Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival

Admission is free! Set against the scenic backdrop of Deer Lake Park (get directions), the 2026 Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, community and culture. Join us on Saturday, August 8 for an evening of soul and funk to indie and Indigenous storytelling, this year’s lineup celebrates the full spectrum of sound rooted in truth, tradition and transformation.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the scene, the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival offers an inclusive, family-friendly environment with some of the region’s most popular food trucks, a beer garden and more. Mark your calendars for a weekend of pure musical magic and vibrant experiences! Be sure to visit our friends before the festival at Burnaby Village Museum for additional local music.

2026 Lineup

TALK

Time: 8:30–10 pm

TALK is the stage name of Ottawa-born singer-songwriter Nicholas Durocher, a bold, multi-instrumental artist known for his powerful voice and uplifting energy. Inspired by Elton John, Freddie Mercury and Guns N’ Roses, he writes, plays and produces his own music. TALK broke through with “Run Away to Mars,” a global viral hit that topped Spotify’s Viral 50 and earned tens of millions of streams. His TALK To Me EP drew praise from American Songwriter, People and Complex. He has sold out shows across Canada and is now working on his debut album of emotional ballads and anthems.

Learn more

Jully Black

Time: 7:15–8:15 pm

Jully Black is a multi-JUNO Award-winning, platinum-selling artist and Canada’s Walk of Fame inductee whose powerhouse vocals have made her one of Canada’s most respected voices. She has performed with Alicia Keys, Elton John, Celine Dion and Drake, written for Destiny’s Child and Nas, and headlined sold-out tours across North America. Beyond music, Jully is a TEDx speaker, actress, wellness advocate and philanthropist, founding 100 Strong & Sexy, The Power of Step and The Jully Black Family Foundation. In 2023, she made global headlines for changing the anthem lyric to “our home ON native land.”

Learn more
GALACTIC featuring Jelly Joseph

Time: 5:40–6:30 pm

GALACTIC featuring Jelly Joseph, has spent over three decades shaping the sound of New Orleans funk, blending genres and pushing boundaries with every release. The band tours and records with powerhouse vocalist Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, and also owns the legendary Tipitina’s venue. Their latest album, Audience With the Queen, is a bold, full-length collaboration with Irma Thomas, celebrating the enduring soul of New Orleans through fresh, original songs.

Photo credit: Josh Brasted Photography

Learn more
Wyatt C Louis

Time: 4:45–5:25 pm

Wyatt C. Louis (they/he) is a Plains Cree singer-songwriter born and raised in parts of Treaty Six, now based in Moh’kinstsís (Calgary). Their debut album, Chandler—named for their middle name—moves effortlessly between genres, blending country roots, indie textures and ethereal songwriting with stunning vocals. Written in part during the quiet isolation of pandemic lockdown, the album carries a soft, glowing comfort shaped by memory, place and reflection. Released on Royal Mountain Records, Chandler balances upbeat warmth with cozy intimacy. Through collaboration, Louis found new levity, creating songs that honour the music of their childhood while reshaping it into something entirely their own.

Photo credit: Vanessa Heins

Learn more
RBCxMusic First Up Artist: TYA

Time: 4–4:30pm

Fresh off a breakthrough year that included Best Music Video at the Toronto International Music Video Festival and sold-out Hollywood shows, Canadian alt-pop artist TYA (she/they) is entering her most vulnerable era yet. Backed by RBCxMusic, Headb!tch Distro, and Grrrl Music, TYA’s Mental Health Mixtape turns panic into poetry and breakdowns into songs you can dance to. With biting, empathetic lyrics and powerhouse vocals, TYA bridges diary confession and performance art. After a 500 percent rise in streams and queer festival sets from NYC to LA, TYA continues creating fearless pop for anyone who feels deeply and needs it heard.

Learn more

Festival information

Join us on Saturday, August 8, 2026 for the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival! The Festival is held at Deer Lake Park, on the festival lawn behind Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

Dedicated to promoting local and emerging musical talent, the festival kicks off at 3:30 pm with the community stage on the east lawn.

