For Montreal music fans looking to escape the city without venturing too far (an hour and a half, max), a growing summer festival just across the Ontario border may be worth adding to the calendar.
Following a successful inaugural edition that drew more than 2,000 attendees, DevFest returns to Cornwall, Ontario, on June 26 and 27, 2026, with an expanded two-day lineup headlined by Canadian favourites The Trews and The Strumbellas. Located less than 120 kilometres from downtown Montreal, (and 105 km from downtown Ottawa), DevFest offers an easy road trip along Highway 401 and a distinctly different alternative to the crowded festival experience.
Set on the picturesque 70-acre waterfront grounds of the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre overlooking the St. Lawrence River, DevFest has quickly gained a reputation for combining live music with resort-style amenities. Rather than spending the day standing in open fields, festivalgoers have access to indoor facilities, covered spaces, restaurants, bars, spa services, and hotel accommodations just steps from the stage.
“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 and 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.”
The festival’s Saturday mainstage lineup features co-headliners The Trews and The Strumbellas, joined by Kingston’s Luscious, Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry favourites The County Lads, and Cornwall musician Harry Lee Follen. Friday evening kicks off with a showcase of regional talent, including JUNO Award-winning blues artist Angelique Francis and local acts Chambers Deslaurier and the Trevor Walsh Group.
The event follows a strong debut year that featured legendary Canadian rock band 54-40 and helped establish DevFest as one of Eastern Ontario’s emerging music festivals. Organizers say demand has already been strong, with hundreds of tickets and a significant portion of VIP packages sold before the lineup was officially announced.
Taking place the weekend before Canada Day celebrations begin across Quebec and Ontario, DevFest is positioning itself as a summer getaway destination for music lovers from Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, and beyond. The combination of live performances, waterfront scenery, hotel accommodations, and onsite amenities offers a chance to turn a concert weekend into a mini vacation.
Tickets and Packages
DevFest takes place June 26 and 27, 2026, at the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre Waterfront in Cornwall, Ontario.
VIP passes ($200) include:
- All food included
- All beverages included
- Access to a dedicated VIP viewing area
- Premium sightlines and exclusive festival space
Festival accommodation packages are also available, with hotel rooms starting at $179 per night and offering convenient walkable access to the festival grounds.
For Montrealers seeking a summer music escape without the hassle of long-distance travel, DevFest offers the rare opportunity to enjoy nationally recognized artists, waterfront views, and resort-style comforts all within a little over an hour’s drive from the city.
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