History

2023 – Top 100 Festival and Events Ontario

Awarded one of the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario again!

2020 – Top 100 Festival and Events Ontario

Awarded one of the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario again!

2016 – Top 100 Festival and Events Ontario

Awarded one of the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario again! (This is getting all too predictable).

2014 – Top 100 Festival and Events Ontario

Awarded one of the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario – Festival and Events Ontario for the 4th year in a row! Brings $1.1 Million of tourism to the town and surrounding area.

2013 – Top 100 Festival and Events Ontario

Awarded one of the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario – Festival and Events Ontario for the 3rd year in a row

2012 – Awarded Best Festival or Event – Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association

Awarded one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario – Festival and Events Ontario

2011 -Top 100 Festival and Events Ontario

Awarded one of the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario – Festival and Events Ontario Largest Event in Hills of the Headwaters Region

  • Injected almost $1 Million into the local economy ~ making it the single largest annual event in the Hills of Headwaters region and a major event in Southern Ontario.
  • The Festival Continues To Grow
  • Expanded “Blues Cruise” Classic Car Show was added
  • econd main stage and beer garden were added for Friday and Saturday
  • New motorcycle Show & Shine event
  • Over 33,000 visitors in attendance

2010 – Winner of the Best Festival or Event HOH Tourism

The event had grown into a four-day event run by 160 dedicated volunteers and featuring 86 acts that attracted a diverse audience of over 30,000 visitors from across Ontario and beyond.

Winner of the Best Non-Profit Organization
Awarded Best Non-Profit Organization – Greater Dufferin Chamber of Commerce

2005

  • Awarded Best Festival or Event – Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association
  • Winner of the Best Downtown Initiative
  • Awarded the Best Downtown Initiative – by Orangeville Business Improvement Area ( BIA )

2004

In 2004 the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival became an incorporated not-for-profit organization.
The event is now managed by a volunteer Board of Directors (consisting of a President, a Treasurer, a Secretary and other Directors and Ex-officio members) and a vast team of volunteers.

Winner of the Best Downtown Initiative

2003

The first Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival took place in June of 2003. A small yet determined group of five (5) volunteers managed to organize and operate a full blown one day festival including a free concert featuring 2003 Juno Award winning headliner Jack deKeyzer and seven other highly talented blues & jazz artists.

This inaugural event attracted an overall attendance of 2,000 people. It received tremendous support from local businesses as well as excellent reviews from the public and the media.