Thousands of fans converged on the Burl's Creek Event Grounds Friday for the second day of the weekend-long Boots and Hearts Festival, one of the largest celebrations of country music in Canada.
As dark skies and muggy, humid conditions began to break late in the afternoon, sunny skies and a light breeze swept through the Oro-Medonte park as the music began.
Nate Haller kicked things off on the main stage, and was followed by Jess Moskaluke, Megan Mulroney, the Brothers Osborne and headliner Cody Johnson, who capped off the night with a performance that had the crowd rocking.
The music continues today with highlights expected to come from Matchbox Twenty — with its only Canadian gig of the summer — and country star Thomas Rhett. Here's the full lineup for Saturday;
MAIN STAGE
3:15 p.m. — Alee
4:15 p.m. — Hunter Brothers
5:45 p.m. — Needtobreathe
7:30 p.m. — Matchbox Twenty
9:30 p.m. — Thomas Rhett
SIRIUS XM BARN
2:45 p.m. — Lauren Watkins
3:45 p.m. — Taylor-Rae
5 p.m. — Alee
6:45 p.m. — Hunter Brothers
SIRIUS XM FRONT PORCH STAGE
2:45 p.m. — Elyse Saunders
3:45 p.m. — Texas King
5 p.m. — Lauren Watkins
6:45 p.m. — Jackson Dean
11 p.m. — Monster Energy Late Night Dance Party
This year's festival kicked off Thursday, where the highlight was the Emerging Artist Showcase.
Organizers say the 2024 festival is a return to its country roots.
Brooke Dunford, director of booking and business development for Republic Live — the event's organizer — said last year Nickelback brought a different vibe and a different crowd to the festival.
"Last year, with our rock day, we did sell out because it was day tickets. This year, the lineup is about more of the weekend, because it really is country from start to finish. It’s still strong for the weekend, but probably less per day because of the headliners being different every year.”
-- With files from Patrick Bales
