Hidden Beats

Your Ultimate Source for Music, Entertainment and Community

DevFest 2026 in Cornwall

DevFest 2026 - Bigger, Louder and more Ambitious

Against the beautiful backdrop of the St. Lawrence River, DevFest 2026 returned to Cornwall bigger, louder, and more ambitious than ever. Building on the success of its inaugural year, the two-day festival transformed the waterfront grounds of the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre into a vibrant celebration of live music, community, and Canadian talent.

Featuring an impressive lineup that blended local favourites, emerging artists, and nationally acclaimed headliners, DevFest offered an experience that felt both intimate and unforgettable. From the opening notes on Friday evening to the final show on Saturday night, thousands of festivalgoers gathered to enjoy outstanding performances, waterfront views, and the kind of atmosphere that is quickly establishing DevFest as one of Eastern Ontario’s premier summer music events.

The Trevor Walsh Group

Fronted by Kingston-area guitarist and vocalist Trevor Walsh, the Trevor Walsh Group brought a lively blend of rock, pop, indie, and folk-rock to the DevFest stage. From the moment they began, Walsh’s charismatic and quirky stage presence had the crowd engaged. Between songs, he kept the audience laughing with spontaneous jokes, including a playful shout-out to “the couple that just met on Christian Mingle” and the memorable quip, “I’d like to take this time to thank my mom for not using birth control.” His natural charm and obvious enjoyment on stage made the performance feel less like a concert and more like a gathering of friends.

Musically, the band showcased both versatility and talent through a mix of covers and original material. Their energetic take on Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall” had the crowd singing along, while folk-rock favourites such as Mumford & Sons’ “Little Lion Man” highlighted the group’s strong musicianship. Walsh’s vocal range was particularly impressive throughout the set, effortlessly shifting between powerful rock vocals and softer, more emotional moments. Before launching into Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic,” he joked, “Who here is feeling young? Well, you’re about to feel old … this song is 36 years old now!” earning another round of laughter from the audience.

The set also featured memorable renditions of Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” and The Outfield’s “Your Love,” each delivered with confidence and personality. Throughout the performance, enthusiastic crowd participation, excited cheers, and plenty of vocal enthusiasm from devoted fans added to the atmosphere. The Trevor Walsh Group closed their set with a spirited performance of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” sending the audience off on a high note and setting the tone for an unforgettable day of music at DevFest 2026.

The Trevor Walsh Group - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (11)

The Trevor Walsh Group - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (13)

The Trevor Walsh Group - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (17)

The Trevor Walsh Group - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

The Trevor Walsh Group - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (16)

The Trevor Walsh Group - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

The Trevor Walsh Group - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

Angelique Francis Band

The Angelique Francis Band delivered one of the most captivating performances of the festival, blending blues, soul, folk, jazz, gospel, rock, Americana, and roots music into a high-energy show that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Led by Ottawa-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Angelique Francis, the band showcased the remarkable talent that has made them one of Canada’s most acclaimed roots and blues acts. Opening with powerful performances of songs including “Head Down,” “Ashamed,” “Not Defeated,” and “Train Coming,” Francis immediately commanded the stage with her smoky, soulful vocals and commanding presence. During an introduction to “Hound Dog,” she encouraged the entire crowd to howl like werewolves, drawing enthusiastic participation from attendees who were already dancing at the front of the stage and clearly having the time of their lives.

The energy never waned as Angelique, alongside sisters Kharincia Francis on saxophone and Kira Francis on trombone, danced throughout the set with intricate, synchronized swaying and lively choreography that added a visual element to the already dynamic performance. Their movements, combined with the exceptional musicianship of the entire band, kept the audience absolutely enthralled. The tempo shifted beautifully during a performance of “Sugarcane Juke Joint,” which proved to be a crowd favourite and highlighted Francis’s ability to balance powerful energy with soulful storytelling. Supported by family members Kharincia, Kira, Kayla Francis on vocals, and father Kiran Francis on drums, the group’s chemistry was evident in every song.

Francis’s vocal power and impressive range were on full display throughout the set, evoking the spirit of classic blues and soul performers while maintaining a distinctly modern style. Her acclaimed song “Not Defeated” has earned nominations for eight 2026 Canadian Blues Music Awards, an American Blues Music Award, and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Song of the Year, while her previous album, “Long River,” won the 2023 JUNO Award for Blues Album of the Year. Watching the Angelique Francis Band perform made it easy to understand the acclaim they have received, as they delivered a show that was equal parts technically impressive, emotionally moving, and irresistibly fun.

Angelique Francis Band - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (11)

Angelique Francis Band - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (36)

Angelique Francis Band - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (4)

Angelique Francis Band - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (6)

Angelique Francis Band - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (35)

Angelique Francis Band - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

Angelique Francis Band - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (30)

Angelique Francis Band - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (24)

Chambers Deslauriers

Award-winning blues, soul, and rock duo Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers brought an electrifying presence to the DevFest stage, emerging with infectious energy, huge smiles, and an undeniable chemistry that immediately captured the hearts of attendees. From the moment they stepped into the spotlight, the pair radiated warmth and joy, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and exhilarating. Embodying love, resilience, and the stirring power of blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll, Chambers DesLauriers had festivalgoers on their feet and dancing from the very first song, transforming the waterfront into a lively celebration of music and community.

