The festival will open the site at LeBreton Flats Park a few days early
BY Alex HudsonPublished Jul 2, 2026
Ottawa Bluesfest doesn't start until next week, but this weekend, the festival site will open early to host the largest-ever free outdoor watch party for Canadian soccer.
Team Canada will play Morocco on Saturday (July 4) at 1 p.m. ET, as our country makes its first-ever appearance in the World Cup's Round of 16. The gates at LeBreton Flats Park open at 11 a.m.
"Canada is on an unprecedented run at the FIFA World Cup 2026," Bluesfest boss Mark Monahan said in a statement. "Never before has Canada reached the Round of 16, so it's our pleasure and honour to invite the many fans of this great Canadian team to attend this party and to come out and support Team Canada!"
Admission is free, with capacity limited to 20,000. The site is licensed, and food and drink will be available. There will be four big screens and surround sound.
This year marks the first time Canada has ever gotten to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The team beat South Africa last weekend, advancing from the Round of 32 to the top 16.
Ottawa Bluesfest runs from July 9 to 19. See the details here, and also check out our must-see recommendations.
Source: Exclaim!
