Nathalie Rivard

After a highly successful debut, the Folk & Blues Festival of the Eastern Townships is returning for a promising second edition, running July 17 to 26, 2025, in the villages of Bolton-Est and Austin.

The inaugural 2024 event drew more than 1,300 festivalgoers, and this year the festival is expanding to feature 15 concerts and workshops, strengthening its role as a vibrant cultural force in the region.

What’s on the Program?

Audiences can look forward to:

• Outdoor concerts and indoor evening shows
• An emerging artists showcase
• A new series of free midday concerts, Midi Blues and Midi Folk, held at Austin Park and the Bolton-Est public market

Music will fill venues across both towns, from Carrefour Austin, Parc Terrio, and La Grange Manson to the Bistro du Rucher.

The festival opens on July 17 with blues legend Ray Bonneville, followed by performances from the Dan Livingstone Band and Kate Morrison. On July 23, the band Rabaska will take the stage at Parc Terrio, and the festival wraps up in grand style with a free closing concert by Canadian blues powerhouse Dawn Tyler Watson on July 26.

New This Year: Open Workshops

Festivalgoers can also take part in a series of open “masterclass” workshops, including:

• Vocals with Sarah Bédard
• Percussion with Bruno Roy
• Acoustic guitar with Alex Cattaneo

A Festival for All

Organized by Le Rucher Boltonnois and Carrefour Austin, with support from both municipalities, the festival is a green, inclusive initiative that celebrates diversity across cultures, generations, and communities—while also boosting local business and tourism.

🎟️ Full schedule and tickets available at:
folkbluesdescantons.com