HOPE Volleyball SummerFest 2025 delivered a day that felt tailor-made for music lovers, volleyball fans, and anyone who remembered to bring sunscreen.
The annual beachside charity event drew thousands to Ottawa’s Mooney’s Bay for a day of sand smashes and shoreline sing-alongs, culminating in a four-act concert that spanned genres and generations.
Ottawa-born, Beirut-based, Lazzy Lung opened the show with a gritty, confident set that leaned into alt-rock nostalgia while keeping it current. Frontman Allan Chaaraoui brought a tight, passionate energy that resonated across the crowd.
Next up was Hawksley Workman, whose theatrical flair and genre-bending tunes kept the energy buoyant under the afternoon sun. His set mixed classic favourites with newer material, balancing big choruses with intimate storytelling. Whether you came for the falsetto or the feathered hat, you got your money’s worth.
Then came Sloan, who delivered a polished, crowd-pleasing set that showcased the band’s unparalleled ability to harmonize, swap instruments mid-show, and make it look like the easiest thing in the world. Drawing from a catalogue that spans over three decades, they hit all the right notes with fan favourites for the crowd.
Closing out the night were The Glorious Sons, who tore onto the stage with full-throttle confidence and a catalogue of radio-ready hits. Their blend of rock swagger and earnest lyrics hit home for a crowd that was already sun-warmed and beer-happy. The Hip’s Courage as walk-on music was a classy touch, and the crowd’s arms-in-the-air singalong to “Everything Is Alright” felt like the cathartic, sweaty punctuation mark the day needed.
HOPE SummerFest once again proved its ability to pull together a day of live music that feels both intimate and high-energy. Whether you came for volleyball, beer tents, or rock and roll, there was something for everyone.