This year’s Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest, running from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15, offers the many favourites the festival is known for, along with an exciting lineup of live music.
Amplify Norfolk’s newly formed partnership with the Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest and Waterford Old Town Hall brings platinum-selling headline artist Bedouin Soundclash to this year’s festival. The Old Town Hall has been highly influential in bringing numerous headline acts to Norfolk, and their Artistic Producer curates and produces Concerts in the Vineyard at Burning Kiln Winery, including Barenaked Ladies, The Arkells, Diana Krall and more.
Juno Award-winning, Canadian indie-rock and reggae royalty Bedouin Soundclash will headline Saturday night mainstage. For support, Old Town Hall has recruited Alysha Brilla and Logan Staats, both noteworthy Juno-nominated performers. Alysha Brilla is a 3X Juno Award-nominated artist, composer and music producer who became the first female artist in Canada to receive multiple nominations for her self-produced albums. Logan Staats is hailed as “the gem of Indigenous folk-rock,” with good reason. His music has garnered critical acclaim, a Juno nomination, multiple Native American Music Awards, and the SOCAN Indigenous Songwriter of the Year. Nowadays, he splits his time between Six Nations, Vancouver Island, and everywhere in between.
Due to a forecast of inclement weather, organizers have made the decision to move the concert headlined by Bedouin Soundclash, supported by Alysha Brilla and Logan Staats, indoors, to the Old Town Hall, 76 Main St. S., Waterford. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the lineup and schedule remaining unchanged. The Old Town Hall will open a lobby bar on the main floor, in addition to a VIP bar in the Upper Hall which will be open to ticketholders only. The Old Town Hall is fully accessible, with elevator access at the rear of the building, on Auty Street. Free street parking is available in the town of Waterford, and ticketholders will also have access to a nearby dedicated concert parking lot. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Pumpkinfest.com/tickets.
“In June, the Agricultural Society succeeded in attracting thousands of attendees for Fairgrounds Festival with support from Amplify Norfolk,” said Mayor Amy Martin. “Norfolk County has been a catalyst for new relationships and innovative approaches that are taking root in the local music tourism economy. I encourage residents and visitors to join me at Pumpkinfest for a fantastic lineup of Canadian music and the many other events and activities the community has come to love.”
Waterford is illuminated and active during the three-day event, with the famous Pumpkin Pyramid, firework display, car show, grand parade, spook-house, vendors, a midway, and more. Most events are held in the Waterford Tricenturena and ball diamond, including the main stage, spook-house, beer gardens, dog shows, and outdoor food vendors. For over 40 years, Pumpkinfest has been dedicated to curating a unique festival and was recognized as one of the top 100 festivals in the province earlier this year by Festivals & Events Ontario.
“On behalf of the festival organizers, I would like to recognize the contributions and sponsorship from Norfolk County, the Ontario Art Council, and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady that helped make this year’s Pumpkinfest the enhanced event it is,” said Matt Suckel, Pumpkinfest Chair. “This truly is a team effort that provides premium entertainment and strengthens the community fabric while spurring economic activity.”
Amplify Norfolk is the County’s latest music tourism initiative designed to drive overnight stays, extend the shoulder season, and build the County’s brand as a live entertainment destination.
Pumpkinfest runs from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15, and is powered by a team of hardworking, talented, and dedicated volunteers who love their community. For a full events schedule, maps, and more, visit pumpkinfest.com.
