Middle river Music Festival: One of Ontario’s most unique music festivals

7/4/2025

One of Ontario’s most unique music festivals—where families and friends meet on the farm—returns for its fifth year this summer. Middle River Music Fest takes place Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Common Ground Farm, offering a day of local music, land-based connection, and family-friendly activities just outside of St. Thomas.

Described by past attendees as calming, comfortable, and the highlight of their summer, Middle River Music Fest celebrates local music and food systems. It's a festival where you’re not just in the crowd—you’re part of the community.

Founded by Amanda DeVries and Gabe Fontana, the festival began with a simple but powerful idea: to give artists a stage and bring something meaningful to this little corner of Southwestern Ontario. Five years later, that idea has grown into an annual celebration of music, local food, and togetherness—all held on a working organic vegetable farm operated by Amanda's husband, Chris DeVries.

This Year’s Lineup

This year’s lineup features two main acts, two returning favourites and exciting newcomers:

aleed Kush Afro Jazz (Toronto)– Main Act
SHEBAD (Guelph)– Main Act
Sunshine Makers (London, ON)– Debut
JD Crosstown (Neyaashiinigmiing /Chippewas of Nawash Territory)– Debut
·Greg Smith (Walter’s Falls)– 4th appearance

Lucy Morgan (Port Stanley)– second appearance
DJ Skeez– after hours

Doors open at 2 PM, music goes from 2:45 PM to 9 PM, and these artists will fill the shaded grove of the festival grounds with soul-stirring music, followed by a DJ-led afterparty until 11 PM.

The Experience

Festivalgoers walk through fields of vegetables, greenhouses, and orchards, with views of the forest before arriving at the shaded stage area nestled in nature. With on-site farm tours, kids’ activities, and local food from New Leaf Plant-Based Food Truck, Artisan Bakery, and Streamliners Espresso Bar, the day is designed to be simple, soulful, and satisfying.

Guests are encouraged to treat the day like a big family picnic—bring a blanket, some friends, your favourite drinks, and settle into the land and the music.

Family-Friendly & BYO

Kids 12 & under attend free
No alcohol sales, but BYO is welcome (modestly)
Food available on-site; guests may also bring their own
No pets, please

$35 General Admission
$150 Group of 5 (save $25)
Early bird tickets are sold out!

Tickets available at: www.middlerivermusicfest.ca

make it a weekend

Take Friday off work and make it weekend to remember. Whether you’re local or travelling

in for the Middleriver Music Festival, creating a weekend getaway vibe is easy! Check out the local shops in Downtown St. Thomas, grab a Bubble Tea at Jancat Cafe or an Iced Latte from Streamliners Espresso Bar while you take it all in. For the evening, Wildflowers Farm has their Friday markets from 4 - 10 PM. Or grab dinner at Grassroots and wander down tow Pinafore Park to enjoy a Movie in the Park. There are lots of accommodation options to suit your needs from the brand-new Holiday Inn Express in St. Thomas to quaint Inns in Port Stanley. Hit up the Horton Farmers’ Market for a local breakfast in St. Thomas on Saturday Morning. The market is open from 8AM-Noon. It’s the perfect way to set the pace for an afternoon at an on-farm Music Festival.

And on Sunday, you can catch the 170th Annual Shedden Fair taking place at the Southwold Keystone Complex, starting at 9 AM. This long-standing community event offers a variety of activities, including agricultural displays, contests, and entertainment suitable for all ages. It's a good option if you're interested in experiencing local traditions and supporting community initiatives. calendar.southwold.ca If Vintage Vibes are more your speed, the Sunset Vintage Market or a ride on the historic Port Stanley Terminal Rail might just fit the bill.

Whether you're into live music, community fairs and markets, or just looking to explore the area, St. Thomas offers a mix of activities to suit different interests.

amanda Devries

Amanda has nearly 20 years experience as a brand consultant, art director and graphic designer. She spent the first 10 years of her career in Ottawa, where governmental agencies kept her busy but not terribly inspired. In 2010, her family moved to Southwold to start an organic vegetable farm and this presented her with the opportunity to work directly with entrepreneurs and business owners. In 2017 she niched exclusively into branding and packaging design for food & beverage companies with her company Eye Candy Design. Since she doesn't exactly have the greenest of thumbs, she shares her appreciation of the place she lives by organizing Middle River Fest at the farm each year.

eyecandydesign.ca

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