Ottawa Stomp Music Festival Brings a Full Weekend of Canadiana to Metcalfe This August

May 22, 2026 Billy Walker

A new summer festival is staking its claim just outside the capital — and it’s leaning heavily into what Canadians do best: great music, good food, and a strong sense of community.

The Ottawa Stomp Music Festival will take over the Metcalfe Fairgrounds from August 14–16, 2026, promising a three-day lineup that blends big-name Canadian acts with local flavour and family-friendly experiences.

A Strong Canadian Lineup Anchors the Weekend

Music is clearly the headline draw.

Friday night kicks off with The Jim Cuddy Band, bringing their signature blend of roots rock and storytelling, alongside Gatineau Black and Fiddlestix.

Saturday leans into nostalgia and crowd energy, featuring Alan Frew of Glass Tiger fame, followed by a high-energy set from Sam Roberts Band, one of the country’s most consistent live performers.

Sunday shifts the spotlight to homegrown talent with “613 Live,” a showcase dedicated to emerging artists from the Ottawa region — a smart nod to the local music scene and a chance to discover what’s next. Get Ticket here

More Than Just Music

While the stage will draw the crowds, the Ottawa Stomp is designed as a full weekend experience.

Expect:

A full Ribfest with classic BBQ staples A mix of food vendors and local producers A farmers’ market feel woven into the grounds A classic car show adding a visual centrepiece Multiple beverage areas, including a VIP section

It’s the kind of programming that turns a concert into a day-long outing — or, more realistically, a full weekend stay.

A Festival with Regional Appeal

Located just south of Ottawa in Metcalfe, the fairgrounds setting gives the event a slightly more relaxed, rural vibe compared to downtown festivals. That positioning could work in its favour, particularly for families and attendees looking to avoid core congestion while still accessing a large-scale event.

With an expected 15,000 attendees over three days, the Ottawa Stomp is entering the market at a meaningful scale — large enough to attract marquee talent, but still intimate enough to feel accessible.

The Bottom Line

There’s no shortage of summer festivals in Ontario, but the Ottawa Stomp is carving out a clear identity: Canadian music, community atmosphere, and a well-rounded outdoor experience.

If the execution matches the ambition, it could quickly become a fixture on the late-summer calendar in the Ottawa region.

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