GALLERY & REVIEW | Boots & Hearts Festival 2025 by Lacey Davey

Boots were on and hearts were full as another unforgettable weekend unfolded at Boots and Hearts at Burl’s Creek in Ontario. Over four wild days, fans were treated to powerhouse headliners, breakout Canadian acts, and a festival experience that lived up to its title as Canada’s biggest country-rock festival.

The festival wasn’t without its challenges. Friday’s storm made for a slow start, and a relentless heatwave tested stamina throughout the rest of the weekend. But if there’s one thing Boots fans know, it’s that the show must go on and the weather only amplified the festival’s sense of community. Campers found their own ways to beat the heat, with homemade slip ’n slides, truck-bed pools, and ice bucket dips creating a small water park outside the festival.

The weekend kicked off with a high-energy Thursday night album release party from Bailey Zimmerman, giving fans a first taste of his new music and setting the tone for the festival. Thursday also introduced the emerging artist stage, where School House and Lowell Larson claimed their spots as the finalists for Boots’ Emerging Artist.

Zimmerman returned on Friday for a full performance, sending the weekend into full swing, literally. His set delivered raw emotion and dynamic vocals, immediately captivating the crowd. He even brought out supporting act Tyler Hubbard to sing his new song “Backup Plan.” Friday’s lineup also included Canadian favorites Cameron Whitcomb, Sacha, and Zach McPhee, delivering hometown energy and keeping spirits high despite the stormy start.

Saturday was packed with excitement as The Band Perry returned to the stage, thrilling fans excited to see them back live. Owen Riegling brought explosive energy on the side stage, rivaling the main stage with his performance. Sam Hunt closed out the night with House Party, and when the stage lost power during the final song, the crowd carried the chorus while Hunt and his band clapped along, turning a technical glitch into an unforgettable shared moment between Hunt and fans.

Sunday leaned into the heavier side of rock. HARDY closed out the weekend with gritty, rock-driven songs that shook the grounds, but it was his drummer who stole the show. After teasing that his long hair would be shaved if the crowd went wild, fans delivered and the clippers did too, ending the festival on a hilarious high note. The day also featured high-energy performances from Daughtry, Lakeview, Koe Wetzel, and Meghan Patrick.

Sunday also celebrated Canada’s next wave of country talent. Emerging artists School House and runner-up Lowell Larson capped their weekend with a dream main-stage performance, showing why Boots and Hearts remains committed to showcasing Canadian artists alongside the festival’s headliners.

With tents folded and trailers packed away, Boots-goers are already counting down to Boots and Hearts 2026.

GALLERY: Boots & Hearts - Day 1

With Bailey Zimmerman, Justin Moore, Tyler Joe Miller, Sarah Vanderzon & more!

GALLERY: Boots & Hearts - Day 2

With Bailey Zimmerman, Cameron Whitcomb, Sacha, Dylan Marlowe, Mackenzie Carpenter, Tyler Hubbard & Zach McPhee!

GALLERY: Boots & Hearts - Day 3

With Kelsi Mayne, Karli June, Hailey Benedict, Kolby Cooper, The Band Perry, Noeline Hofmann, High Valley, Owen Riegling, Chase Rice, Sam Hunt & Down With Webster!

GALLERY: Boots & Hearts - Day 4

With Jessie T, Sully Burrows, Lakeview, Andrew Hyatt, Meghan Patrick, Default, Daughtry, Stephen Wilson Jr. & Koe Wetzel!

All photos: © Lacey Davey