Ottawa music fans got a lucky break on opening night of RBC Bluesfest — the forecasted downpour mostly held off. But don't let that fool you: mud pits were already creeping in around the festival grounds at LeBreton Flats, a telltale sign of what's likely to come as more storms roll through the city over the next stretch of the festival.
Anyone who's spent a summer going to shows at LeBreton Flats knows the drill. The open field setup that makes Bluesfest such a great outdoor venue also means it turns into a swamp fast once the rain starts. With more unsettled weather in the forecast for Ottawa this week, it's worth thinking through your footwear before you head down for the next set.
Leave the sneakers at home
As tempting as it is to wear your favourite kicks to a show, white sneakers and Bluesfest mud do not mix. Regulars know that anything with mesh panels or suede is asking for trouble the moment the ground turns soft. Once that LeBreton Flats clay gets wet, it doesn't just splash — it sticks, and it's notoriously hard to get out of fabric.
What actually works
Ottawa festival veterans tend to swear by a few go-to options:
- Rubber rain boots — not glamorous, but unbeatable if the grounds have already turned soupy. Slip-on styles make bathroom-line waits less of a hassle.
- Waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners — good grip, breathable enough for a hot Ottawa summer night, and far more comfortable for standing through a full set than boots.
- Old sandals or water shoes you don't mind ruining — a favourite for the diehards who'd rather deal with wet feet than heavy boots, especially on a muggy night.
- A spare pair of socks and shoes in the car — a small thing, but a lifesaver for the walk back afterward.
What you want to avoid: flip-flops (no traction in mud, and a nightmare in a packed crowd), anything suede or canvas, and heels of any kind — LeBreton Flats' grass-and-gravel paths are unforgiving even on a dry day.
Dress for an Ottawa summer storm, not just the mud
Beyond footwear, Bluesfest regulars also recommend a light rain jacket you can tie around your waist if the sun comes back out, since Ottawa summer weather has a habit of swinging from downpour to humidity within the same evening. A dry bag or ziplock for your phone isn't a bad idea either, given how quickly conditions can change on the festival grounds.
Bluesfest runs for several more days, and with storms still in the forecast for the Ottawa region, organizers are expected to keep monitoring conditions on-site. In the meantime, festival-goers heading down to LeBreton Flats should plan their footwear the way they'd plan for a hike, not a night out — because right now, the mud pits are already winning.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
