Downtown Belleville will come alive with soulful vocals and infectious rhythms when the Belleville Downtown Blues Festival returns from September 11 to 13, 2026.
The free three-day festival brings live performances, educational workshops and family-friendly activities to several downtown venues, including Market Square, Bridge Street, the Belleville Public Library, the Belleville Club and UpFront Café.
Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring food or cash donations for Gleaners Food Bank.
Organizers hope to raise $10,000 to support people experiencing food insecurity in the community.
The music begins Friday, September 11, with The Fabulous Tonemasters performing from 7 to 9 p.m. at 15 Market Square, behind Belleville City Hall.
Featuring Gerry Archer, JP Hovercraft, John Dewar and John “JR” Robertson, the band blends blues, funk and R&B into an energetic opening-night sound.
On Saturday, September 12, the festival expands across the downtown core.
Musicologist and former Toronto Blues Society vice-president Paul Denyes starts the day with Nothing but the Blues, a history workshop featuring rare video performances and a discussion about the genre’s influences.
The workshop runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Belleville Public Library.
Live music begins on the Bridge Street Main Stage at 12:30 p.m. with Sweet Pete and the Heat, a band of local musicians formed for the 2017 Homegrown Festival.
Families can also enjoy balloon art by Christopher the Twistopher and face painting by Carol Bauer from 1 to 4 p.m.
At 2 p.m., blues fans have several options.
Delta blues and folk musician Kenny Pauzé will explore the history and invention of National resonator guitars at UpFront Café, while accomplished regional musician Tim Campbell brings his “rockin’ boogie blues” to the Belleville Club.
Campbell has performed as far away as Memphis and has shared the stage with artists including Colin James.
The Blues Harvest Band takes over the Main Stage from 2:30 to 4 p.m. with a mix of rock, blues and original music.
At 3 p.m., musicians and educators Zebulun Barnow and Graham Flett will demonstrate the important roles of drums and piano in blues music at UpFront Café.
Toronto’s Jay Blues Trio keeps the party moving from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage with a lively combination of Chicago blues, 1970s funk and Whirling solos.
Saturday’s headliner is JUNO Award winner Angelique Francis, performing from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Francis and her band are known for combining blues with soul, jazz, gospel, folk, rock and Americana.
They have shared stages with renowned performers including Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr., Joe Bonamassa and Keb’ Mo’.
The festival winds down Sunday, September 13, with The Stir performing from 1 to 3 p.m. at UpFront Café.
The seasoned local band promises danceable rhythms infused with blues, funk, rock and plenty of soul.
Founded by Carol Feeney and Tony Vani, Downtown Blues is a volunteer-led “Blues for Food” initiative.
Its mission is to provide a quality blues music experience to residents and visitors to the City of Belleville, engage local musicians, activate the downtown core and provide vital funding and resources for Gleaners Foodbank.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, explore downtown and enjoy a weekend of blues with a purpose.
View the complete 2026 Belleville Downtown Blues Festival schedule before planning your visit.
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