06/03/2026
The 2026 Edition of Paisley Blues Festival is upon us! We are thrilled to announce our 2026 lineup and schedules for this year. We are happy to say we have extended our hours and increased the number of artists performing this year. We have many new artists joining our festival, as well as some long-time favourites and very talented locals alike.
Friday, June 5th our doors open at 4 PM, with our first act on at 5 PM. Festival newcomer Eryn Simoes will kick things off at 5, followed by the K-W blues trio Elliott and the Audio Kings at 6:15. We are happy to welcome the return the ever-talented Erin McCallum Band at 7:30, and local blues phenom The Rod Jewell Band at 8:45. The high-energy quartet of Otis Wonder and the Hustle make their Paisley Blues Festival debut at 10 PM, finishing with our Friday Headliner at 11:15 PM, Tell It To Sweeney; a 9-piece blues/jazz/electro swing powerhouse ensemble sure to blow you away! Catch them here before they play this year’s Hillside Festival in Guelph!
Saturday doors open at 1PM, with our programming beginning at 1:30 PM and the first of two family-friendly, interactive workshops offered in 2026. Nicole Christian will be doing an “Introduction to the Blues Ukelele Jam” 1:30-2:30. Come and try out your blues licks at this free interactive workshop! Owen Sound’s Settle the Ghost, featuring Paisley’s own John Leader will hit the stage at 2:45 PM. 4-5 PM will be our How to Play the Washboard Workshop, hosted by the always-riotous Port Elgin-based duo The Vaudevillian. They bring 40 washboards available to try as they walk you through the steps!
At 5:15 we’ll see Hamilton Delta Blues powerhouse Alfie Smith doing a solo set, followed by the rockin’ blues stylings of festival newcomers Gail Gunnis and the Dirty Roosters at 6:30. A returning favourite from last year, Dan Walsh will bring his fantastic voice and signature blues guitar looping techniques at 7:45, followed by an evening performance of The Vaudevillian at 9 PM. Big Dan Blues Band, featuring Owen Sound native Big Dan Jaffares will make their Paisley Blues Festival Debut at 10:15. Our Saturday Night Headliners are Ottawa’s very own Bonecat. They will be following their Friday performance at Orangeville Blues and Jazz to close out Paisley Bluesfest weekend!
Paisley Blues Festival will be featuring several food trucks this year as well. Low N Slow Craft BBQ and Who Gives a Flying Fork? will be providing delicious meals and snacks alongside TomBoi Ice Cream for some lighter fare. Several fabulous raffle prizes are available to be won including a $500 Local Dining Gift Card Package, $500 Beefway Gift Card and a $500 Sugar Shack Tattoo Gift Card. Come try your luck and support a great local event!
As always, entry is by donation. Come out, join the fun and hear some incredible live Blues Music! See you June 5th and 6th!
