Add these activities to your checklist to experience the best of Ottawa Bluesfest 2026

Summer in Canada means music festival season, and it's kicking off in Ontario with Ottawa Bluesfest from July 9 to 19, at LeBreton Flats.

Don't let the name fool you – the styles performed across these 10 days transcend blues alone, featuring internationally beloved artists across a wide range of genres.

From the moment you step foot on the grounds, there's a lot to take in! Here are a few can't-miss elements to get you started.

Explore the stages

Cole Lewis/Betty

Five main stages make up the festival, each one featuring non-stop music from as early as 5:45 p.m. until late. Pro tip: Check out which artists are performing where so that you can see your favourites without the last-minute scramble of, "Wait, where are they performing again?"

Another pro tip: Visit the Betty VIP Club, available at three festival stages. The dedicated viewing area has great sightlines to the stage, and tables and seating are available on a first-come first-serve basis. It also offers festival-goers a comfortable space to take a break before heading back into the crowd for their next favourite performance. Betty VIP Club ticket is required.

Grab a bite

India Bedson/Betty

Fuel your adventures by grabbing food at the dedicated area within the Betty VIP Club. When you download the Bluesfest app, you can get access to everything you need to know for the festival in offline mode and navigate the grounds with ease. This means no wandering aimlessly while hangry.

Plus, you can also come up with your food game plan in advance. The app features menus for all on-site options, so there are no surprises or indecision once you get to the front of the line.

Visit Betty at the Crazy Horse Saloon

Betty is back in its second year with Ottawa Bluesfest, and it's setting up camp in the Crazy Horse Saloon from Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12. Festivalgoers can test their skills on the Betty mini putt and spin the wheel for the chance to win a prize.

Betty

Prize wheel giveaways include Betty VIP Club passes, fanny packs, bandanas, blankets, lip balm, and soft water bottles. Score a hole-in-one on the mini putt and win a pair of Betty sunglasses! Prizes are available while supplies last.

Check out the Betty activation at Ottawa Bluesfest until July 12, after which you can find it at London's Rock the Park and Rock the Runway. Participants must be 19+ to enter the activation area and interact with Betty-branded gaming experiences. Visit the Betty website to learn more. Play responsibly.