Downtown Music Festival returns to Smiths Falls for its second year this fall
The Downtown Music Festival is set to return to Smiths Falls this fall with a full day of live music showcasing local, regional, and Canadian talent.
After a successful inaugural year in 2025, the festival is returning on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, hosted by the Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association (DSFBA).
“With last year serving as our launch, this year we’ve expanded and refined the experience,” wrote Megan McIlvenna, DSFBA coordinator, in an email to Lanarkist.
“The lineup has grown, featuring more performers and a stronger focus on local and regional talent, creating a fuller day of music and entertainment.”
The festival will begin at 1 p.m. with free live performances along Russell Street East. The afternoon stage will feature local and regional artists Ambre McLean, DaNielle Hewitt, Spencer Scharf, and Landon Bedor.
“Downtown businesses will be open throughout the festival, giving visitors the chance to explore everything the core has to offer while enjoying the music,” McIlvenna wrote.
Main Street West will house the second stage for a special ticketed performance. Doors will open at 3 p.m. and welcome local opening acts One Eyed Dawgs, going on a 4:45 p.m. and Vicki Brittle, going on at 6:30 p.m. The Canadian rock icons, The Trews, will headline the event, taking the stage at 8 p.m.
“On behalf of the DSFBA, we are beyond excited to welcome The Trews and to invite our community out for a full day of incredible local, regional, and Canadian music,” said Christin Storms, Chair of the DSFBA.
“Events like the Downtown Music Festival highlight the vibrancy of our downtown core and bring people together to celebrate the amazing talent we have across this country.”
Tickets for the evening performances are $50. For more information on the festival and to buy tickets visit the DSFBA website.
“Downtown Smiths Falls has always had an incredible live music scene that is an important part of the fabric of our downtown and really showcases what we have to offer,” said Sherrie Axford, Vice Chair of the DSFBA. We’re excited to continue building on that in 2026.”