Time	Performer
3:30–4 pm	Janky Bungag
4:30–5 pm	Mikey Jose
5:30–6 pm	DACEY
6:40–7:10 pm	Desirée Dawson

Artist Bios:

Janky Bungag

Janky Bungag is from Vancouver, B.C. This Filipino-Canadian cowpunk artist draws inspiration from outlaw legends like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash to bring you a high-energy blend of country and bluegrass. With fast picking and a high lonesome sound, Janky Bungag is sure to get the dance floor hopping.

Mikey Jose

Mikey Jose is a Neuroscience PhD candidate-by-day, independent artist-by-night and thrives in the in-between. Jose’s signature sound comes from embracing the tension between R&B and Gospel, and playful storytelling of Pop, allowing him to deliver music that is both deeply soulful and effortlessly relatable. Mikey takes cues from classic and modern greats like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Leon Thomas and Beyoncé who lead with story through melody; this ethos allows his B-Side records to be as compelling as his radio hits.

DACEY

DACEY is a Vancouver-based band that blends alt-R&B, neo-soul, indie and jazz. Fronted by vocalist Dacey Andrada, the group crafts smooth, melodic tracks with rich influences and emotional depth. Known for their evolving style and captivating live energy, DACEY continues to push creative boundaries in Canada’s music scene.

Desirée Dawson

Desirée Dawson is a multi-talented artist, celebrated for her remarkable gifts as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, sound healing facilitator and yoga teacher. She is best known for accompanying her voice with body percussion or her baritone ukulele. Her music has elements of pop, folk, soul, Americana, country and more.

The Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival Community Stage is curated by Saadi D’hoore, a Vancouver-based cultural leader, musician and community builder, working at the intersection of music, arts and civic engagement. Through his community development work and music advocacy, he has helped support local artists, strengthen cultural infrastructure and foster inclusive creative spaces. His work is rooted in the belief that music is vital to build connection, belonging and stronger communities.

From 11:30 am to 3:15 pm, join us at Burnaby Village Museum's Vorce Stage, Market Garden and Bandstand.

Time	Performer	Location
11:30 am-12:15 pm	Smootherin	Bandstand
noon-12:45 pm	Matt Hermano	Market Garden
12:15-1 pm	Adrienne Robles	Vorce Stage
1-1:45 pm	Zach Saunders	Market Garden
1-1:45 pm	Rebecca Sichon	Bandstand
1:45-2:30 pm	Dean Michael Smith	Vorce Stage
2-2:45 pm	Robyn Froese	Market Garden
2:30-3:15 pm	Ty Koch	Bandstand

Portable Washrooms (including accessible washrooms) are available throughout the site.

For first aid and medical services, please visit the first aid tent. Lost and found items will be held at the Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival information tent.

Getting here

To promote public safety and reduce traffic gridlock, the following traffic plan will be implemented:

Deer Lake Avenue after 2 pm – Limited and authorized access only, one direction traffic heading west on Deer Lake Avenue. Full closure from 9 pm onwards.

Public safety is our top priority. The City of Burnaby, in coordination with the RCMP, has implemented comprehensive safety measures to support the well-being of all attendees, staff and performers throughout the event. We appreciate your cooperation with these measures and encourage you to reach out with any questions at [email protected].

Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival is designed as a welcoming space for the community to come together—celebrating music, culture and shared experiences. While the focus remains on connection and celebration, organizers have carefully planned and coordinated all aspects of the event to ensure a safe and well-managed environment for everyone.

Only accessible parking for guests with a SPARC pass (space allowing) is available on site in the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts surface parking lot.

Please consider using public transit, carpool, bicycles, ridesharing, taxis or an offsite parking lot. Offsite parking for the public is available at Burnaby Central Secondary and Burnaby City Hall parking lots, and at Deer Lake Centre public and paid parking lots.

