Blues, Big Sugar, and a Big Return: Southside Shuffle Launches Season with Beggars Blues Banquet

Mississauga, ON — The 27th annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival kicks off its 2025 season with the always-anticipated Beggars Blues Banquet on Saturday, June 7 at the Port Credit Legion, setting the tone for a summer of homegrown blues and roots.

This year’s pre-festival fundraiser features a powerhouse lineup: the David Rotundo Band will take the stage with festival founder Chuck Jackson, with The Swingin’ Blackjacks opening the night. Tickets are $45 and available at southsideshuffle.ca or in person at Impressionable Gifts in Port Credit (cash only). Doors open at 7 PM and music starts at 8 PM. Food will be available for purchase.

“David Rotundo was one of the first artists to play the Southside Shuffle,” says Chuck Jackson. “Now based in Mexico, we’re very excited to have him join us again both in June and on the main stage during the festival weekend in September.”

Festival Weekend Returns September 5–7

The Southside Shuffle returns to Memorial Park in Port Credit September 5–7, 2025, with a rich mix of ticketed and free programming. Saturday’s Main Stage headliner is none other than Canadian blues-rock legends Big Sugar, recently inducted into the Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame.

The Friday night headliner, presented by Visit Mississauga, will be announced July 15. Additional acts include:

• Tom Wilson, multi-award-winning artist

• Steve Strongman, Grammy nominee

• David Gogo, 2025 JUNO nominee

• Miss Emily (Unplugged)

• Ira Walker, Pappy Johns Band feat. Josh Miller

• In Spite of Ourselves: A Tribute to John Prine

• Hogtown All-Stars Extra Large with members of Downchild, Cheryl Lescom, and Quisha Wint

Free Programming, Street Shuffle, Youth Challenge

The festival’s two free stages at the south end of Memorial Park will feature a broad range of acts from across Canada including Jay Douglas, Club Django, Delta Fuse, ASD Band, and Swamperella.

The LIUNA Local 183 Street Shuffle also returns on Saturday afternoon, turning Lakeshore Road into a free, open-air blues street party from 1 PM to 5 PM.

Meanwhile, the Rising Star Youth Challenge, sponsored by Metalworks Studios, SoundsUnite, Long & McQuade, and the Hazel McCallion Foundation, is now accepting submissions until August 1 at southsideshuffle.ca/contests.

Tickets & Access

• Beggars Blues Banquet: $45

• Festival Weekend General Admission: $30 Friday, $40 Saturday, $30 Sunday

• Weekend Pass: $80

• Bourbon Street Tent VIP: $140

For schedules, tickets, and info on volunteering, vending, or sponsorship, visit southsideshuffle.ca.

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