Bluesfest Expands July 19 Lineup with Canadian Talent for Ottawa's 200th Anniversary
Ottawa's premier summer music festival is sweetening its final day with additional Canadian musical talent and discounted ticket opportunities. Bluesfest organizers have confirmed that retro rock band the Sheepdogs and acclaimed Inuk singer Elisapie will join previously announced headliners the Guess Who for a special July 19 concert celebrating Ottawa's bicentennial anniversary.
All-Canadian Birthday Celebration
The all-Canadian musical celebration will take place on the evening of July 19, marking the conclusion of the 2026 edition of Ottawa Bluesfest. The festival itself runs from July 9-19 at its traditional LeBreton Flats Park location surrounding the Canadian War Museum. This special bicentennial programming represents a partnership between Bluesfest, Ottawa Tourism, and the City of Ottawa.
Beyond the evening concert, organizers have planned a daytime program of free, family-friendly activities that will be detailed in March. The full Bluesfest lineup for the entire festival is expected to be announced in February, giving music enthusiasts ample time to plan their summer festival experience.
Limited-Time Ticket Opportunity
To help fans prepare for this special celebration, Bluesfest is offering a limited number of discounted general-admission passes for the July 19 festivities. These specially priced tickets will be available for just 24 hours beginning at 10 a.m. on January 22, priced at $25 plus applicable taxes and fees.
This pricing represents a significant value for what promises to be a historic musical event in the nation's capital. Tickets will be available through the festival's official website, providing easy access for those looking to secure their spot at this commemorative concert.
Returning Festival Favorites
For the Sheepdogs, this summer's performance marks their first Bluesfest appearance since the unique 2020 pandemic edition of the festival, when the band performed a drive-in show for audiences safely positioned in their vehicles. The Saskatchewan-based rock band has developed a strong following across Canada with their classic rock-inspired sound.
Elisapie's return to Ottawa's festival scene comes after her memorable 2024 performance at the Ottawa Jazz Festival, where she captivated audiences with her Inuktituk interpretations of popular songs during an opening slot for Kathleen Edwards. The Inuk singer-songwriter has gained national recognition for her unique musical approach that bridges cultural traditions with contemporary sounds.
Historic Headliner Reunion
As previously announced, the evening will be headlined by Canadian rock legends the Guess Who, featuring original members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman performing together for the first time in more than two decades. Their "Takin' It Back" tour celebrates the recent out-of-court settlement that allowed them to reclaim the band's name, making this Ottawa performance particularly significant.
This bicentennial celebration represents a convergence of Canadian musical talent across generations and genres, offering festival-goers a unique opportunity to experience multiple facets of the country's rich musical heritage in one special evening. The programming reflects both Ottawa's history and the diverse sounds that have shaped Canada's musical landscape.
The July 19 concert promises to be more than just another festival date—it's designed as a musical tribute to Ottawa's 200-year history, bringing together established legends and contemporary Canadian artists for what organizers hope will be a memorable celebration of both the city and the nation's musical achievements.