Chambers, a Texas native and 2019 Blues Music Award winner for Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year, delighted the crowd with a spirited performance of “Two Bit Texas Town,” which quickly became a fan favourite. Her commanding stage presence and rich, soulful voice were impossible to ignore, while DesLauriers provided masterful guitar work that perfectly complemented every note. Together, they demonstrated why they have become one of the most celebrated acts on the North American blues festival circuit, effortlessly blending blues, soul, gospel influences, and roots-rock energy into a performance that felt both polished and deeply authentic.

A standout moment of the evening came when the band welcomed the three Francis sisters (on lead vocals, saxophone, and trombone) to the stage for a spirited rendition of the Howlin’ Wolf classic “Built for Comfort.” The collaboration showcased the exceptional talent of both groups and drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, who spent much of the set singing along and dancing in front of the stage. The night concluded with a crowd-pleasing performance of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” dedicated to the ladies in attendance and inspiring one final burst of dancing. It was the perfect finale to a performance that was soulful, energetic, and thoroughly entertaining, leaving festivalgoers smiling, moving to the music, and wishing the set could continue just a little longer.

Chambers Deslauriers - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (33)

Chambers Deslauriers - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (4)

Chambers Deslauriers - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (43)

Chambers Deslauriers - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (16)

Chambers Deslauriers - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (40)

Chambers Deslauriers - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

Chambers Deslauriers - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (32)

Chambers Deslauriers - DevFest 1 - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands

Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands brought a lively dose of country charm and hometown pride to the DevFest stage. Although now based in Guelph, Ontario, frontman Harry Lee Follon was raised in Cornwall, making the performance feel like a homecoming of sorts. Known for their upbeat country sound and infectious energy, the band kept the crowd smiling with a mix of original songs, storytelling, and good-natured humour. Early in the set, Follon joked that they had written “On the Road Again” on the drive over to the festival, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with laughter and easygoing fun.

The band’s bouncy country beats provided the perfect soundtrack for a sunny day by the St. Lawrence River. New songs such as “50 Yard Line” and “Born in Rome” showcased their songwriting talents, while fan favourites like “Cornwall” and “Powerdam” struck a nostalgic chord with local audiences. Before performing “Powerdam,” Follon reminisced about the old days of riding bikes around the dam and being chased away by workers driving trucks with flashing yellow lights, earning knowing laughs from longtime Cornwall residents. Another memorable moment came with “Boat Dog,” a lighthearted song inspired by the band’s dog, who apparently discovered a love of boating after spending time on a friend’s vessel. Throughout the performance, Follon’s warm personality and storytelling shone through. Many songs paid tribute to important people in his life, including several nods to his mentor and “sensei,” Willie Nelson. He also performed “Honeysuckle Rose” in Nelson’s honour, sharing his admiration for the country music legend with the audience.

One of the most heartfelt moments of the set came whenever Follon turned his attention to his wife and backing vocalist, Abby-Rose Follon. Romantic ballads, including the beloved “It’s Always You,” were dedicated to her, adding a genuine sense of love and authenticity to the performance. Together, Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands delivered a set that was equal parts entertaining, nostalgic, and heartfelt, leaving the crowd tapping their feet and singing along long after the final note.

Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (4)

Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (7)

Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (13)

Harry Lee Follon & The Kickstands - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

The County Lads

Ten years of friendship and making music together was on full display throughout The County Lads’ set at DevFest. They opened with a powerful ten-minute Celtic shanty, driven by booming drums, lively fiddle, and a blend of electric and acoustic guitars that immediately captured the crowd’s attention. What stood out just as much as their musicianship was the obvious camaraderie between the band members; they spent the entire performance exchanging smiles, jokes, and glances that showed how much they genuinely enjoy playing together.

The band treated the audience to one of the first songs they ever wrote, explaining that they don’t perform it often but wanted to share it as a special nod to their journey over the past decade. Their set moved effortlessly between crowd favourites like 500 Miles and Footloose, the latter introduced as the perfect song for anyone interested in a little line dancing. They also surprised the audience with a fun cover of Pink Pony Club, which was met with enthusiastic cheers. The energy reached another level when Cotton-Eyed Joe began and countless festival-goers rushed to the front of the stage to join an impromptu line dance.

To close out the performance, The County Lads launched into The Night Pat Murphy Died, transforming the festival grounds into one giant singalong as voices from across the crowd joined in. More than just a concert, their set felt like a celebration of friendship, community, and the joy of sharing music together.

