Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 [Day 3]

I have to say, the third night of Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 was my favourite so far—it was all about indie alternative rock and hardcore punk.
Over at the RBC Stage, the night’s lineup featured Turnstile, Pixies, and Kurt Vile and the Violators.

Baltimore’s Turnstile headlined the night, tearing up the stage with an intense and energetic set.
They’re currently promoting their new album NEVER ENOUGH (which, in my opinion, leans a bit too much into watered-down indie rock).
While the stage lighting made it tricky to photograph, it was still an exhilarating show—and I can’t get their song “NEVER ENOUGH” out of my head.

Pixies played right before Turnstile, delivering an incredible set that felt like a time capsule for anyone nostalgic for 1990s alternative music. Honestly, it felt like more people showed up specifically to see them, and they probably could have headlined given their legendary discography.

The night kicked off with Kurt Vile and the Violators.
I was especially excited to finally catch them live, having listened to Kurt Vile’s music for years.
Their set blended laid-back indie rock and psych-rock vibes perfectly, setting the tone for what turned out to be my favourite night of the festival.

Elsewhere at the festival, The Budos Band lit up the LeBreton Stage with their infectious mix of Afrobeat, funk, jazz, soul, and psychedelic rock. Over at the River Stage, Montreal folk-pop artist Shaina Hayes and Quebec City’s dreamy indie pop band Men I Trust created a more intimate vibe.

Overall, it was an incredible night of music that balanced nostalgia, discovery, and raw energy—definitely my favourite so far at this year’s Bluesfest.

Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 [Day 3]

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