Moncton 
A touring music experience inspired by Nashville’s songwriting scene is set to visit 13 towns and cities across Canada this year.
The Nashville Takeover announced it will bring weekend-long, multi-venue events to communities in Ontario, New Brunswick, and British Columbia, featuring surprise performances by songwriters from Nashville and Canada.
Each stop runs Friday to Sunday and includes 15 or more songwriters performing acoustic sets across breweries, patios, cafés, restaurants, and undisclosed venues. Performances are intentionally unannounced, with no headliners or lineup reveals. The format emphasizes storytelling, small rooms, and shared experiences rather than traditional stage shows.
The 2026 run begins in Stratford from April 10 to 12, marking the start of a spring-to-fall tour. Other Ontario stops include Essex-Windsor, Burlington, Port Stanley, Orangeville, Prince Edward County (Picton), Kawartha Lakes, Orillia, Chatham-Kent, and Collingwood. The series also heads west to the Kootenays in British Columbia and east to Moncton, New Brunswick, with one September weekend still to be announced.
According to Scotty James, founder of The Nashville Takeover, the idea was to offer smaller communities access to live music experiences that are typically reserved for large cities or major festivals. He said the event focuses on “in-the-room moments” with artists, avoiding long lines and high ticket prices. What began in two towns last summer has expanded significantly this year.
Rather than staying in a single venue, the event moves throughout each town, turning local businesses into listening rooms and after-hours gathering spaces. Organizers describe it as a way to recreate the feel of Nashville’s creative ecosystem without international travel.
Tickets are available now, with full weekend passes starting at $99 and single day at $49. Event schedules and venue details will be shared directly with ticket holders ahead of each weekend. The series is presented by Backyard Music Co.
The Nashville Takeover 2026 Dates & Locations
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Stratford, ON – April 10 to 12
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Essex-Windsor, ON – June 5 to 7
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Burlington, ON – June 12 to 14
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Port Stanley, ON – June 19 to 21
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Orangeville, ON – July 10 to 12
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Prince Edward County, ON (Picton) – July 17 to 19
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Kawartha Lakes, ON (Bobcaygeon; Fenelon Falls; Lindsay) – July 24 to 26
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The Kootenays, BC (Nelson; Trail; Castlegar) – August 21 to 23
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Orillia, ON – August 28 to 30
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To be announced – September 11 to 13
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Moncton, NB – September 18 to 20
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Chatham-Kent, ON – September 25 to 27
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Collingwood, ON – October 2 to 4
