The festival is a series of concerts featuring local talents spread throughout the summer. The series kicked off in May with a performance by Aurora’s Reef. Future headliners include DJ Mareva hosting an EDM night, Noise Hotel, and Finely Tuned Elephant. The series will conclude on Labour Day weekend with a show featuring C. A. & Sonny.
Each concert will feature three artists, with supporting acts including names like The Friendly Frogs Freak Show, Fembottttt, and Sun Dried Flies. Each show is free to the public, but donations will be collected to help support future shows. Advertising material emphasizes that:
“Bistrofest was built on a simple idea: great music should be free, and the artists who make it should be paid. [...] Come for the music. Stay for the community. And if you're able, help us keep it free for everyone.”
Each concert will include food and drink available from the Grill and Bistro, as well as parking and restaurant facilities on site. Concert series like these are often popular summer attractions, using poster printing and radio advertising to help attract local music lovers and other community members.
The 2026 edition of Bistrofest will take place at Hogsback Park in Ottawa on select Saturdays until September 5.