Nate Haller headlining Turtlefest entertainment

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg Turtlefest is the first stop on Canadian country singer Nate Haller’s summer tour.

The Kitchener-area singer started his first headliner tour earlier this year, hitting venues across the country. He is following it up with a summer tour schedule that kicks off on the Turtlefest stage with a 9 p.m. show, the finale of a full day of entertainment.

Haller played in The Reklaws band for three years before striking out on a solo career in 2021. He was twice nominated for Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA} awards – in 2022 for the Rising Star Award and in 2023 for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. He hit number three on the Billboard Canada country music charts with the single “Backfire”, a duet with Tenille Townes. His current single, “Thought About You,” was sitting at #12 on the charts this week.

Haller has quickly become one of Canada’s most exciting country voices. Known for his high-energy performances, powerful vocals and radio-ready sound, Haller has built a loyal national following through his charting singles, cross-country touring, and standout festival appearances. His blend of contemporary country, pop-leaning hooks, and authentic storytelling has earned him recognition as one of the genre’s rising stars.

Kim Sage, Turtlefest organizing committee entertainment coordinator, said Haller is one of the largest names – if not the biggest – to hit the event’s stage. She pointed to the song, “Lightning in a Bottle”, saying, “Even if you’re not a country fan, I’m sure you’ve heard that song.”

She is hopeful that with a big name, concert goers will come from outside of town, which will help the downtown merchants.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nate Haller as our 2026 headliner,” Sage said. “He brings the kind of energy, talent, and excitement that makes him a perfect festival closer.”

Coty Robinson, who has played at the Copper Mug several times, will be opening for Haller. He has played at fairs and festivals, gaining a reputation for energetic, engaging performances.

“Coty brings a genuine, crowd-pleasing country sound that fits TurtleFest perfectly,” said Sage. “His growing list of releases shows real artistic depth. We are excited for festival goers to experience his music live.”

Turtlefest committee member Vanessa Fortner said Haller differs from last year’s headliner Texas Kings.

“Texas King is more country rock,” she said. “This year we’re sticking with just country because Tillsonburg likes the country concerts.”

In the past, Turtlefest partnered with Rogers on the entertainment. Last year, with the transition in the radio station ownership, there wasn’t a partnership, but this year Country 107.3 is a partner.

“They gave us recommendations of what is popular, and Nate Holler was one of those recommendations,” Fortner said.

The mainstage entertainment begins at noon with O Canada performed by Sonbeam Daycare, accompanied by the Glendale High School band. A strong roster of local artists, including Chase Beres, Amelia Forsyth, Ian BW, Daniel Hamm, Ghost Town Citizen, a line dancing performance, and Kickin Kountry, will follow. Between the musical acts, Tim Burr brings his lumberjack-themed show featuring humour and busker-style entertainment, which includes juggling chainsaws, in front of the stage for three shows at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. Crowd favourite, The Fire Guy, returns to TurtleFest at 8:15 p.m. with his signature high-energy show, before Nate Haller’s headline performance.

“It’s celebrating the entertainment that is local and keeping it community-oriented,” Sage said. “All of the people during the day aren’t big stars to the outside world, but to Tillsonburg they are.”

TurtleFest’s musical entertainment begins Friday evening, June 19, at 8:00 p.m.at the Copper Mug with a TurtleFest kickoff concert by Chuck Jackson and Tyler Yarema, former members of the Downchild Blues Band. Jackson was the lead singer and harmonica player for 35 years, and Yarema the keyboard player for the multi-award-winning band.

A taste of camping

This year Brock St. will be Happy Camper Avenue, sponsored by Campmart in Ingersoll. Fortner explained there will be activities to “give kids a taste of what camping is.”

Young Entrepreneur Alley is also returning this year.