Thousands Gather for 27th Annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle in Port Credit
Mississauga, ON – The sounds of blues and jazz once again filled Port Credit this past weekend, as the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival celebrated its 27th year. Over three days, thousands of music fans flocked to Memorial Park, Lakeshore Road, and local venues to enjoy performances from an all-Canadian lineup of award-winning talent.
Headliners Bring the Energy
Friday night opened with a performance by The Sheepdogs, presented exclusively by Visit Mississauga, drawing fans in droves to Memorial Park. Saturday kept the energy high with a show from Big Sugar, while Sunday’s finale featured the Hogtown Allstars Extra Large, proudly presented by Rama Gaming House, closing the weekend with a powerhouse set from seasoned blues players.
The Main Stage also hosted acclaimed Canadian performers including Tom Wilson, Steve Strongman, David Gogo, the David Rotundo Band, Ira Walker, Miss Emily, the Pappy Johns Band, and In Spite of Ourselves: A Tribute to John Prine.
Music Across Port Credit
From the World Stage to the Queen Bea Stage, and the ever-popular LIUNA Local 183 Street Shuffle, the festival spread across every corner of Port Credit. Local clubs added to the atmosphere with late-night sets, making for a weekend where live music could be heard everywhere.
Standout acts included Jay Douglas & The Allstars, Loco Zydeco with Chuck Jackson, Cheryl Lescom and Pat Carey, Duende, Boomerang, Swamperella, Delta Fuse, Frankie Foo & The YoYo Smugglers, ASD Band, Isy Aboagye, J.E. Lopez, Penny Skolski, Erin McCallum and Teddy Leonard, Jesse Greene, Mark “Bird” Stafford, Kalia, and Crossfield Bend.
The festival also spotlighted emerging talent in the Rising Star Youth Challenge, where 11-year-old Callie Black captured first place and earned studio time at Metalworks, continuing the Shuffle’s tradition of investing in the next generation of Canadian musicians.
Community Celebration
“It was a fantastic weekend of music, with incredible Canadian performances across stages and venues. We’re proud of every artist who took part, from award-winning performers to the incredible up-and-coming musicians, and we’re thankful to the community whose support brings people back year after year, as well as the great weather that made it such a success,” said Artistic Director Chuck Jackson.
Festival Chair Kristine Kane also emphasized the importance of community support, noting that the event’s success was made possible through the contributions of sponsors, granting bodies, local businesses, and volunteers.
Key partners included Tim Hortons Mississauga, Visit Mississauga, Ontario Creates, Canadian Heritage, Hazel McCallion Foundation, Port Credit Community Foundation, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, Port Credit BIA, City of Mississauga, LIUNA Local 183, Edenshaw, Mississauga Charitable Gaming Association, Charitable Gaming – Community Good, Rama Gaming House, Amica Credit Mills, and many others.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Now in its 27th year, the Southside Shuffle has grown into one of Mississauga’s most anticipated cultural events, bringing not only music but also significant economic activity to the Port Credit community. Restaurants, shops, and local businesses benefit from the influx of festivalgoers, while the event itself provides opportunities for tourism and cultural promotion.
The festival also serves as a platform to highlight Canadian talent on both national and international stages. With past performers going on to tour globally, the Southside Shuffle has built a reputation as both a community celebration and a launchpad for artistic careers.
Looking Ahead
With another successful year in the books, planning is already underway for the 28th Annual Southside Shuffle in 2026. Organizers say they are committed to preserving the festival’s community-driven spirit while continuing to attract top-tier Canadian and international performers.
More information about this year’s performances, as well as updates on next year’s event, can be found at southsideshuffle.ca.
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