1000 Islands Regatta Makes Waves: Outstanding Local Acts Join 2026 Festival Line-up
Well established as one of Brockville’s largest outdoor music events, the 1000 Islands Regatta and Festival has been host to majour Canadian acts for over 17 years. Last year the Blockhouse Island stage lit up the night with the backdrop of Brockville’s train tunnel, filling the long weekend with music by headliner’s Honeymoon Suite, Shania Twin. The festival had received great excitement when Big Wreck and 54-40 performed in 2024, and our all time favourite line-up April Wine, and The Trews in 2018. The 1000 Islands Regatta officially took home the Brockville and Districts Tourism Award in 2022.
The 1000 Islands Regatta has always been supportive to the scene filling in their line-ups with local acts, providing bands like Tinted Wisdom (now Sun Dried Flies), Ryan James (now Rogue Saints), Dirty Little Alibi, and River City Junction the opportunity to perform alongside well-know Canadian bands. This year we are seeing a shift to what we believe will be a primarily original music focused with some exciting local independent rock bands fresh faces for the regattas 18th anniversary. The festival will even feature special reunion appearances.
Big Sugar , renowned Canadian blues-rock act are set to headlining on Friday June 26, 2026, with notable songs like ‘Turn The Lights on’, ‘Diggin’ A Hole’ and ‘If I Had My Way’ the band have performed alongside Jack White, Warren Hanes, The Black Crowes, for music fans across North America. Big Sugar will be sharing the stage with local opening act Arthritik DOG, and Kingston trailblazers Luscious Band.
Photo via Big Sugar Facebook
Luscious is taking the stage with infectious energy. Well established in the Kingston music scene the 5-piece will be bringing their modern interpretation of classic rock to Brockville. The band aim to “keep Rock n' Roll alive in a constantly changing musical landscape” - Via Lusicious Website.
Fronted by Brielle LeBlanc (vocals), Cole LeBlanc (vocals, bass), Kurt Paquette (guitars, vocals), Doug O'Handley (keyboards, vocals), and Wyatt McMullin (Drums), the band blends “80’s rock and 2000’s pop fusion” with vocals being compared to “Blondie and No Doubt”. - via Kingston Live
Lusicious have performed majour festivals like Bluesfest 2025 (Ottawa), and have played alongside well-known acts Kim Mitchell, Deff Leopard, The Strumbellas, Tom Morello and many more. With several popular singles including ‘Bombshell’ and ‘Diamond Ring’ under their belt the band have teased a future album release which is highly anticipated by fans.
Photo by Logan Somers
Arthritik DOG is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year joining the regatta entertainment roster with two new members. Forming in ‘96 the band performed alongside Barstool Prophets in ‘98 on the Riverfest stage, and Jagged Little Pills in ‘97. Original member Jeff Hutt (Guitar) and Scott Primeau (Vocals) will be joined by Primeau’s twin sons Caleb (Bass),
Zach (Drums) taking the place of original members Pete Fodey and Brian Collins.
Arthritik DOG have written original songs over the years including ‘Feel Me Tonight’, ‘Give it away’ and ‘Wasted Time’.
Hardrock and grunge fans this is a performance you are not going to want to miss!
Photo via 1000 Islands Regatta Facebook
Get ready for Saturday June 27, 2026 Headliner’s The Watchmen. This iconic Canadian rock band reached platinum status in Canada with second album ‘In The Trees’ selling over 100,000 copies under MCA records, touring North America and Europe extensively with ‘Brand New Day’. Later on the band signed with EMI releasing hit ‘Stereo’, ‘Any Day Now’, and ‘Brighter Hell’ on ‘Silent Radar’ in 1998. - Via The Watchmen Website
Photo The Watchmen Live in Winnipeg November 2025 by Matt Duboff
Over the years the band has parted ways coming back for reunion stints, and have announced tour dates across Canada from St. John’s, Newfoundland to 1000 Islands Regatta in Brockville, Ontario. The Watchmen will provide a resurgence of 90’s energy to power you through the long weekend along with local band Zipperbelly and Kingston favourites Dead Root Revival.
Zipperbelly are back onto the scene, writing and recording new material just in to hit the spotlight at 1000 Islands Regatta. Popular in the 90’s Zipperbelly represents the area as a celebrate band known for their unique cover of ‘You Are My Sunshine’, and music video for “Ebb” shot in Kingston Ontario for ‘The Show’. The band consists of Mark Bergman (vocals, guitar), Chris Hale (guitar, vocals), Matt Mulvihill (bass, vocals) and Randy Orr (drums, vocals). This reunion comes as a shock to the many fans, with the band teasing studio photos, and now with a concert date Zipperbelly are on the rise back to local legend status with first majour band performance in years.
Photo via Zipperbelly Facebook
With a large following in the area Dead Root Revival announce their first Brockville show in a few years. The band used to frequent venues like The Keystorm Pub, the band have now found the perfect opportunity to satisfy their ever growing fanbase by performing the regatta with The Watchen, and Zipperbelly. The band are described as old-school, guitar focused rock n’ roll with frontman Tom Savage’s “socially conscious worldview” spilling into the lyricism. Dead Root Revival’s debut album ‘The Controller's Exam’ The Kingson, Ontario base quartet features prominent keys by Tony Silvestri, fuzzy guitars by Tom Savage, groovy baselines by Richard Piche, and crashing drums by Bonz Bowering. The bands intuitive nature allows members to organically play off each-other creating impressive dynamics, special moments, and an overall incredibly engaging live performance. - Via Dead Root Revival Website
Photo via Dead Root Revival Facebook
The annual 1000 Islands Regatta & Festival is back Friday June 26 - Sunday June 27, 2026 with another great event with fun for all ages. Enjoy a weekend of exhilarating hydroplane racing, kid zone, food & vendors, and exceptional live music from Big Sugar, Luscious, Arthritik Dog, The Watchmen, Zipperbelly, and Dead Root Revival.
Make sure to grab your tickets early for this iconic Downtown Brockville festival before they sell out!
Festival Passes are ON SALE NOW: 1000 Islands Regatta Website
