Essex County Songwriters Festival (A Nashville Takeover)
Essex County Has Been Selected for a Nashville Takeover
Presented by Backyard Music Co., GL Heritage, Walkerville Brewery, The Drive Magazine, Blackburn Media, and Urban Home.
June 5-7, 2026
Summer 2026, Backyard Music Co. is bringing its Nashville Takeover festival to Essex County, 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 Essex County was one of just 13 towns chosen from hundreds across Canada for its unmatched community pride and small-town heart.
From June 5-7, 2026, expect over 15 top emerging songwriters from Nashville and Canada performing across multiple intimate venues, including Billy's Taphouse, GL Heritage Brewery, Walkerville Brewery and other unique and unexpected spaces throughout the county. We will focus on Amherstburg, Kingsville, and the Walkerville Neighbourhood. 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, and some that have!
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 Essex County
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 5-7, 2026, as Nashville takes over Essex County.
Follow @backyardmusicco for updates, artist previews, and ticket announcements.
For questions, please email us at [email protected]