Inaugural Ontario Festival to Feature 24 Bands Across Two Days, Headlined by Wide Mouth Mason
Music fans across Ontario will have a new destination for classic rock this summer as the inaugural Rockstalgia Music Festival prepares to take over the Orono Fairgrounds on July 11 and 12, 2026.
The two-day event will feature 24 bands performing across two stages, showcasing music inspired by the rock sounds of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Organizers say the festival is designed to celebrate generations of rock music while supporting local artists, charitable causes and community engagement.
Headlining the festival is Canadian rock act Wide Mouth Mason, one of the country’s most recognized rock groups, which will close out the main stage lineup on Saturday evening.
Ticket prices have been set at $69.95 for Saturday admission and $39.95 for Sunday admission, with taxes and fees included. Festival organizers have also partnered with Town Trolley to provide transportation packages for attendees travelling from communities across Eastern Ontario.
Wide Mouth Mason Leads Main Stage Lineup
The festival’s biggest draw is expected to be Wide Mouth Mason, the Saskatoon-based group formed in 1995 by vocalist and guitarist Shaun Verreault and percussionist and vocalist Safwan Javed.
Known for blending alternative rock, blues and improvisational influences, the band rose to prominence following the release of its self-titled album in 1997. The record achieved Gold certification in Canada and earned a JUNO Award nomination for Best New Group.
Over the past three decades, Wide Mouth Mason has built an international following through extensive touring and performances alongside major acts including The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and ZZ Top. The band has also appeared twice at Switzerland’s renowned Montreux Jazz Festival and recently released its ninth studio album, Late Night Walking.
Their appearance at Rockstalgia reflects the festival’s goal of combining established Canadian talent with performers celebrating some of rock music’s most enduring artists.
Tribute Acts Celebrate Rock Legends
In addition to Wide Mouth Mason, the main stage will feature a range of tribute performances dedicated to some of the most influential bands in rock history.
Saturday’s schedule includes Supernauts performing the music of Black Sabbath, Permanent Waves paying tribute to Rush, Led By Zeppelin recreating the sound of Led Zeppelin, and DESTROYER Canada delivering a performance inspired by the theatrical live shows of KISS.
Sunday’s lineup shifts focus to artists who defined later decades of rock music. Practically Petty will honour Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Nicks will perform the music of Fleetwood Mac, Pearl Jamming will bring the songs of Pearl Jam to the stage, while From The Hip and The AC/DC Show Canada will celebrate The Tragically Hip and AC/DC respectively.
The diverse lineup is intended to appeal to a broad audience of classic rock fans while introducing younger generations to influential artists from previous eras.
Local Artists Receive Festival Spotlight
A key component of the event is the Local and Loud Stage, which has been positioned alongside the main stage to maximize exposure for emerging performers.
Saturday’s Local and Loud headliner will be Luscious, fronted by vocalist Brielle Leblanc. The band has previously performed alongside artists including Def Leppard, I Mother Earth and Tom Morello.
On Sunday, veteran Durham Region duo Two For The Show will headline the stage. The group has spent decades performing classic rock material and has shared bills with Canadian acts including April Wine, The Tragically Hip and Our Lady Peace.
The stage will also host the Main Stage Challenge, an original band competition designed to showcase local talent. Competing acts Oddsfiche, Elektrodriver, Burning Bridges, PsyChlo and Life of Exile will perform on July 11 for the title of Rockstalgia 2026 Local Legends.
The winning act will receive an opening performance slot on the main stage as well as $1,500 in prizes.
Festival Combines Entertainment and Community Support
Rockstalgia was founded by Festival Director Angela Baltkois, whose vision was to create a dedicated platform for rock musicians while supporting charitable initiatives throughout the region.
The festival has partnered with three charitable organizations: the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation, Bethesda House and Wounded Warriors Canada.
Organizers say community involvement remains a central part of the festival’s mission. In addition to the annual event, Rockstalgia hosts year-round programming, including the Backstage Local songwriter showcase, which provides opportunities for independent musicians to perform and develop their careers.
Family-Friendly Experience Planned
Beyond the music, festival organizers are positioning Rockstalgia as a family-friendly destination. Visitors can expect food trucks, marketplace vendors, a licensed beer tent and the Little Rockers Kids Zone throughout the weekend.
With two stages, dozens of performers and programming designed to appeal to multiple generations, Rockstalgia aims to establish itself as a new fixture on Ontario’s summer festival calendar.
Operating under the slogan “Rock Through the Decades, Feel It All Again,” the event is expected to attract classic rock enthusiasts from across Durham Region and beyond while providing a boost to local tourism and community organizations.