Photo credits in this post: Luca Fiore
Ottawa Bluesfest is wrapped up for another year. 2026 brought beautiful weather (save for a couple of rainy moments) and many attendees.
While the big names always draw crowds, there is something special about watching artists who have built their careers from the ground up in Ottawa.
This year started with local acts including DJ Mace, who brought the energy to the Chill Out area, and Ottawa’s own Leif Vollebekk.
The Ottawa Festival Experience
One thing I loved seeing was how many families were enjoying the festival.
Ottawa crowds really know how to show up.
You see everything from people dressed in country-inspired outfits to colourful festival looks, and everyone is there for the same reason: music.
The festival also reminded me why I love discovering new artists.
Local group Bridge Music brought a beautiful spiritual energy with influences of Afrobeat and R&B.. a perfect sunset soundtrack.
And of course, critically acclaimed Angine de Poitrine from Saguenay, Quebec, was a major talking point.
Their recent Montreal Jazz Festival appearance drew huge crowds, with estimates ranging widely, and Bluesfest encouraged attendees to arrive early because of expected demand.
One of the biggest surprises was discovering Valerie June. Wow, the whimsy.. the vocals, the guitar prowess. Check out her music for a true blues experience.
Whether you are heading out for the biggest names or discovering someone new, that is the magic of a festival. I have to say.. seeing Gwen Stefani was a lifelong dream of mine. She’s defined how I dress, how I perform musically and has inspired me creatively for years.
The nostalgia of seeing Death from Above 1979 was also a nice treat.
Bringing a Little Balkan Summer Energy to Bluesfest
As a Serbian Canadian, I’m always looking for ways to bring a little bit of my culture into everyday experiences. One thing I love about Serbian summer culture is the idea of sitting outside, enjoying a drink, and spending hours with friends.
You can check out my Balkan wine cocktail recipes on my last blog post.
Don’t Forget the Limunada
Another Serbian summer classic is limunada.
Now, if you travel to Serbia and order lemonade, don’t assume you are getting the super-sweet version common in North America.
Serbian limunada is often much more tart.. sometimes so tart that you actually have to ask for sugar. It is refreshing, simple, and exactly what you want on a hot festival day.
So when you see that giant yellow lemonade stand at a festival, consider it your Balkan hydration moment.
Festival Food: What Works When You’re Spending All Day Outside?
One thing I always think about as a chef is: what makes good festival food?
The answer is usually:
easy to eat while walking
satisfying
fast to serve
able to hold up in the heat
There are always lots of great classics at festivals, but I would love to see more Balkan food represented.
Imagine:
Ćevapi Festival Nosh..
A grilled flatbread filled with ćevapi, simple toppings, and a spread.
It would be fast, handheld, and perfect for a festival crowd.
Burek & Yogurt
A Serbian classic that would actually make a lot of sense at festivals.
Portable, filling, and delicious.
A fresh yogurt drink alongside it would be the perfect pairing.
2026 Bluesfest Festival Food Highlights
The local food representation was really great this year. So many diverse flavours. Hopefully there will be more Balkan foods at the festival one day! Save these picks for next year or check them out IRL when visiting Ottawa.
A few of the foods that stood out to me:
Malak & Sons Gelato - 54 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, ON
Fresh, Lebanese inspired gelato. Perfect for a hot July day in the sun.
Golden Fries Poutine - 6505 Jeanne d’Arc Blvd N, Orléans, ON
While there are lots of loaded poutine options, sometimes the classic is still the best. Check out Golden Fries food truck in Orleans.
There is something satisfying about a simple poutine done well.
Green Papaya Spring Rolls
A great lighter option when you want something fresh.
Walking Tacos
The taco salad is such a smart festival food idea — portable, fun, fresh and easy to eat.
Halibut House Fish & Chips - Multiple Ottawa locations (including 2672 Innes Rd, Blackburn Hamlet; also Kanata/Barrhaven locations)
A classic comfort food option.
Fitz BBQ Smokehouse - 250 Greenbank Rd, Ottawa, ON
Their smoked sausage on a bun and jerk chicken were great examples of handheld festival-friendly food and quite frankly the most Serbia coded.
A Note for Future Festival Vendors
If you are a food business thinking about getting involved with Bluesfest, vendor applications typically close in mid-June — meaning there is plenty of time to brainstorm for next year.
I would love to see more international flavours represented.
Balkan food especially could work beautifully in a festival environment.
Considering going next year?
A few things that made Bluesfest easier:
Bring a Bike
I did a combo of O-Train and bicycle and the bike parking at Bluesfest was 10/10 seemless and safe.
Bring Ear Protection
Seriously.
Protect your ears now so you can enjoy live music for years.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
There are water refill stations, and staying hydrated makes a huge difference.
Check Out the Chill Out Area
The Chill Out area by the river is a great place to take a break. They have lawn games and it is especially useful if you are bringing younger kids.
And don’t forget to get the early bird pick three next year! Just in case another critically acclaimed act explodes onto the scene.
