Port Stanley Songwriters Festival (A Nashville Takeover)
Presented by Backyard Music Co. & Port Stanley, Ontario
June 19-21, 2026
Next Summer, Backyard Music Co. is bringing its Nashville Takeover festival to Collingwood for the second year, transforming the town into a Nashville-style songwriter haven for three unforgettable days of music, storytelling, and community connection.
After massive success in Port Stanley and Collingwood, Backyard Music Co. is expanding this unique festival model nationwide- and Port Stanley was one of just 13 towns chosen from hundreds across Canada once again for its unmatched community pride and small-town heart.
From June 19-21, 2026, expect over 15 top emerging songwriters from Nashville and Canada performing across multiple intimate venues, including Two Forks and other unique and unexpected spaces throughout town. Each day and night will feature rotating performances, songwriter rounds, and exclusive after-parties that bring the soul of Nashville to Ontario in a way Canada has never seen before.
This isn’t a field or street festival, it’s a three-day musical takeover.
Picture cozy rooms, candlelit stages, lively patios, and tucked-away venues filled with raw stories, laughter, and connection. You won’t be watching from a distance, you’ll be part of it. Meet the artists. Swap stories. Discover the songs that haven’t even hit the radio yet.
Every artist is a surprise until they step on stage, because this experience is built on discovery, not hype. The songwriters performing are some of the most exciting emerging artists from Nashville and Canada, many with millions of streams and a few who’ve already written hits for major artists. They’re on the verge of breaking out, and you’ll be there to witness it.
What to Expect
Three full days of music across multiple venues and secret locations throughout Port Stanley
15+ surprise songwriters from Nashville and Canada performing in true “writers round” style
Intimate settings where every performance feels personal and real
After-parties, bar hops, and exclusive events connecting fans, artists, and locals all weekend
A mix of genres - country, Americana, pop, and folk celebrating great songwriting above all
A festival built for connection, not crowds-limited capacity for an authentic experience
This is more than a festival, it’s a movement bringing communities together through original music and real human stories.
Join us June 19-21, 2026, as Nashville takes over Port Stanley.
Follow @backyardmusicco for updates, artist previews, and ticket announcements.
For questions, please email us at [email protected]