Public transit

There are convenient transit routes to Deer Lake Park from most points of the city. #144, 110, #123, and #133 buses stop right outside the site and there are frequent connections to nearby SkyTrain stations. Please be advised that transit vehicles are authorized to enter the area until 9 pm, after which they will be redirected to Canada Way and the City Hall bus loop for pick up.

Check TransLink or Google Maps for directions.

Cycling

Consider riding your mobility device to the site, or combining bike and transit. From East Vancouver or North Burnaby ride the safe, beautiful, and flat Central Valley Greenway / Lakes Trail all the way to Deer Lake—or, take your bike on the SkyTrain to Sperling Station then ride the Lake Trail 12 minutes to Deer Lake. From Metrotown or South Burnaby ride Royal Oak Ave to the Deer Lake Trails (a gentle 17 minute downhill ride). For more options click the Google Maps cycling icon.
A free bike valet will be available on site for secure bicycle storage. You are welcome to leave your helmet or panniers attached to your bike. The bike valet is also equipped to receive e-bikes, scooters and strollers.

Check out the past artists that have performed at the festival over the last 25 years.

Questions and answers

No, there is no maximum attendance limit for the 2026 Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival. However, staff will be actively monitoring crowd levels throughout the event to ensure a safe and comfortable experience and to prevent overcrowding.

There is no public parking available onsite except for those guests with SPARC passes. Please consider using public transit, taxis, bicycles, ridesharing or an offsite parking lot. Offsite parking for the public is available at Burnaby Central Secondary and Burnaby City Hall parking lots, and at Deer Lake Centre public and paid parking lots.

Translink Trip Planner

Yes.

There will be a free bike valet service available in front of the Burnaby Art Gallery Barn Studio, as well as limited bike racks outside the Shadbolt Centre. We ask that you do not lock your bike to fences or sign posts.

The pathway from the SPARC accessible parking location to the main site is a minimum of 16 ft / 5 m wide, with a flat concrete surface and minimal sloping. Portable toilets with a 32” wide self-closing door, flat entrance, reinforced grab bar and extra room for turning. A ramped platform directly ahead of the main path will be reserved for accessible seating. The platform will have shade tents and a handful of folding chairs for those who require them.

Yes, we recommend downloading the Bettear app. This free app provides high-quality, personalized audio accessibility for individuals with hearing loss and will be available for use at the mainstage.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages within the following guidelines:

No outside alcohol is permitted on site. Designated Beer Garden will be available.
No knives are permitted on site (please prepare your food in advance).

Food trucks will also be available on site.

Yes! There will be two locations on site where you can refill your water bottle—we encourage attendees to bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

View volunteer opportunities

If you are interested in being a food vendor at our outdoor festival, please send us a letter listing the previous events or festivals you sold at, a photograph of your booth set up and a menu with prices. Contact [email protected] or 604-205-3046.

Lawn chairs are permitted. Please leave all tents, tarps or umbrellas at home.

For the safety of all guests, please leave the following at home:

tents, tarps or umbrellas
weapons or anything that could be considered to be an offensive weapon (including knives of any kind)
frisbees or balls
animals (working service dogs are permitted)
flags, signs on sticks or banners
barbeques or fires
musical instruments
laser pointers
fireworks
alcohol and drugs
all smoking and vaping products

Due to artist contracts, professional recording equipment will not be permitted onsite. Drones, video cameras and cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited.

No, the Shadbolt Centre will be closed, and there will be no public access to the building.

Yes, If you've misplaced an item, or if you you've found something, please visit the info tent.

No, there is no smoking or vaping (including tobacco and cannabis products) permitted in Deer Lake Park. Learn more about smoke-free Burnaby.

Animals are not permitted on site, with the exception of working service animals. For the safety and well-being of your pet, please do not leave animals unattended in vehicles during the event.

Yes, the festival is rain or shine. Staff will be actively monitoring weather conditions throughout the event and programming will continue as long as it is safe to do so.