On a golden August afternoon, a quiet farmstead west of Kingston once again became a gathering ground for thousands of music lovers, families, and festival-goers as Back to the Farm celebrated its 10th anniversary. What began a decade ago as a modest concert on the back of a hay wagon at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company has blossomed into one of Eastern Ontario’s most anticipated summer events—a testament to the power of local music, cold craft beer, and community spirit.
From the moment the gates opened, the excitement was unmistakable. Longtime attendees swapped stories over pints of MacKinnon Brothers’ signature brews, this year poured into limited-edition black stainless steel mugs created just for the milestone. First-timers soaked in the buzz of anticipation the festival is known for. Food trucks lined the grounds, a giant bouncy castle awaited younger guests, and shuttles from Kingston, Amherstview, and Napanee delivered a steady stream of smiling festival-goers.
Despite its remarkable growth—the event sold out with 7,000 tickets—Back to the Farm has never lost its roots. The atmosphere remains welcoming and unpretentious, with the MacKinnon family visible throughout the day, greeting guests and even taking the stage before the headliners to reaffirm the festival’s spirit of inclusion and gratitude.
This anniversary edition’s lineup was, fittingly, a showcase of both returning favourites and newcomers. The afternoon kicked off with local artist Gerald McGrath and his 90’s alternative/indie music inspired vocal stylings. His set included originals from his 2025 album Tiny Tragedy, as well as his first album Flame Out (2023) in addition to deftly chosen covers, invited listeners to get settled into the all-day festival.
As the wind picked up, the tempo rose. Nice On, Kingston’s beloved jazz-pop-funk band with attitude, brought a surge of positive energy and bubbles. Their and infectious dancing onstage turned casual listeners into instant fans. With funky beats, catchy vocals and a saxophone player with moves to go all night long, the crowd was dancing their way into the farm.
As the day progressed, The Empties (originally from Kingston but now based out of Toronto) brought their alternative funk sound back to MacKinnon’s stage (and their own fan club!). With an album released in January of this year, and their new singleBlind released on Wednesday, this band has been working hard, and we can’t wait to hear what they do next.
Long-time Kingston resident Greg Ball and his band took the stage midway through the day. With albums dating back to 2011, Ball is no stranger to the music scene. In addition to his solo work, he has been a rhythm guitar player with The Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois (who also produced Ball’s second album Mr. Rightplace in 2013).
Kingston veteran Miss Emily and her Soul-Blues-Americana sound and powerhouse vocals took over the stage as day turned into evening. Miss Emily has a JUNO nominations under her belt for 2021 Blues Album of the Year and we hear she will be working on a new album soon.
Between sets, festivalgoers sampled craft beer offerings—everything from the classic Crosscut and Brothers Ale to new addition seltzers—while children played in the foam while thrill seekers tried their hand at bull riding. There was no shortage of activities, with beach volleyball, corn hole, sunflower photo ops and a new art installation. The aroma of Thai street food, tacos, wood-fired pizza, and barbecue wafted temptingly while attendees made their rounds.
As golden hour approached, anticipation swelled for the headlining acts. Ontario’s Terra Lightfoot was up next with her bluesy-rock sound. Lightfoot is no stranger to Kingston, and her powerful performance was a reminder of why her most recent album Healing Power (2023) received a JUNO nomination in 2025 for adult alternative album of the year.
The Rural Alberta Advantage, an Indie rock band formed in 2005 in Toronto played an array of their hits as the last light of the day waned. The three-piece band showcased their catalogue for fans young and old who gathered in front of the hay bales to sing along. This is a group that always seems to be having a good time, particularly drummer Paul Banwatt who often has a huge smile on his face.
Joel Plaskett Emergency brought his storytelling songs, funky dance moves, and his Super 8 Camera to the stage. Plaskett is a fan favourite at Back to the Farm, and festival goers came prepared with home made signs. With his dynamic stage presence and extensive catalogue, Plaskett could have gone all night!
Headliners The Trews were formed in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and later relocated to Hamilton, Ontario. They are a powerhouse rock band who were also a returning headliner at Back to the Farm. Their energetic performance included an array of their hits, as well as a foray into the crowd – over the hay bales, before returning to the stage where they were joined by surprise guests—a tradition at Back to the Farm! With Gord Sinclair and Terra Lightfoot for the encore which included Tragically Hip songs 38 years old, Courage. The crowd went wild! The music’s resonance was more than auditory; it was deeply communal, a tapestry woven from a decade of shared experience and love for local artists.
What continues to set Back to the Farm apart from larger festivals isn’t just its lineup—it’s the atmosphere. Ten years in, it remains an event where people feel they belong, where music, place, and people merge into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Organized with care, fueled by local food and craft beer, and carried by the spirit of community, Back to the Farm’s 10th anniversary was a resounding success. As the last notes faded into the summer night, one thought lingered for everyone headed back to the shuttles: we can’t wait to see what next year brings.