The County Lads - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (20)

The County Lads - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (10)

The County Lads - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (19)

The County Lads - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

The County Lads - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (4)

The County Lads - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

Luscious Band

One of the most energetic performances of the festival came from Luscious, who brought an infectious mix of powerhouse vocals, engaging stage presence, and undeniable chemistry to the stage. Fronted by a dynamic lead singer, the band immediately captured the crowd’s attention with impressive vocal riffs, commanding stage presence, and a level of energy that never wavered throughout the set.

Lead vocalist Brielle Leblanc danced confidently across the stage, frequently interacting with fellow band members in a way that felt both playful and genuine. Their obvious enjoyment of performing together was contagious, creating a lively atmosphere that quickly spread through the audience. Songs such as “Bombshell” and “Infatuation” had festivalgoers waving their hands in the air, singing along, and fully immersed in the moment. Between the band’s tight musicianship, strong audience engagement, and electrifying performance style, Luscious delivered a set that was as entertaining to watch as it was to hear, leaving a lasting impression on everyone gathered in front of the stage.

Throughout the set, Luscious radiated joy and confidence, making it clear they were having just as much fun as the crowd. Their combination of strong musicianship, captivating vocals, and vibrant energy made for a standout festival performance.

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (26)

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (18)

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (22)

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (6)

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (12)

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

Luscious Band - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (17)

The Strumbellas

As one of DevFest 2026’s two highly anticipated headliners, The Strumbellas delivered a performance that immediately lived up to the excitement surrounding their appearance. From the moment they took the stage, festivalgoers flocked to the front of the pit, pressing against the barricades, singing along, and hanging onto every word. The band’s signature blend of indie rock, folk influences, and emotionally charged lyrics resonated deeply with the crowd, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and electric despite the festival setting.

The set featured fan favourites including “Hanging Out in My Head,” “Steal My Soul,” and “Maybe It’s Me,” each met with enthusiastic singalongs from the audience. One of the night’s standout musical moments came during “Skin of My Teeth,” which featured an incredible electric guitar solo that drew cheers and applause from the crowd. Between songs, the band took time to recognize Ian, a cherished member of both the community and the band’s extended family, celebrating his birthday by leading the entire audience in a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The touching moment showcased the genuine connection between the band and their fans.

The energy never dipped throughout the performance, with lead vocalist Jimmy Chauveau bringing a captivating stage presence that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Dancing atop the stage speakers, moving constantly across the stage, and interacting directly with fans, he embodied the joyful spirit that has become synonymous with The Strumbellas’ live shows. The band closed their set with their breakout hit “Spirits,” prompting one final massive singalong as voices from across the festival grounds joined together. It was a fitting conclusion to a high-energy, emotionally uplifting performance that demonstrated exactly why The Strumbellas were chosen as one of DevFest’s marquee acts.

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (33)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (31)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (13)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (28)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (15)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (12)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

The Strumbellas - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (20)

The Trews

As the second headliner of the evening and the final act of DevFest 2026, The Trews took to the stage amid tremendous anticipation and delivered a performance worthy of closing out the festival. The acclaimed Canadian rock band, originally formed in Antigonish, has built a reputation over nearly three decades for blending classic rock influences with modern energy, earning multiple Gold and Platinum records along the way. Judging by the excitement from the crowd gathered along the waterfront, their appearance was one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the weekend.

From the moment the band launched into their set, the atmosphere shifted into high gear. Powerful bass lines reverberated across the festival grounds while flashing stage lights illuminated the night sky, creating a true rock-concert experience on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Fans packed tightly against the barricades, singing along to every word and responding enthusiastically to the band’s energy. The connection between performers and audience was evident throughout the showcase, with cheers, raised hands, and constant participation transforming the crowd into an extension of the performance itself.

The Trews delivered the kind of high-energy rock set that has made them a staple of Canadian music for decades. Their polished musicianship, commanding stage presence, and ability to engage thousands of fans at once demonstrated why they remain one of the country’s most enduring and successful rock acts. As the final notes rang out over the waterfront, the audience was left buzzing from a performance that perfectly capped off a weekend of outstanding live music. Closing the festival with power, passion, and plenty of crowd interaction, The Trews provided a fitting finale to DevFest 2026. It was the kind of performance that sent festivalgoers home smiling, voices hoarse from singing along, and already looking forward to what next year’s festival might bring.

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (22)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (18)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (16)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (7)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (10)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

The Trews - DevFest 2 - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

A Resounding Success

From the opening notes on Friday evening to The Trews’ electrifying finale on Saturday night, DevFest 2026 proved once again that Cornwall has firmly established itself as a destination for live music. Despite a rainy start to the weekend, festivalgoers embraced every moment, filling the waterfront with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared appreciation for great music. Featuring an impressive mix of local talent, emerging artists, and nationally recognized headliners, the festival delivered memorable performances, meaningful community connections, and countless singalong moments.

As the lights dimmed and the final cheers echoed across the St. Lawrence River, one thing was clear: DevFest 2026 was a resounding success, leaving attendees with lasting memories and eager anticipation for what next year will bring.

https://devcentre.ca/devfest2026/