Gussapolooza 2026: Independent Canadian Music Festival

Three days of live music, camping, workshops, and art on 48 acres in Cookstown

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What started as a backyard gathering has grown into one of southern Ontario’s most distinctive independent music weekends. Gussapolooza brings together emerging and established Canadian artists across rock, folk, pop, country, psych-pop, and hip hop on multiple stages. Beyond the music: camping under the stars, hands-on workshops, live art installations, a dedicated kids zone, wellness & yoga, food trucks, and a thriving community that keeps coming back.

🎵 40+ artists 🏕️ Camping 🎨 Art & workshops 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

💡 Built by musicians, for musicians — Gussapolooza celebrates independent Canadian talent while fostering genuine community across three days and 48 acres of open grounds.

Why Go Schedule Music & Lineup Experience Essentials Getting There FAQ

✨ Why This Festival Matters

Gussapolooza is a true grassroots festival built by musicians, for musicians—and for the people who love supporting independent Canadian talent. What began as a backyard gathering has grown into a distinctive weekend that champions emerging artists, provides a stage for established acts, and creates a genuine community space where people of all ages feel welcomed.

In an era of corporate festival lineups, Gussapolooza remains defiantly independent. Every artist on the bill is drawn from Canada’s independent music scene. The festival celebrates discovery—whether you’re finding your next favorite band, experiencing live music for the first time with your kids, or connecting with fellow music lovers under the stars.

Set across 48 acres of open grounds with three stages, the festival goes beyond music. There are workshops, art installations, a kids zone, wellness activities, and food from local vendors. It’s a complete experience designed around community, creativity, and the simple joy of live music.

📅 Festival Hours

Gussapolooza runs three days with expanding hours. Friday kicks off the evening, Saturday is the full-day powerhouse, and Sunday wraps up the celebration.

🎵 Music & Lineup

Forty independent Canadian artists across rock, folk, pop, country, psych-pop, hip hop, and electronic music. Saturday night headliner is Feral Minks, a rising Kitchener rock outfit whose single “Matador” cracked the Canadian Active Rock top 25.

Saturday Headliner: Feral Minks (Kitchener rock act, produced by Jay Emmons of The Glorious Sons, HTZ FM Rock Search 2024 winners)

🎨 Beyond the Music

Gussapolooza is built for the whole festival experience. Beyond three stages of live music, there’s creative workshops, live art installations, a dedicated kids zone, wellness & yoga activities, podcasters broadcasting live, food trucks, and local artisan vendors.

ℹ️ Festival Essentials

🚗 Getting There

Located at the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown, about an hour north of the Greater Toronto Area. Easy access via Highway 400 or Highway 27.

From Toronto/GTA: Travel north on Highway 400 or Highway 27 toward Barrie. Cookstown is accessed via Highway 27 or County Road 1. The venue is signposted at the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds.

Parking: Free onsite parking available outside the main gate. For camping guests, parking is included with vehicle passes.

Contact: [email protected] or call 705-722-3939 for questions or directions.

❓ Common Questions