History of Westfest in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 16, 2025

Westfest is a free arts festival held annually in Ottawa, Ontario during the second weekend of June. Located at Tom Brown Arena and Park in Hintonburg, it showcases Canadian talent across various artistic disciplines including music, dance, visual art, and spoken word. Founded in 2003 by Elaina Martin, the festival involves over 300 artists, 150 volunteers, and 40 staff, aiming to promote emerging Canadian artists alongside established names.

2003: Festival Foundation

In 2003, Westfest was founded by Elaina Martin as a free arts festival in Ottawa, Ontario. The festival takes place the second weekend of June at Tom Brown Arena and Park in the Hintonburg area, showcasing Canadian talent across various artistic disciplines.

2004: 2004 Performances

In 2004, Westfest featured performances by Jane Siberry, Adrienne Pierce, Ember Swift, Junkyard Symphony/Garbage and Guitars, Andrew Vincent and the Pirates, Recoilers, Susan O, Lori Jean, Greenfield Main, The Vanity Press, and others.

2004: Jane Siberry Headliner

In 2004, the first year of Westfest, Jane Siberry was the headliner. This set the tone for the future of the annual celebration.

2005: Westfest Becomes a Two-Day Festival

In 2005, Westfest expanded to become a two-day festival.

2005: 2005 Performances

In 2005, Westfest featured performances by Cowboy Junkies, Danny Michel, Lynn Miles, Gentleman Reg, Ember Swift, Mighty Popo, Lee Hayes, Mina & Taqralik, The Lowbellies, The Vanity Press, Amanda Rheaume, and others.

2006: 2006 Performances

In 2006, Westfest featured performances by Skydiggers, The Cash Brothers, Jim Bryson, Elliot Brood, Emm Gryner, Justin Rutledge, Ember Swift, The Cliks, Bigstone Drummers, Hilotrons, The Acorn, Kellylee Evans, and others.

2006: Incorporation as a Not-for-Profit

In 2006, Westfest was incorporated as a national not-for-profit organization.

2007: Westfest Becomes a Three-Day Festival

In 2007, Westfest became a three-day festival with extensive programming.

2007: 2007 Performances

In 2007, Westfest featured performances by Kathleen Edwards, Fiftymen, Shanneyganock, Dr. Lee, Bigstone Drummers, Camp Radio, Jason Collett, Crowded Skies, Angela Desveaux, Lindsay Ferguson, Lily Frost, and others.

2008: Fifth Anniversary Celebration

In 2008, Westfest celebrated its fifth anniversary with a five-day event and more than 100 hours of programming, attracting a record-breaking crowd exceeding 100,000 people.

2008: 2008 Performances

In 2008, Westfest featured performances by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Lucie Idlout, Holly McNarland, Kinnie Starr, Leela Gilday, Tamara Podemski, Nukariik, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Nemisak Singers, First Nations Cultural Performers, and others.

2009: 2009 Performances

In 2009, Westfest featured performances by Danny Michel and the Camp Town Racers, Jenn Grant, Arctic, Prairie Oyster, Lynne Hanson, Ladies of the Canyon, Lake of Stew, Jan Purcell and the Pine Road Bluegrass Band, Ken Voita, and others.

2010: 2010 Performances

In 2010, Westfest featured performances by Sloan, Will Currie & The Country French, The Balconies, The High Dials, Bloomistry, Dala, Nukariik, Madison Violet, Marigolds, and others.

2011: Performances and Stage Positioning

In 2011, Westfest featured performances by Lucie Idlout, Bif Naked, and the Mighty Popo. The main stage was positioned behind the Real Canadian Superstore parking lot, increasing space and creating a licensed audience area.

2011: 2011 Performances

In 2011, Westfest featured performances by Lucie Idlout, Kaiva, Tanya Tagaq, Tumivut, Taqralik Partridge, M.O (Eskimocentricity), Bif Naked, The Pack A.D, The Johnnys, Hexes and Ohs, and others.

2012: Headliners and Family Activities

In 2012, Westfest featured headliners such as Steven Page, The Cooper Brothers, and The Hidden Cameras, along with family activities.

2012: 2012 Performances

In 2012, Westfest featured performances by Hidden Cameras, SILKKEN LAUMANN, The Cougar Chick Tribute Band, Dr. Lee, Steven Page, Amos The Tansparent, Brock Stonefish, and others.

2013: 2013 Performances

In 2013, Westfest featured performances by Jill Zmud, Juliana Pullford, Captain Dirt & the Skirt, Zoe Whittall, Jane Siberry, The Clicks, Holly McNarland, Plex, Andrew Vincent, and others.

2014: 2014 Performances

In 2014, Westfest featured performances by A Tribe Called Red, Ashley MacIsaac, George Leach, The PepTides, River City Junction, The Fevers, Brock Zeman, and others.

2015: 2015 Performances

In 2015, Westfest featured performances by Sarah Harmer, Lynn Miles & Friends, Craig Cardiff, The Acorn, Rae Spoon, Terry Gillespie, Steve Judd & The Underdogs, and others.