Festival season begins with Springtide tonight, runs Jun 11 to 13

By Will McGuirk

Springtide Festival ( June 11-13 2026) is very much a celebration of the local arts and music to be found in the lovely town of Uxbridge, it is a festival of friends and family. While Springtide hosts acts from outside performing (this year Dan Mangan, Shakura S’aida, Kasador) there is a strong focus on their own local scene, acts and venues, country superstar Robyn Ottolini, an Uxbridge native, is headlining her first hometown festival.

This year I get to cross over from friend to family as my own son’s band Mary & Adelaide are playing the Wixan Pub on the Saturday night. I worked for a time at the Blue Heron Bookstore and made many friends in the town, got to know the local musicians, booked some back in Oshawa, and enjoyed my time with all the makers. Now I get to share my boy and his band and what they make with Uxbridge and celebrate my family with my friends.

Thats my own personal story of course so other hat on and here’s some folks I think you will enjoy throughout the days.

Juno Award-winning musical icon Natalie MacMaster published her first book, ‘I Have a Love Story’ and will be at the Uxbridge Music Hall Friday with host MuchMusic’s own Erica Ehm.

The local town scene will be gathering I’m guessing at the early show with Uxbridge native Julien Kellan at the 9 by Tin 7 p.m. Kelland has 2 EPs, and over a million YouTube views. and her work has found four TV placements, including MTV’s “Are You The One” and “Ghosted”.

The dynamic multi-award winner, multi-talented singer/songwriter/actor Shakura S’Aida will close out the Uxbridge Music Hall Saturday night. Show starts at 9 p.m.

High energy kick from Torrance fronted by Uxbridge artist and musician Tamara Williams who has worked with King Cobb Steelie, The Rheostatics, and Do Make Say Think, is the way to fuel for the night. Torrance are at the Second Wedge outdoor stage 6 p.m. so handy for any one looking to fuel up on a brew too.

And bit of a conflict but if you leave early one can also get to the Corner House to see the mighty musician/producer from Stittsville Jim Bryson and his gentle on point performances that are just so enjoyable. Jim has played with Weakerthans and the Hip, and produced Kathleen Edwards and starts his set ends at 7 p.m.

And then Mary & Adelaide at Wixan basement :)