Even though it’s still spring across Waterloo Region, eyes have begun turning to a key summer staple, with the Kitchener Blues Festival announcing the full artist lineup for its 2026 season.
It comes after the festival held its official Launch Party on Saturday, Apr. 18, with performances and plenty of announcements around what residents can expect to see this summer.
“This year’s edition continues our tradition of presenting exceptional blues artists from Canada and around the world,” said Artistic Director Claude Cloutier.
“Fans will see the return of favourites like King King and Goddo, alongside exciting new and often undiscovered talent. We are always proud to offer fresh, high-quality and unique musical experiences.”
The festival is set to run from August 6 to 9, beginning with a Thursday Night Fundraising Concert, which will be the only ticketed event of the 4-day festival.
The festival said it will feature three blues legends, including:
- Bill Durst — Canadian Blues legend and 2026 Mel Brown Award winner
- Sass Jordan — Powerhouse blues-rock vocal icon
- The Fabulous Thunderbirds — Grammy-winning Texas blues pioneers
Proceeds from the Fundraising Concert are set to help keep the remainder of the festival free of charge, with tickets already available.
“The idea is that one paid show makes every other show for the next three days,” said President of the Kitchener Blues Festival, Peter Beacock.
“There’s between 35 and 50 other acts plus the workshops, 12 Bar Blues, After Hours. That is all free to capacity.”
The free portion of the festival is set to showcase a mix of national and international artists, including Shakura S’Aida, Dirtwire, 7 Horse, John Nemeth, King King, Harrison Kennedy, Goddo, Steve Hill, and The Sugar Darlings.
Alongside the mix of artists, the 2026 festival will also feature a special highlight of Lance Anderson’s 50th Anniversary presentation of The Last Waltz, as well as a new event partnered with the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN).
Rock the WRHN will take place on the Sunday afternoon, August 9, featuring three local rock bands, with proceeds raised set to go towards WRHN’s music therapy wellness initiative.
“This is an idea that’s been bouncing around for about a year and a half,” Beacock stated.
“We wanted to do something different on Sunday. The idea is we’re going to have an uber local event. These will be local bands, regional bands, it might be national bands that call this place home.”
Beacock said the full list of those included bands will be released at a later date.
The full lineup and schedule for the 2026 Kitchener Blues Festival can be found on the event’s website.
“There’s something for everyone in this show,” Beacock said. “We’re so excited to let them experience new things and see some of their favourites.”
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