Country and roots music took center stage during the evening programming at Vancouver’s FIFA Fan Festival™ on June 20, as Jade Eagleson and Blackie & The Rodeo Kings delivered memorable performances following an exciting day of FIFA World Cup action.

After fans spent the afternoon cheering on Germany, Ecuador, and Tunisia, the festival shifted its focus to live music, with crowds gathering at the Amphitheatre Stage for two distinctly Canadian acts.

Jade Eagleson opened the evening with a confident set packed with modern country hits and crowd-friendly energy. His rich vocals and relaxed personality quickly connected with fans, many of whom stayed after the matches to keep the celebration going. Eagleson had the audience clapping along and created one of the liveliest atmospheres of the day.

Closing out the live music portion of the evening, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings brought decades of experience to the stage. Their blend of roots rock, blues, and Americana offered a change of pace while showcasing the chemistry that has made the group a respected name in Canadian music. Their performance provided a fitting soundtrack as the sun set over Hastings Park.

The FIFA Fan Festival continues to prove that it offers much more than live match screenings. By pairing international football with performances from Canadian artists, the event has become a gathering place where sports, music, and community come together throughout the tournament.

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

JADE EAGLESON

BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS

FANS

All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer

The FIFA Fan Festival™ in Vancouver kept the celebration rolling on Saturday, June 20, with another full day of international soccer, live entertainment, and thousands of fans gathering at Hastings Park. Between FIFA World Cup matches, the festival once again highlighted Canadian music, giving visitors a chance to discover artists from across the country.

We stopped by to photograph two standout performances on both the Amphitheatre Stage and the Park Stage: Dawson Gray and Whitehorse.

Dawson Gray kicked off the afternoon with a polished country set that blended heartfelt songwriting with an easygoing stage presence. His warm vocals and modern country sound fit perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere as fans took a break between matches. Plenty of festivalgoers found themselves singing along, while others gathered to simply enjoy the performance.

At the same time in a different part of the festival, Whitehorse brought a different energy. The acclaimed Canadian folk rock band, composed of husband-and-wife duo Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland, showcased their signature mix of folk, blues, and rock, creating a dynamic performance that drew an attentive crowd. Their musicianship was on full display, with layered instrumentals and powerful harmonies filling the PNE Grounds.

One of the strengths of the FIFA Fan Festival has been its ability to mix world-class soccer with Canadian artists across a variety of genres. Saturday’s lineup was another reminder that fans could enjoy far more than football, making the festival a destination for sports and live music alike.

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

DAWSON GRAY

WHITEHORSE

All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer