RBC Bluesfest 2025 wrapped up Sunday night after ten days of genre-hopping, weather-dodging and crowd-surfing across Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats.
Known for its blend of international headliners and Canadian talent, RBC Bluesfest again delivered a wide-ranging lineup that offered a little something for everyone from classic punk rockers, laid-back balladeers, and blues masters, all against a backdrop of national pride and international flair.
Opening night on July 10 set the tone with Montreal’s Garnetta Cromwell and Da Groovmasters warming up the crowd with soulful, horn-driven funk on the LeBreton Stage.
Later that evening, Australia’s Melbourne Ska Orchestra blew the roof off the River Stage with their brass-filled theatrics.
While fellow Aussies, the Cat Empire, brought a high-energy fusion of funk, ska.
Latin rhythms. Father John Misty closed the night with a moody, cinematic set that balanced irony and vulnerability, drawing one of the largest early-week crowds.
Friday’s lineup kept things eclectic. The Dead South brought their Prairie gothic folk to the RBC Stage.
Canadian folk icon Sarah Harmer delivered an intimate set that reminded audiences of her gift for blending environmental storytelling with tender songwriting.
Amigo the Devil, another standout on the River Stage, pushed the boundaries of folk even further, mixing dark themes with emotional vulnerability.
The night ended with Hozier, who returned to Ottawa with a commanding, soulful performance highlighted by fan favourites “Take Me to Church” and “Almost (Sweet Music).”
Saturday bridged the generations of rock with one of the most electric nights of the festival by offering a mix of raw energy and nostalgic flair. Alternative legends, Pixies, opened with a no-nonsense run-through of classics like “Here Comes Your Man” and “Debaser.”
American hardcore band Turnstile whipped the RBC Stage crowd into a frenzy with their short, explosive headlining set.
Canadian talent remained front and centre throughout the weekend. On Sunday, Leverage for Mountains, a rising indie-folk band from Gatineau, impressed with tight harmonies and anthemic melodies.
Newfoundland’s Alan Doyle brought down-home East Coast charm and Celtic-influenced rock to the RBC Stage.
Later on, Shania Twain made a triumphant return to headline the RBC Stage and delivered a hit-filled headlining set complete with sing-alongs and undeniable charisma.
Earlier in the day, Texas bluesman Darrell Nulisch offered a smoother counterpoint with his soulful blend of harmonica-led blues.
Midweek brought big names and big noise. Tom Morello, known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, put on a fiery, politically charged performance that turned his guitar solos into rallying cries.
British rock legends Def Leppard, brought their stadium-ready sound to the outdoor festival setting. Their set drew one of the most multi-generational crowds of the week.
Friday belonged to the punk rockers. Green Day’s high-octane headlining set was filled with hits, fireworks, and frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s usual crowd incitement.
Earlier, The Linda Lindas — the young punk outfit from Los Angeles — proved they were more than viral darlings with a fast, tight set that felt like a passing of the torch.
Saturday brought rich diversity between Bluesfest’s stages. From the Lebreton stage (and later the Barney Danson Theatre), oddball blues rocker Bob Log III performed a one-man set dressed in a motorcycle helmet fitted with a telephone receiver.
Brooklyn indie mainstays, Lucius, added some polish to the day with their harmony-rich art pop.
Daughtry and Papa Roach headlined the RBC Stage with a healthy dose of early-2000s alt-rock nostalgia.
The festival closed Sunday with a spotlight on some of Canada’s most forward-thinking acts. BADBADNOTGOOD’s jazzy instrumental grooves were a crowd favourite, blending hip hop and funk with improvisational cool.
Tim Baker, formerly of Hey Rosetta!, delivered a heartfelt, melodic set on the River Stage.
Kaytranada closed the festival with a high-energy DJ set that seamlessly combined house, R&B, and Afrobeat rhythms, capping off the week with a proper dance party under the stars.
Ottawa concert goers now look ahead to September, and the arrival of CityFolk; which promises a thrilling weekend with headliners Morrissey, Indigo Girls with Melissa Ethridge, and another legendary punk rock pairing with the Pogues and Dropkick Murphy’s!