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 our 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.

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 prior.

The two unique outdoor stages, each offer their own musical flavour.

Rock, soul and folk at The Cove Inn

The Cove Stage, sponsored by The Cove Inn and Kudrinko’s, audiences can expect an afternoon of rock, soul and folk-inspired performances beginning at 1 pm 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 3 pm, Montreal’s Sunfields featuring Jason Kent delivers its signature indie folk rock, combining soaring harmonies with thoughtful songwriting.

Closing the stage at 5 pm, acclaimed Ontario band Brooks & Bowskill feat. 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!

Country, bluegrass and roots on the Lockwood Stage

Meanwhile, just a short stroll away, Lockwood Stage, sponsored by WTC and LandArk Homes, celebrates country, bluegrass and roots music. Beginning at 12 pm, visitors can browse Artist’s Alley, showcasing talented cloggers, face painting, Muskoka chair art and other crafting. 12:30 pm Vicki Brittle opens the musical lineup with her husky voice engaging indie pop and rock, fresh off a Mariposa showcase!

2:30 pm Crooked Creek Bluegrass Band featuring Tim Loten follows with lively picking and traditional bluegrass favourites, before hometown favourites Dirt Road Anthem, featuring Zach Teal and Shawn McCullough, close out the stage at 4:30 pm with some authentic, classic country sure to have audiences singing along!

Jazz band takes the music to the streets.

Adding even more excitement throughout the afternoon are the Wandering Minstrels – King of the Swingers, downtown between 11:30-2:30pm. Expect an always lively performance and spontaneous smiles around every corner as they bring their old time rag time 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 an old friend. Thanks to all of the local businesses who sponsor the festival! 

The festivities actually begin the evening before.

On Friday, August 14, everyone is invited to the MUSICwestport Kick-Off Party on The Cove Inn patio from 6-9pm. The always-popular Dead Root Revival feat. 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 our community. Call The Cove for reservations. 

And if one day of music simply isn’t enough, Saturday doesn’t end when the outdoor stages wrap up.

The celebration continues After Hours at The Cove Inn from 8-11 pm, 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. Contact The Cove Inn for reservations. 

A celebration of art and music made for everyone to enjoy. 

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.

Posted: Jul 23, 2026