Festivals
Ottawa Bluesfest Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for 31st Edition in 2025
The highly anticipated 31st edition of Ottawa Bluesfest is set to electrify the capital once again, with an exciting and diverse lineup revealed at midnight. Taking place from July 10 to July 20, 2025, at LeBreton Flats, the festival continues its tradition of bringing world-class artists across multiple genres to thousands of music fans.
Headlining this year’s festival are some of the biggest names in music, including punk-rock icons Green Day, Irish sensation Hozier, and celebrated electronic producer Kaytranada. Country music fans can look forward to performances from Canadian legend Shania Twain, rising superstar Lainey Wilson, and breakout band The Red Clay Strays.
The indie scene is well represented with acts such as Men I Trust, Peach Pit, and Father John Misty, while rock enthusiasts can expect electrifying sets from Def Leppard, Papa Roach, and Turnstile. Adding to the rock spectacle, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine will deliver a powerful solo performance, and punk newcomers The Linda Lindas will set the stage on fire before Green Day closes out the night.
True to its roots, Bluesfest will also feature an impressive roster of blues artists, including Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, D.K. Harrell, Sue Foley, and Darrell Nulisch, ensuring fans of the festival’s namesake genre are well served.
With a dynamic mix of legacy acts and contemporary chart-toppers, Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all kinds.
Presale tickets go live on Wednesday, February 26, at 10 AM. Stay tuned for more festival updates and announcements by visiting www.ottawabluesfest.ca.
Festivals
PNE Summer Night Concerts – Train
After almost 10 years away, Train made its highly anticipated return to Vancouver, taking the stage at the PNE as part of the Summer Nights series for an electric night of nostalgia, energy and some of the band’s biggest hits. Nearly 10,000 fans packed the venue to welcome the group back to the city.
With nearly 33 years of performing together, Train proved that its signature sound and undeniable stage presence remain as strong as ever. Currently on the Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere Tour, the band is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its iconic album with a set that served as both a celebration of its enduring catalogue and a reminder of why these songs have remained fan favourites for decades.
Opening with “Calling All Angels,” the band quickly launched into a crowd-pleasing run of classics, including “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Marry Me” and “Drive By.” Throughout the night, the set balanced humour and heart, with frontman Pat Monahan connecting with the crowd and reflecting the warmth and personality that have become synonymous with Train’s live performances.
The night ultimately came full circle with the song that started the 25th-anniversary celebration: “Drops of Jupiter.” As the familiar opening notes rang out across the PNE, nearly 10,000 voices joined in, creating a fitting finale to a night that celebrated not only one of Train’s most beloved albums, but an iconic career spanning more than three decades.
Check our our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
TRAIN
All Photo Credit : Jill Meagher
Festivals
PNE Summer Night Concerts – Barenaked Ladies
Barenaked Ladies have spent decades perfecting the art of making a concert feel like the world’s biggest, weirdest, most Canadian house party.
Taking the stage on September 2, 2026, at the new Freedom Mobile Amphitheatre as part of the PNE Summer Night Concert series, the hometown legends brought their signature blend of goofy humour and radio hits to Vancouver for a night that felt a little like raiding the best parts of your childhood playlist.
With a catalogue spanning decades, there was no shortage of familiar favourites, with the band dipping into the hits that have made their way into everything from radio playlists to childhood memories. Songs like “The Old Apartment,” “If I Had $1,000,000,” and “Brian Wilson” remain just as catchy as ever, proving that some songs simply refuse to leave your brain.
The new venue made for a fitting home for the show, with the open-air atmosphere adding to the festival-like feeling of the evening. Between the music, the laughs, and plenty of singing along, Barenaked Ladies delivered exactly what you’d hope for from an end-of-season summer concert: good tunes, good laughs, and a whole lot of happy people singing “One Week” at 100% volume!
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
BARENAKED LADIES
All Photo Credit: Heather Horncastle