30 August 2026
The 2026 Tailgate Music Festival returns to Mitchell this September, and for the first time it runs over two nights. Once again, the festival is raising funds for West Perth Village Seniors’ Community — over the past two years it has contributed more than $60,000 toward programs, activities and care initiatives for the seniors who live here.
Friday, September 25 — Rock
Gates open at 5:00 p.m. Canadian rock veterans The Trews headline, taking the stage at 10:20 p.m., with Small Town Strip Club, Feral Minks, Andy Colonico, Dave Ward Band and Riley Thompson through the evening.
Saturday, September 26 — Country
Gates open at 3:00 p.m. Six-time 2026 CCMA nominee James Barker Band closes the weekend at 10:15 p.m., following The Prairie States, Mitch Zorn, Hayley McNeil, Rob Fitzgerald, Angelica Appelman, Braydon Hall and Bernie Hale.
Tickets
Friday $59.99 · Saturday $69.99 · Weekend pass $109.99. Tickets are available online at tailgatemusicfestival.com, or in person at the West Perth Village business office.
Getting there
Shuttles run this year on two routes. The Stratford route travels Stratford to Sebringville to Mitchell, with the first pickup at 4:30 p.m. The second route begins in Listowel and stops in Atwood and Monkton before arriving in Mitchell, first pickup at 2:30 p.m. Shuttles run through the evening until 1:00 a.m. Exact pickup locations will be announced by the festival. If you are driving instead, a $15 parking pass can be bought in advance with your ticket.
Before you go
The festival is all ages. Anyone 19 or over who plans to drink will need valid photo ID to be given a wristband, so bring it along. No outside food, drinks, coolers or glass; food trucks and bars are on site. Pack a blanket or a lawn chair for the chill zones, dress for Ontario weather, and note that there is no re-entry once you leave the grounds.
The full lineup, set times, sponsor list and festival map are all in the 2026 Festival Guide.