Ottawa's CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Festival Announces First Wave of Bands for 2026 Lineup! w/ The Creepshow, The Damn Truth, Beyond Creation and lots more!

Capital Punishment Festival unleashes its first wave of Canadian bands for the 2026 edition, returning to Ottawa, ON, November 26th to 29th across four cornerstone ByWard Market venues: 27 Club, Dominion Tavern, Rainbow Bistro, and Avant‑Garde Bar. Presented by Chord Productions and supported by Ottawa Tourism, the festival continues its mission to amplify Canada’s underground heavy‑music community with four nights of multi‑genre chaos.

This year’s edition marks the festival’s biggest expansion yet, with more venues, more artists, and more Canadian talent from across the country. Full festival passes are only $50, granting access to every show across all participating venues.

“Events such as Capital Punishment play an important role in strengthening Ottawa’s profile as a dynamic cultural destination,” says Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism.

“Ottawa Tourism supports this unique music experience through its Nightlife Tourism Development Fund for its efforts in attracting visitors, animating our ACE District, and drawing music enthusiasts from across the region and beyond to enjoy our diverse music ecosystem. By bringing together acclaimed underground artists and local talent, the festival creates opportunities for visitors to explore the city, discover local businesses and venues, and contribute to the economic activity that helps sustain a vibrant and welcoming downtown experience,” adds festival organizer Christina Kasper of Chord Productions.