker Waves 2026
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins will headline Darker Waves Festival on November 14, 2026 in Huntington Beach, CA. Returning to Huntington Beach City Beach at Huntington Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the ocean-side festival will feature legendary performances from over 35 artists across three stages including Simple Minds, Bad Religion, Adam Ant, The Psychedelic Furs, Soft Cell, The Damned, Manic Street Preachers, Gary Numan, Silversun Pickups, Buzzcocks, EMF, Circle Jerks, Spacehog, Marky Ramone and more. Fans can sign up now for the festival SMS list at DarkerWavesFest.com to receive a passcode to the presale beginning Thursday, April 2 at 10am PT with access to the lowest-priced GA tickets from 10am to 11am PT. GA, GA+, VIP, and Ultimate VIP Tickets will be available, with layaway payment plans starting at $19.99 down. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public following the presale.
GA+ tickets include access to the exclusive GA+ Lounge with shaded seating and air-conditioned restrooms, plus a dedicated entry lane at the festival main entrance, and more. VIP tickets include unlimited entry into the VIP Lounge with preferred viewing area by the main stage, charging stations, air-conditioned restrooms, dedicated entry lane at the festival main entrance and more. Ultimate VIP tickets feature all amenities of VIP, plus access to elevated and unobstructed views of both main stages with shaded open lounge seating, dedicated VIP concierge team, a complimentary locker to store personal items, three complimentary drinks including choice of craft cocktails, beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages, a complimentary meal redeemable for exclusive food options in the VIP Lounge and more.
Official Darker Waves vacation packages from Jampack pair GA, GA+, or VIP tickets with beachfront stays at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa or The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, and more. Bundles include a dedicated entrance, re-entry access, and commemorative merch.
For tickets and the full list of amenities available in each ticket package, please visit DarkerWavesFest.com.
Festivals
The Outlaw Music Festival Announces Its Highly Anticipated 2026 Tour Schedule
Willie Nelson, Mark Rothbaum, Keith Wortman, Blackbird Presents, and Live Nation proudly announce the return of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour as it enters its second decade on the road. Following last year’s milestone 10th anniversary, which Rolling Stone hailed as “undoubtedly the most exciting and eclectic multi-artist festival of the 2025 summer amphitheater season by a wide margin,” the festival ushers in a new era, continuing its tradition of unforgettable music and community that has made it a true cultural phenomenon.
Headlining this special limited run is once again the legendary Willie Nelson. With fewer appearances on the road this year, each night carries added significance, a rare chance to experience a living legend alongside a powerhouse lineup of iconic voices and next-generation trailblazers.
The tour, which kicks off on July 3 in Irving, Texas, features Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola.
The tour also includes Willie’s annual Fourth of July Picnic, which will feature special guests Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell. Please see the market lineups below for the artists performing in each city.
“Being on the road and playing for the fans is what I love to do. We don’t get to do as many shows as we used to, so every night out there means a little more. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and making it a special time.” — Willie Nelson
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 27, at 10 AM local time through http://OutlawMusicFestival.com and http://ticketmaster.com. VIP packages will be available, offering great seats and exclusive festival merchandise. Citi is the official card of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour. Citi card members will have early access to presale tickets, available today through Thursday, March 26, until 10 PM local time via the Citi Entertainment program. For detailed presale information, visit www.citientertainment.com.
The first Outlaw Music Festival debuted in 2016 in Scranton, PA. The sold-out show was so popular that Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson have made it one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Luke Combs, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour, sharing unforgettable music memories and unique vendor villages with local food, drinks, and shopping at Live Nation amphitheaters nationwide.
2026 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR DATES & LINEUPS:
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Billy Strings
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Rodney Crowell
Lily Meola
Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
For complete tour details, please visit: http://outlawmusicfestival.com