The second-last day of Ottawa Bluesfest 2026 got off to a slow start as heavy afternoon rain caused a semi-delayed schedule across the festival grounds.
Fortunately, the skies eventually cleared, allowing music fans to enjoy another packed evening of performances.
While Gwen Stefani was the night’s headliner on the RBC Stage, there were plenty of memorable acts performing across the festival.
Before Gwen Stefani took the stage, Mr. Boombastic himself, Shaggy, delivered a high-energy set that had the Ottawa crowd dancing despite the earlier weather.
The Jamaican superstar did his best to turn the daylight crowd into one big party, complete with his trademark charisma, colourful language, and signature gyrating dance moves—perhaps a little too risqué for a semi-family-friendly 7:30 p.m. timeslot.
Shaggy’s hit-filled performance had the audience singing along to classics including “In the Summertime,” “Boombastic,” “Oh Carolina,” “That Girl,” “Angel,” and, of course, closing with his biggest crossover hit, “It Wasn’t Me,” the famous “I wasn’t cheating” anthem that everyone knew word for word.
Opening the RBC Stage was rising French-Canadian singer Billie du Page, who warmed up the crowd with an energetic set of infectious pop and dance music.
Over on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Stage, the evening leaned heavily into contemporary R&B and soul.
Ottawa’s own Bridge Music opened the stage despite experiencing some technical difficulties early in their performance.
Once things were sorted out, the group showcased an engaging blend of Afrobeats, alternative music, and hip-hop.
Closing the stage was Mariah the Scientist, whose smooth mix of R&B and hip-hop captivated the audience, with fans enthusiastically singing along throughout her set.
The LeBreton Stage offered one of the festival’s most diverse lineups of the day.
Kingston alt-rock outfit Kasador delivered an energetic performance, followed by American guitarist Grace Bowers, who impressed with her blues-rock musicianship.
Closing the stage were the unforgettable Here Come the Mummies, whose self-described “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” lived up to its reputation with a wonderfully bizarre, funky, and entertaining performance.
Meanwhile, at the Barney Danson Theatre, I caught part of Eadsé‘s set, where the Indigenous artist delivered a beautiful blend of pop, soul, and roots music in one of the festival’s more intimate settings.
Despite the rain delays, Ottawa Bluesfest’s ninth day proved to be another entertaining and eclectic evening, offering everything from reggae and pop to R&B, blues-rock, funk, and Indigenous music. With just one day remaining, the festival continued to showcase the diverse programming that has made Bluesfest one of Canada’s premier summer music festivals.
Check out the gallery for more photos from Day 9 of Ottawa Bluesfest 2026.
