Shaboozey and Russell Dickerson Lead Alberta’s First Boots and Hearts Festival

The inaugural Boots and Hearts music festival in Alberta will feature performances by renowned artists Shaboozey and Russell Dickerson. Scheduled for the weekend of August 28 and 29, 2026, this Western edition of the popular Ontario camping and country music event will take place at Fan Park in Edmonton. Dickerson is set to headline the Friday show, while Shaboozey will take the stage on Saturday.

According to entertainment companies Republic Live and OEG Sports & Entertainment, the expansion into Western Canada aims to engage a new audience. More performers will be announced in the lead-up to the festival, with ticket pre-sales commencing on Wednesday and public sales starting on Friday at www.bootsandhearts.com.

Festival Highlights and Cultural Significance

The Ontario version of Boots and Hearts will feature big names like Rascal Flatts and The Chicks, taking place from August 7 to 9, 2026, at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario. Festival co-founder Eva Dunford expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s move to Alberta, noting that the province’s deep country roots and culture align with the spirit of Boots and Hearts.

“Bringing BootsLife to Edmonton is incredibly meaningful for us and is the perfect place for our next chapter,” Dunford stated in a press release.

Furthermore, Adam Oppenheim, Senior Vice President of Live Entertainment and Events at OEG Sports & Entertainment, highlighted that Boots and Hearts West aims to cater to “some of Canada’s most passionate country music fans.” This strategic move reflects a growing trend of expanding popular music festivals beyond their original locations to connect with diverse audiences.

As excitement builds for this new event, Alberta’s country music scene is poised to welcome a vibrant celebration of music and community, promising unforgettable experiences for attendees. The festival’s debut is anticipated to mark a significant milestone in the region’s entertainment landscape, drawing fans from across Canada and beyond.

This report was initially published by The Canadian Press on December 2, 2025.