Now in its second year, DevFest offers a fresh angle on music festivals, challenging the traditional model by introducing a new way to experience a multi-day live music event.
Read: https://exclaim.ca/music/article/cornwall-on-s-dev-fest-expands-in-second-year-with-the-trews-the-strumbellas
At the forefront of a growing shift toward experience-first festivals, DevFest is positioned within driving distance of numerous Canadian cities including Ottawa, Montreal, and Kingston. Positioning itself as a staycation-style summer escape, the festival is built around ease, access, and an elevated experience.
DevFest Returns Bigger in Year Two with The Trews & The Strumbellas as Dual Headliners
Cornwall, ON Hosts Intimate, Boutique Two-Day Festival Pairing Major Canadian Headliners with a Comfortable,
Crowd-Friendly Destination Setting
VIP Passes Over 50% Sold
Watch: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-v35Y25jr1pfGWLTZlFCCORjAbAVl06w/view?pli=1
CORNWALL, ON - June 3, 2026 - Following a breakout inaugural year that attendees called “the party of the year,” DevFest returns June 26–27, 2026, with a major expansion and two of Canada’s most celebrated live acts, The Trews and The Strumbellas, sharing equal-billing as dual headliners. Set on the stunning Dev Hotel and Conference Centre’s 70-acre private property overlooking the St. Lawrence River along the 401 corridor between Ottawa, Montreal, and Kingston, DevFest has quickly built a reputation for doing festivals differently, through intimate programming and an elevated, hospitality-driven festival experience that attracted over 2000 people in its first year.
Unlike traditional outdoor festivals held in open fields, DevFest offers a full service, all-access experience where comfort and quality take center stage. The site includes 500 hotel rooms within steps of the stage, plenty of covered areas, indoor amenities, food and beverage partners including Bud Light, Keiths, Michelob Ultra, Mill Street Brewing, and space to move comfortably, meaning more time enjoying the music and less time waiting in lines.
“DevFest brings big-name live music together with real hospitality,” says festival organizer and DEV Hotel General Manager Ian Bentley. “Guests can enjoy performances by The Trews & The Strumbellas and then unwind in a hotel room, visit the spa, or relax by the pool. It’s a festival experience that feels elevated".
Alongside co-headliners The Trews and The Strumbellas, Saturday, June 27th mainstage programming includes Kingston, ON’s Luscious, Stormont-Dundas-Glenngarry Region’s The County Lads, and Cornwall’s own Harry Lee Follen. Friday night launches the weekend with a regional showcase, spotlighting talent including JUNO Award winning Angelique Francis Band, Cornwall’s own Chambers Deslaurier, and the Trevor Walsh Group, reinforcing the festival’s connection to local music culture.
Following a 2025 debut that welcomed legendary Canadian rockers 54-40, DevFest has expanded capacity and offerings while maintaining its boutique feel. Early demand has already proven strong, with 250 tickets and half of VIP passes sold before Christmas through pre-announcement access.
Taking place the weekend before Canada Day, DevFest is designed as a staycation music getaway, encouraging guests to book onsite accommodations and turn the event into a full retreat. With Sky Serenity spa access, indoor recreation facilities, hospitality facilities like the Propeller Restaurant and the Jet Set Pub, and music programming throughout the day, DevFest blends festival energy with resort relaxation.
Tickets & Information
DEVFest 2026 will take place on June 26 and 27 at the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre Waterfront in Cornwall, ON, with programming expanding to two full days of music along the St. Lawrence River.
VIP Experience – $200 (limited)
All food included
All beverages included
VIP viewing area (Saturday)
- Premium sightlines and dedicated space
Onsite Hotel Packages are available for early bookers, with rooms starting at $179 per night, offering walkable access to the festival grounds.
Tickets and accommodations available https://devfest.ca/
About DevFest
DevFest is a boutique Canadian music festival created to combine top-tier live music with elevated hospitality, premium amenities, and a relaxed destination setting. Located in Cornwall, Ontario, along the St. Lawrence River, DevFest delivers an intimate alternative to large-scale festival environments by prioritizing comfort, quality production, and guest experience. The 2026 festival is sponsored by Morben, and Walker.
