Local acts take centre stage as Ottawa Bluesfest kicks off Thursday

For local musicians, getting up on stage at Ottawa’s biggest outdoor music festival is a dream come true. CTV’s Katelyn Wilson reports.

It’s one of Canada’s biggest music events and, as Ottawa Bluesfest kicks off Thursday, one local musician is about to step on stage at the festival for the first time.

For Dan Cohen, frontman of the band D.B. Cohen & The Revelers, his opening night’s performance on the River Stage will mark the biggest show of his Canadian career and a full-circle moment nearly a decade in the making.

“When I first came here, you kind of daydream saying, ‘I wish I could be up there showing my ways,’” Cohen says. “So, eight, nine years later, it really is a dream come true.”

While Cohen’s bandmates are Bluesfest veterans, this year marks his first appearance in the official lineup. His high-energy, brass-heavy mix of ska, folk, and blues will help launch the festival.

“They can expect brass-laden ska, folk, and blues music—all original—and high octane, fast-paced, plenty of stuff to get your knees up,” said Cohen.

Bluesfest organizers say the 2025 edition is packed with fresh experiences not just on stage, but around the site.

• RELATED: Hozier, Shania Twain, Green Day among acts headlining Ottawa Bluesfest 2025

That includes a brand-new addition to the grounds, Casa Loco, a Mexican-style cantina located right on the Kichi Zībī Mīkan Parkway.

“It’s right on the parkway, which will be closed for the festival,” said festival executive director Mark Monahan. “It will feature a 100-foot outdoor patio.”

Several large video screens will also be installed along the parkway for added viewing space, giving fans even more ways to enjoy the show.

The festival features four stages and a line up that blends country, punk, hip hop, and everything in between.

“A lot of acts are coming for the first time,” said Monahan. “Lainey Wilson, opening night, there’s an act before them called the Red Clay Strays, they’re opening for Lainey so a great kick off.”

With roughly 250,000 people expected to attend, organizers are urging fans to take public transit, which is included in the tickets.

According to the city, ticketholders can travel on all O-train lines, buses or Para Transpo up to three hours before and two hours after the event on the date their Bluesfest pass is valid.

The Crazy Horse Saloon is also returning, featuring a mechanical bull.

The festival starts Thursday and runs until July 20.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App