History | Southside Shuffle

IN MEMORIAM

History

Recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario, the Annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival takes place in Port Credit, the crown jewel of Mississauga, along the beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront. A celebration of arts, culture, and tourism, the festival attracts a dynamic and diverse audience in one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Since its inception in 1999, the festival has drawn hundreds of thousands of people, setting new standards for excellence and growth. It has earned accolades from entertainers, sponsors, media, and local businesses. Over the years, it has also served as a platform for community engagement and brand visibility at a world-class international event.

• The Southside Shuffle has received many awards over the years including:

2025 Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) Top 100 Festivals 

2024 Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) Top 100 Festivals 

2023 Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) Top 100 Festivals 

2023 MBOT-Creative City Business Award

2023 Cultural Heritage Award

2023 Mississauga Civic Award of Recognition

2021 Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) Achievement Award for 2020 virtual festival

2018 Marty Award- Mississauga’s Best Festival

2013 Maple Blues Awards -Blues Booster of the Year

2009 Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) Best Printed Program

The Southside Shuffle began in 1999 with just four headliners, The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, Fathead, Jack de Keyzer, Jake & The Blue Midnights plus 33 bands throughout the village.

Now in its 27th year the festival has featured an estimated 5,000 bands and more than 20,000 musicians.
Today, it has grown into one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and one of the province’s most recognized live music events.

Over the years, the festival has presented several award-winning international acts, including Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, Mavis Staples, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jim Cuddy, Kim Mitchell,The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, many more
Several young musicians were introduced at the Southside shuffle including Jimmy Bowskill who later went on to perform with Blue Rodeo and the Sheepdogs and Steve Marriner who later went on to perform MonkeyJunk and Colin James.
Powered by over 300 dedicated volunteers, the festival attracts thousands of attendees daily, driving significant economic impact for Port Credit, Mississauga. It boosts tourism, supports local businesses, and generates revenue for hotels, restaurants, and retailers while also creating meaningful opportunities for volunteers to gain experience and contribute to the community- all while ensuring blues and roots music continue to thrive for future generations.