Ottawa Bluesfest 2026 to Kick Off Ottawa 200 Celebrations with Special Concert, Flash Sale Announced
OTTAWA, January 22, 2026 – Ottawa Bluesfest has unveiled the first act for its 2026 edition, a special concert to launch the city’s bicentennial celebrations. Canadian rock legends The Guess Who will headline a dedicated Ottawa 200 day on Saturday, July 19, joined by The Sheepdogs and Elisapie. A limited 24-hour flash sale for tickets to the July 19 event begins today.
Ottawa 200 Kickoff at LeBreton Flats
Organisers have announced that the 2026 edition of RBC Bluesfest will run from July 9 to July 19 at its traditional home of LeBreton Flats Park. The final day of the festival, Saturday, July 19, will be a cornerstone event for Ottawa’s year-long 200th-anniversary festivities, branded as Ottawa 200. The city, in partnership with Ottawa Tourism, has designated the day for “civic pride and music,” featuring additional performances and celebrations alongside the concert.
Flash Sale and Festival Details
A limited number of General Admission day tickets for the July 19 concert will be available in a one-day flash sale starting Thursday, January 22 at 10:00 AM and running until 10:00 AM on Friday, January 23. Tickets are priced at a discounted rate of $25.00 (plus HST and service fees). Festival organisers stress that this sale is for the July 19 date only and that quantities are limited.
The full Ottawa Bluesfest 2026 lineup, along with tickets for all other festival dates and ticket types, will be announced and go on sale in February.
Key Festival Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival Dates | July 9 – July 19, 2026 |
| Location | LeBreton Flats Park, Ottawa, Ontario |
| Ottawa 200 Day | Saturday, July 19, 2026 |
| Announced Headliner | The Guess Who (with Burton Cummings & Randy Bachman) |
| Other Announced Acts (July 19) | The Sheepdogs, Elisapie |
| July 19 Ticket Flash Sale | Jan 22, 10:00 AM – Jan 23, 10:00 AM | $25 + fees |
| Full Lineup On Sale | February 2026 |
Historic Guess Who Reunion
The July 19 performance marks a significant moment for The Guess Who. Original members Burton Cummings (vocals, keyboards) and Randy Bachman (guitar) will perform together under the band’s name for the first time in over two decades. This follows a legal settlement reached in late 2024, which restored control of the band’s trademark to its founding members, concluding a long-standing dispute over the use of the name. Their Bluesfest appearance is part of a wider Canadian tour celebrating the reunion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as Bluesfest in Australia?
No. Ottawa Bluesfest (RBC Bluesfest) is a distinct, separate festival held in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The similarly named Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, is a different event with its own lineup and dates (typically in April).
When will the full lineup for all days be announced?
Festival organisers have stated that the complete artist lineup for Ottawa Bluesfest 2026 will be announced in February 2026, at which point tickets for all festival dates will go on sale.
What amenities are available at the festival?
The festival site at LeBreton Flats typically offers cashless payments, multiple food vendors, water stations, first aid, bike storage, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Specific details for the 2026 edition will be confirmed closer to the event.