The beauty of Bluesfest isn’t just the headliners—it’s arriving early, exploring the grounds, discovering new artists, and stumbling across a performance that becomes your favourite memory of the festival.
While thousands will gather at the RBC Stage for Jessie Murph and Cody Johnson, opening night offers a little bit of everything: emerging Canadian country talent, local Ottawa favourites, hip-hop legends, psychedelic rock, and even a sea-shanty phenomenon. The key is having a game plan.
Here’s our perfect opening-night itinerary.
Justin Fancy
5:45 PM | LeBreton Stage
If you’re looking to start Bluesfest the right way, get through the gates early and head straight for the LeBreton Stage.
Newfoundland’s Justin Fancy has built a loyal following with his blend of modern country and East Coast storytelling. As the first artist on the LeBreton Stage, he has the honour of setting the tone for the entire festival, and there’s something special about being there when Bluesfest officially comes to life.
Why he’s a must-see: Every great Bluesfest experience starts with discovering an artist you didn’t expect to love. Justin Fancy has all the makings of one of opening night’s hidden gems.
Jade Hilton
6:00 PM | RBC Stage
From there, make your way over to the main stage to catch Jade Hilton.
One of Canada’s fastest-rising country artists, Hilton has been gaining momentum with audiences across the country and lands a coveted opening slot on the RBC Stage. Early festival sets can sometimes be overlooked, but don’t be surprised if a lot of attendees leave her performance as new fans.
Why she’s a must-see: This feels like one of those “remember when she played at 6 p.m.?” moments before much bigger stages are in her future.
Satellite Birdhouse
6:30 PM | Barney Danson Theatre
This is where opening night gets interesting.
While much of the crowd chases the biggest names, those who venture into the Barney Danson Theatre will be rewarded with one of Ottawa’s most promising local acts.
Satellite Birdhouse has steadily built a reputation for engaging live shows, strong songwriting, and the kind of authenticity that resonates long after the final song. Here at Sound Check Entertainment, we’ve followed their journey and covered previous performances, watching them grow into a band that consistently delivers when the lights come up.
What makes this set particularly appealing is the setting. The Barney Danson Theatre offers a more intimate atmosphere than the larger outdoor stages, giving audiences a chance to truly connect with the music. It’s also a welcome break from the hustle, heat, and crowds that come with a major festival evening.
Why they’re a must-see: Bluesfest has always been as much about discovery as it is about headliners. Satellite Birdhouse represents exactly the kind of local success story that makes this festival special.
Digable Planets
7:45 PM | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Stage
For those looking to branch out from the country-heavy main stage, Digable Planets offer one of the strongest alternative choices of the night.
The Grammy-winning hip-hop pioneers helped define jazz rap in the 1990s, and their influence can still be heard throughout modern hip-hop today. Their smooth grooves and timeless catalogue make for one of opening night’s most unique performances.
Why they’re a must-see: Not many festivals can offer Cody Johnson, Digable Planets, and GOAT on the same night.
Jessie Murph
7:20 PM | RBC Stage
If there’s one artist who feels poised to own the conversation after opening night, it’s Jessie Murph.
The genre-bending singer-songwriter has exploded in popularity over the past few years thanks to a style that effortlessly blends country, pop, rock, and soul. Her songs are raw, emotional, and deeply personal, while her live performances have earned widespread praise from fans and critics alike.
With a primetime slot on the RBC Stage, expect one of the largest crowds of the evening and one of the most talked-about performances of the night.
Why she’s a must-see: This feels less like a supporting set and more like a future headliner in the making.
GOAT
8:15 PM | LeBreton Stage
Want to experience the most intriguing act of opening night?
Head back to the LeBreton Stage for GOAT.
The mysterious Swedish collective has earned a cult following thanks to their psychedelic sound, masked performances, and unpredictable live shows. They’re impossible to neatly categorize, which is exactly what makes them such an exciting festival act.
Why they’re a must-see: Every Bluesfest has a performance people spend the next day talking about. GOAT could easily be that band.
Cody Johnson
9:10 PM | RBC Stage
The night concludes with the artist many fans have been waiting months to see.
Cody Johnson has become one of the biggest names in modern country music by staying true to his traditional roots while delivering arena-ready performances. From massive singalongs to heartfelt ballads, his set promises to provide the perfect ending to opening night.
Why he’s a must-see: It’s opening night, he’s the headliner, and few artists are better suited to closing out an unforgettable first evening at Bluesfest.
Pro Tips for Opening Night
✅ Arrive early. Justin Fancy and Jade Hilton are both worth catching, and arriving before the evening rush means shorter lines and easier access to the grounds.
✅Take Advantage of OC Transpo. With parking in and around the festival grounds limited OC Transpo is your best bet to get to and from the festival. Your ticket, or proof of volunteer duties, gets you on the bus, or train, for free throughout the festival. Visit 🎵 Ottawa Bluesfest 🎵 | OC Transpo for full details!
✅ Don’t live exclusively at the RBC Stage. Satellite Birdhouse, Digable Planets, and GOAT may end up being the performances you’re still talking about next week.
✅ Use the Barney Danson Theatre strategically. It’s one of the best spots to escape the heat, grab a moment to recharge, and enjoy music in a more intimate environment.
✅ Wear comfortable shoes. The best Bluesfest nights involve a lot of stage-hopping.
✅ Stay hydrated. It’s easy to get caught up in the music and forget that you’re spending several hours outdoors in July.
✅ Leave room for discovery. The best festival experiences often come from artists you’ve never heard before.
✅ Download the App. It’s easy to get caught up in a performance and, before you know it, miss an artist you had wanted to see. Download the Official Bluesfest App, create your own schedule and get notified when a favourite artist is about to start!
Final Thoughts
Opening night at Ottawa Bluesfest 2026 has all the ingredients of a memorable festival kickoff. Start with Justin Fancy, catch Jade Hilton on the main stage, spend some quality time with Ottawa’s own Satellite Birdhouse, branch out with Digable Planets or GOAT, and then settle in for the one-two punch of Jessie Murph and Cody Johnson.
If this lineup is any indication, Bluesfest is about to start with a bang. 🎶🍁🤠
For full lineup and the latest information visit www.ottawabluesfest.com
