Cowapolooza
Cowapolooza is returning to Southside Park for its 22nd year! Woodstock's favourite summer festival includes free live music and family friendly entertainment.
Kick up your boots at Cowapolooza Country on Friday, Aug. 8 from 6 – 10 p.m., enjoy an action-packed afternoon on Saturday, Aug. 9 at Cowapolooza Kids from 2 – 6 p.m., and rock the night away at Cowapolooza Rocks from 6 – 10 p.m.
Grab a bite to eat, enjoy a drink in the beverage garden and shop from marketplace vendors throughout the weekend.
This year we're also proud to make Cowapolooza more sustainable with our Green Team!
Cowapolooza Country
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| 6 – 6:45 p.m. | Coty Robinson |
| 7 – 8 p.m. | Ryan Langdon |
| 8:30 – 10 p.m. | Outlaw State of Mind, a Chris Stapleton Tribute |
Cowapolooza Kids
Saturday, Aug. 9 from 2 – 6 p.m.
Enjoy free activities including:
- Independent Pro Wrestling live pro wrestling matches from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
- Inflatables and soft play area
- Photobooth
- Woodstock Public Library activities
- Check out our on-site sponsors, Cachet Homes, First Ontario Credit Union, Boralex Beyond Renewable Energy & Canadian Tire Woodstock.
Cowapolooza Rocks
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| 6 – 6:45 p.m. | The Joel Dupuis Band |
| 7 – 8 p.m. | Harm & Ease |
| 8:30 – 10 p.m. | Big Wreck |
Volunteer Opportunities
Our events, attracting thousands annually, rely on partners, sponsors, and volunteers. As a volunteer, have fun, meet new friends, earn hours, and make a community impact. Volunteer for one event or multiple, based on your interests and schedule.
Food, Beverage and Marketplace Vendors
Grab a bite to eat or shop in the marketplace from one the many on-site vendors. You can also take a seat in our beverage garden with a main stage view!
An ATM is available on-site and vendors may accept debit or credit. You can pay with cash, debit or credit at the beverage garden.
| Food Vendors |
| We have reached full capacity for food vendors, and the application is now closed. Current vendors (subject to change): |
| Beverage Garden |
| Brought to you by the Woodstock Lion's Club, the beverage garden will offer thirst quenching favourites, while you enjoy live music with a main stage view. |
| Marketplace Vendors |
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Apply to be a Marketplace Vendor Support local by visiting the marketplace! Current vendors (subject to change):
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Know Before You Go
Plan your trip to Southside Park and help make Cowapolooza safe and fun for everyone!
| Free Shuttle Bus |
| Friday, Aug. 8 from 5 – 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 from 2 – 11 p.m. Park for free at the Civic Centre Arena, located at 895 Nellis St., and hop on the free shuttle bus to Southside Park. Buses will depart on Nellis Street at :00, :15, :30, :45. The shuttle will also stop on Wellington Street South, at the existing bus stops, between Dundas Street and Peel Street for those looking to park in a downtown parking lot. While there, please visit the shops and restaurants in Downtown Woodstock! Note: Transit Route 7 will also be in service to Southside Park at :08 and :38 past the hour, until 10 p.m. (regular transit fares apply). |
| Parking |
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Free parking locations:
No parking: In effect Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 a.m. to Saturday, Aug. 9 at 11 p.m. No parking signs will be located on both sides of the street.
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| Road Closures |
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Southside Park will be closed to vehicular traffic past the dry bridge for event set-up from Aug. 6 – 10. Road closures: In effect Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 a.m. to Saturday, Aug. 9 at 11 p.m.
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| Bike Valet |
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Ride your bike and safely park it in the bike valet on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 2 – 6 p.m., brought to you by Oxford County Active Transportation Advisory Committee. ATAC will also be offering fun incentives and bike education. We have limited bike racks on site as well. |
| Zero Tolerance: Smoking, Vaping, Cannabis and Alcohol |
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Smoking, vaping and cannabis are not permitted in city parks and can result in a $250 fine. No alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted on site, except in the beverage garden. Security, Police, Auxiliary Unit and City-bylaw will be monitoring the area. Please be considerate so that everyone can enjoy the weekend's festivities! |
Green Team
Join us in creating a greener Cowapolooza! This year we're proud to make the event more sustainable with our Green Team.
Volunteers will be at Waste Stations to help attendees sort recyclables and waste, reducing our environmental footprint.
More Ways to be Eco-Friendly
Together we can reduce waste, minimize single-use plastics and make Cowapolooza even more eco-friendly!
- Take the free shuttle bus courtesy of Woodstock Transit.
- Ride your bike and safely park it in the bike valet on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 2 – 6 p.m., brought to you by Oxford County Active Transportation Advisory Committee. Bike Valet will be set-up near the skate park and ATAC will be offering fun incentives and bike education. We have limited bike racks on site as well.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at our water stations.
- Bring reusable bags for shopping in the marketplace and reusable cutlery to enjoy delicious food from the food trucks.
Other Sustainability Initiatives at Cowapolooza
- Cans Returned for Recycling: In partnership with the Woodstock Lions Club, we ensure that all empty cans from the beverage garden are returned for recycling.
- Bamboo Eco-Friendly Hospitality: We're making a sustainable shift in our hospitality area by transitioning to bamboo products, offering a more eco-conscious alternative to traditional materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Is this a free concert? |
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Yes, Cowapolooza is a free event. There is no tickets or admission needed to enjoy the music or activities. Vendors will also be on-site with food and merchandise available to purchase. |
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Can I bring my own lawn chair |
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Yes, you are welcome to bring a lawn chair. |
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Is the venue pet friendly? |
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Yes, you can bring your furry friends, as long as the animal is on a leash. However, the event is very popular and the live music can be loud so consider your pet's comfort in those environments. |
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Is this event all ages? |
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Yes, all ages are welcome to enjoy everything Cowapolooza has to offer! Families won't want to miss Cowapolooza Kids on Saturday afternoon. |
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Is there a beverage garden? |
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Yes, there is a beverage garden area on-site. Cash, debit and credit will be accepted. This will be the only location alcohol is permitted. |
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Can I bring my own alcohol? |
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No, please do not bring any alcoholic drinks with you on-site. There will be security, police, auxiliary and staff monitoring the event space. |
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What if there is inclement weather? |
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We carefully monitor the weather leading up to each event. Cancellation announcements will be posted on this webpage, as well as on all City of Woodstock social media outlets. |
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Where can I park? |
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Parking options and shuttle details will be posted later this spring. |
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I have dietary requirements, can you accommodate me? |
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There are always a variety of food vendors on-site. Please check each vendor's menu to see if they offer items that fit your needs. You can also bring your own food to the venue. |
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Where can I find an event schedule? |
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All up-to-date event information can be found on this webpage. |
2024 Event Recap
Relive all the fun from 2024 and get excited for this year's event!
Video by Blackmore Media
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Thank you to our sponsors!
Elite Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Presents the MarketplaceGold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Presents Cowapolooza Kids 
Friendly City Sponsors
Dairy Capital Sponsors
In-Kind Donations
