The lineup has been released for the 34th annual Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival and it’s an impressive one.
Leading the way is an international act you certainly wouldn’t expect to see in the BC Interior, as Icelandic indie folk rock band Of Monsters and Men will be Friday’s headliner.
"This was an amazing opportunity for us to ensure our programming attracts younger audiences, get them into the festival fold and give them a sense of what the festival is all about," explained artistic director Kevin Tobin.
"We're really excited to have Of Monsters and Men kick off the festival and help us recapture that energy we had last year."
Of Monster and Men will bring an international flair to night one before iconic Canadian acts Blue Rodeo and The Sheepdogs headline Saturday and Sunday respectively.
It was perfect timing for Blue Rodeo, as they'll slide into the Saturday slot as part of their 40th anniversary tour after playing a festival in Invermere 24 hours earlier
"With the legacy that they have and this tour celebrating 40 years of incredible musicianship, we're so excited to have them close the main stage Saturday," added Tobin.
Finally, The Sheepdogs will surely bring an electric energy to the main stage to wrap things up on Sunday, and it won't be their first time rocking the stage in Salmon Arm.
Tobin, who has Saskatoon roots just like The Sheepdogs, says they're always looking to support musicians who have played the festival in the past.
"To close the festival with this really swampy, bluesy five-piece rock band – you can't ask for much more," he noted.
Beyond the three main acts, there’s plenty to get excited about on the Roots & Blues undercard in 2026, including Wild Rivers, Too Many Zooz, MonkeyJunk, Yagody and Uncle Strut.
It all goes down from Friday, July 24, until Sunday, July 26, at the Salmon Arm fairgrounds. Festival weekend passes, single-day tickets and camping spots are now available through the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues website.
