From the Jonas Brothers to The Chicks and Rascal Flatts, Canada’s biggest country music festival is worth the drive from Ottawa this August.
For country music fans in the National Capital Region, one of Canada’s biggest summer concert weekends is just around the corner.
Boots and Hearts Music Festival has unveiled its complete 2026 lineup, giving Ottawa-area festival-goers plenty of reasons to make the trip west to Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte (just north of Barrie) from August 7 to 9.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the award-winning festival will feature more than 20 artists across two stages, headlined by the Jonas Brothers, The Chicks and Rascal Flatts. The weekend also brings together an impressive mix of country favourites, emerging stars and Canadian talent for three days of live music and camping.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with friends or making a day trip for your favourite artist, here’s what to expect.
Friday, August 7
Friday’s lineup is led by the Jonas Brothers, making their first-ever appearance at a country music festival. They’ll be joined on the Main Stage by Russell Dickerson and Dasha, while the Front Porch Stage features Canadian favourite Brett Kissel, Emily Anne Roberts and School House.
Saturday, August 8
Country legends The Chicks headline Saturday night after a day featuring Jessie Murph, Waylon Wyatt and Canadian icon Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
The Front Porch Stage welcomes Sam Barber, Thelma & James, The Jack Wharff Band and Tony Stevens.
Sunday, August 9
The festival closes with Rascal Flatts, joined by Tucker Wetmore, James Barker Band and Ashley Cooke on the Main Stage.
Meanwhile, the Front Porch Stage will feature Max McNown, Kaitlin Butts, Mitch Zorn and Savannah Jade.
Canadian country takes centre stage
While international headliners will draw plenty of attention, Boots and Hearts continues to shine a spotlight on Canadian artists.
This year’s lineup includes Brett Kissel, James Barker Band, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Thelma & James, Mitch Zorn, Savannah Jade, Tony Stevens and School House, giving fans a chance to celebrate some of the country’s best homegrown talent.
New VIP experiences for 2026
Festival organizers are also introducing two new premium options to mark the festival’s 15th anniversary.
Fans can upgrade their experience with access to Daisy Duke’s Deck VIP+ overlooking the Main Stage or the new Front Porch VIP area, offering premium viewing locations and enhanced amenities throughout the weekend.
The lineup reflects country music’s growing crossover appeal, with artists representing everything from traditional country to country-pop and Americana. The Jonas Brothers’ appearance, following recent collaborations with country artists including Russell Dickerson, highlights how the genre continues to attract audiences across musical styles.
“Country music continues to grow by reaching new audiences, and many of the artists on this lineup helped lead that growth by creating music that connects across generations and genres,” said Brooke Dunford, Director of Talent Buying & Business Development for Republic Live.
“The Jonas Brothers have embraced cross-genre collaboration in the country space, while artists like The Chicks and Rascal Flatts helped open the door for the genre’s mainstream and crossover success. Bringing them together reflects how fans are consuming music today.”
Republic Live co-founder Eva Dunford said Boots and Hearts has always been about creating memorable experiences.
“Boots and Hearts has always been about the moments music creates. It’s about community, unforgettable experiences, and bringing artists together that have never shared the stage,” she said.
Planning your trip
Located in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, between Barrie and Orillia, Burl’s Creek Event Grounds is about a 4½ to 5-hour drive from Ottawa, making it a popular weekend destination for music fans across Ontario.
Weekend passes, single-day tickets, camping packages and parking are available, with payment plans offered through PayPal and Klarna.
