Kat Harlton
Following a breakout inaugural year that had attendees calling it “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 & Conference Centre 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 2,000 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, Keith’s, Michelob Ultra, and Mill Street Brewing, plus space to move comfortably meaning more time enjoying the music and less time waiting in lines.
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.
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.
I had the opportunity to speak with DevFest organizer, Ian Bentley about how the festival continues to expand, and what we can expect this summer.
Kat: DevFest had a sold-out debut in 2025. What did you learn from year one that directly shaped the decision to expand in 2026?
Ian: Year one validated the concept. We learned very quickly that people weren’t just coming for the music, they were coming for the experience. What stood out most was how much guests valued having everything in one place, accommodations, food, entertainment, and amenities all within walking distance. That convenience and comfort became our biggest differentiator. So for 2026, the expansion isn’t just about adding more people, it’s about enhancing that full experience. More programming, more space to enjoy it, and more reasons to stay the entire weekend.
Kat: This year features dual headliners The Trews and The Strumbellas. What made you choose a shared-billing model instead of the traditional single- headliner format?
Ian: We wanted to create a night that feels bigger than a single moment. With co-headliners, you’re not building toward one peak, you’re delivering two full-scale headline performances. Both bands have strong national followings and incredible live energy, so pairing them creates a much more dynamic and memorable experience. It also aligns with our boutique approach. We’re curating the night, not just filling a slot.
Kat: DevFest is positioned as a hospitality-driven festival, how did the idea of blending a music festival with a resort-style experience first come about?
Ian: It really comes from our DNA as a property. We’re not just a venue, we’re a full-service campus. Instead of trying to compete with traditional festivals, we leaned into what makes us different. We asked, what if you could attend a music festival without sacrificing comfort? That’s where the idea came from, combining live music with the kind of experience you’d expect from a resort, great food, a place to stay, space to relax, and a seamless environment from start to finish.
Kat: Unlike typical open-field festivals, DevFest offers hotel rooms, indoor spaces, and amenities, how important is comfort in redefining what a modern festival experience can be?
Ian: Comfort is everything. There’s a large audience that loves live music but doesn’t necessarily love the traditional festival environment, long lines, limited seating, unpredictable conditions. We’re redefining that by giving people options. You can be front row at the stage, or you can step inside, grab a proper meal, recharge, and head back out. That flexibility changes the entire experience and opens the door to a much broader audience.
Kat: The location in Cornwall creates a natural bridge between Ottawa, Montreal, and Kingston. How intentional was that regional strategy in building your audience?
Ian: It was very intentional. We sit in a unique position where we can draw from multiple major markets within a short drive. That allows us to build a regional audience rather than relying on just one city. DevFest is designed as a destination event, some guests come for the night, but many turn it into a weekend experience. That regional accessibility is a big part of why it works.
Kat: You’ve seen strong early demand, with tickets and VIP packages selling before the lineup was even announced, what do you think people are buying into beyond just the artists?
Ian: They’re buying into trust and experience. After year one, people understood what DevFest represents. It’s organized, it’s comfortable, and it delivers a premium experience from start to finish. So when tickets go on sale, they’re not just buying a concert, they’re buying a weekend they know will be well executed.
Kat: How do you balance keeping DevFest intimate and boutique while still scaling up attendance and programming in year two?
Ian: That’s the key challenge, and we’re very intentional about it. Growth doesn’t mean overcrowding. It means adding layers, more programming, better flow, enhanced VIP experiences, while maintaining space and comfort for guests. We’re scaling the experience, not just the numbers.
Kat: The festival leans heavily into a staycation model ahead of Canada Day, how does that timing influence the overall vibe and planning of the event?
Ian: The timing is a huge advantage. People are already in a mindset to celebrate, take time off, and enjoy the start of summer. DevFest becomes part of that long-weekend energy. It allows us to position the event as the kickoff to Canada Day celebrations, a place where people can gather, unwind, and make a weekend out of it.
Kat: DevFest also highlights regional and local talent alongside major acts, why was it important to you to build that community-driven element into the lineup?
Ian: It’s essential. We want DevFest to feel like it belongs to the community, not just something that comes in for a weekend and leaves.There’s incredible talent in this region, and giving those artists a platform alongside national acts creates a stronger, more authentic experience. It also helps build something sustainable long-term.
Kat: Looking ahead, do you see DevFest remaining a boutique experience, or do you envision it growing into something larger while maintaining its core identity?
Ian: The goal is controlled growth. We absolutely see DevFest getting bigger, but not at the expense of what makes it special. The boutique, hospitality-driven experience is the foundation. As we grow, every decision will be measured against that. If it enhances the guest experience, we’ll pursue it. If it compromises it, we won’t. That’s how you build something that lasts.
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.
Tickets and accommodations available here.
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