Planning is in full swing for Ontario’s award-winning Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival that’s gearing up for another fabulous weekend, with several high-profile acts confirmed for 2024. Set to take place in Memorial Park and the village of Port Credit in Mississauga from September 6 to 8, the weekend following Labour Day, this event, an annual tradition, draws thousands to the village in Mississauga year after year.

“We’ve secured an exceptional lineup to play our Brightwater Mainstage that includes Canada’s Jim Cuddy Band, CJ Chenier & The Red-Hot Louisiana Band, Sue Foley, Marriner & Bowskill, The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, Bywater Call, Philip Sayce, Matt Minglewood, The Blackburn Brothers, Durham County Poets, and The Ladies of Sweet Soul Music,” said Festival Artistic Director and founder Chuck Jackson. “Plus, we have our free Street Shuffle on Saturday afternoon, and a great variety of entertainment on our free stages in the park all weekend with The Tonewheels featuring Matt Weidinger, Glen Marais and Mojo Train, Cheryl Lescom and the Tucson Choir Boys, Blues Etc., Big Dan Jeffares, Dwayne Laforme, The Whiskey River Blues featuring Annie Q, Ragwax Quartet, Doc McLean, Lance Anderson, Crossfield Bend, Al Lerman, Penny Skolski and many more! The Mississauga Music Walk of Fame will also return on Sunday, honouring local musicians who have made a significant impact on the city.”

New this year, The Southside Shuffle has also teamed up with Metalworks Studios, Canada’s premier recording facility, and their new online music platform SoundsUnite, along with Long & McQuade, Canada’s largest music equipment retailer, and the Mississauga Arts Council to create an exciting opportunity for the youth in the community with its Youth Band Challenge! Participants aged 12-18 can submit their band applications between May 1st and August 2nd to be chosen as one of the 10 bands to compete in the competition and perform on the festival’s Gazebo Stage. In addition to the opportunity to perform in a festival environment, bands have the chance to win studio recording time and musical instruments. Plus, all entrants will receive a free subscription to SoundsUnite, a new music education, creativity, collaboration, and wellness platform.

The festival, now in its 26th year, has once again been honoured as one of the top 100 festivals at the Festival and Events Ontario award ceremony. “We are so proud of this achievement, and to be recognized as one of the top 100 festivals of the 1,600 festivals in Ontario is a true testament to the dedication of so many people who make this festival happen each year, and the ongoing support we have from the community,” said Festival Chair Kris Kane. “A number of sponsors, grantors, and donors, including Tim Hortons, Brightwater, Ontario Creates, Tourism Mississauga, Canadian Heritage, Hazel McCallion Foundation, Port Credit Community Foundation, Port Credit BIA, the City of Mississauga, LIUNA Local 183, Edenshaw, and The Mississauga Charitable Gaming Association, along with several local businesses, generously support us. Their contributions, along with the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, are essential in funding and organizing the festival, and we are very thankful for their generous support.”

Returning in August, the Southside Shuffle will also host its annual Beggars Blues Banquet upstairs again at the Port Credit Legion on August 15th, 2024, to kick off the Shuffle season. Additionally, during August, the festival and the Legion will bring back their Friday night blues series downstairs.

The three-day outdoor event features three stages at Port Credit Memorial Park, presenting over 40 Canadian and international acts, along with performances from over 20 musical acts during its free Saturday afternoon street party known as the LIUNA Local 183 Street Shuffle held in the village from 1-5 p.m., followed by a second-line parade guided by its Dixieland band, leading the crowd into Memorial Park. The entire village participates all weekend long, with bars, restaurants, and coffee shops also offering live music. The park is fully licensed, offering food vendors and an artisan market, as well as two free stages along with its Brightwater ticketed stage.

Tickets are $30 on Friday, $40 on Saturday, and $30 on Sunday. Weekend passes are $80. For tickets, artist schedules, and information on how to get involved with the festival as a volunteer, vendor, or sponsor, visit southsideshuffle.ca.