There are certain dates that simply belong on the calendar. In Rideau Lakes, the third weekend of August has become one of them!
On Saturday, August 15, the streets of downtown Westport will once again come alive as MUSICwestport celebrates its 18th Annual Arts & Music Open Air Festival — a full day of outstanding live music, local artists, friendly faces and everything that makes summer in the village so memorable!
What began as a grassroots celebration of local music has grown into one of Eastern Ontario’s favourite little music festivals, attracting visitors from all over while never losing the welcoming, small-town atmosphere that makes Westport so special. Whether you’re a longtime festival regular or making your first visit, MUSICwestport offers the perfect excuse to slow down, wander the streets, discover new music and spend a day immersed in creativity.
This year the festival has added a new element, Toast ’n Jams Open Mic on The Cove Stage from 9–11am. There is limited space and artists must sign up in advance.
Once again there are two unique outdoor stages, each offering its own musical flavour.
At The Cove Stage, sponsored by The Cove and Kudrinko’s, audiences can expect an afternoon of rock, soul and folk-inspired performances beginning at 1pm when powerhouse vocalist Shane Murphy from Montreal opens the festivities with an energetic blend of funk, rock and soul guaranteed to get the afternoon moving. At 3pm, Montreal’s Sunfields featuring Jason Kent delivers their signature indie folk rock, combining soaring harmonies with thoughtful songwriting. Closing the stage at 5pm, acclaimed Ontario band Brooks & Bowskill featuring Jimmy Bowskill (formerly of The Sheepdogs, now a strings wiz in Blue Rodeo) brings their celebrated country, folk, roots rock, wrapping up the afternoon with musicianship that has earned them fans across Canada!
Meanwhile, just a short stroll away, Lockwood Stage, sponsored by WTC and LandArk Homes, celebrates country, bluegrass and roots music. Beginning at 12pm, visitors can browse Artist’s Alley, showcasing talented cloggers, face painting, Muskoka chair art and other crafting. At 12:30pm Vicki Brittle opens the musical lineup with her husky voice and engaging indie pop and rock, fresh off a Mariposa showcase! Crooked Creek Bluegrass Band featuring Tim Loten follows at 2:30pm with lively picking and traditional bluegrass, before hometown favourites Dirt Road Anthem, featuring Zach Teal and Shawn McCullough, close out the stage at 4:30pm with some classic country sure to have audiences singing along!
Adding even more excitement throughout the afternoon are the Wandering Minstrels — King of the Swingers, who will be downtown between 11:30am and 2:30pm. Expect lively performances and spontaneous smiles around every corner as they bring their old-time ragtime sing-a-long jazz music directly to festival-goers.
MUSICwestport has always been about more than music. The festival celebrates the entire village experience, so explore Westport’s unique shops, galleries, cafés, patios and restaurants while taking in the performances. Grab lunch between sets, browse local artwork, cool off with an ice cream, or relax beside Upper Rideau Lake while music fills the air. It’s the kind of day where every block has something happening and every conversation feels like catching up with old friends. Thanks to all the local businesses who sponsor the festival!
Kick-Off Party
The festivities actually begin the evening before, because on Friday, August 14 everyone is invited to the MUSICwestport Kick-Off Party on The Cove patio from 6–9pm. The always-popular Dead Root Revival, featuring Westport’s Tom Savage, returns to launch the weekend with an evening of high-energy southern style jam rock! Admission is $25, with proceeds to the Westport Arts Council, helping support arts and culture throughout the community. Call The Cove at 273–3636 for reservations.
And if one day of music isn’t enough, Saturday doesn’t end when the outdoor stages wrap up.
The celebration continues After Hours at The Cove from 8-11pm, when local favourites Young Petty Stones take the stage. Known for their electrifying performances celebrating the timeless music of Neil Young, Tom Petty, and The Rolling Stones, they’ll provide the perfect soundtrack to cap off an unforgettable festival day. Admission is $25. Call The Cove for reservations.
One of the things that has kept MUSICwestport thriving for nearly two decades is its ability to combine professional-calibre musicians with the warmth of a community celebration. You’ll find visitors discovering their next favourite band, neighbours reconnecting over great music, children dancing in the streets and musicians enjoying the same welcoming atmosphere as the audiences they’re entertaining.
Eighteen years is an impressive milestone for any community festival, and it speaks volumes about the volunteers, sponsors, performers, businesses and supporters who have helped MUSICwestport grow from a simple idea into one of the highlights of the local summer season.
So bring a lawn chair, gather some friends, spend the weekend exploring one of Ontario’s picturesque villages, and help celebrate eighteen years of music, art and community spirit. We’ll see you in Westport on August 14 and 15 — where the music never stops.