One of southern Manitoba’s biggest summer festivals is bringing something for everyone to the mainstage this August — with a full weekend of rock, country, nostalgia, and local talent.
The Morden Corn & Apple Festival has announced its 2025 musical lineup, with Canadian country star Chad Brownlee headlining Friday night and 90s tribute group Big Shiny 90s taking over Saturday. The lineup also features local openers Brothers Keep and Monochromatics, ensuring a strong regional presence on the festival’s biggest stage.
According to Corn & Apple Chairperson Nathan Knight, this year’s lineup reflects both popular demand and a commitment to variety.
“We haven't had a country headliner on Friday night since George Canyon back in 2019,” said Knight. “It’s something people have been asking for, and the timing just felt right.”
Country night Friday welcomes Chad Brownlee
That return to country will be led by Chad Brownlee, a JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter and former NHL draft pick whose hits like Forever's Gotta Start Somewhere and I Hate You for It have become Canadian country radio staples.
Opening Friday night will be Brothers Keep, a southern Manitoba band known for tight harmonies, country-rock originals, and high-energy performances that have earned them a loyal following in the region.
“We’ve worked with Brothers Keep before and they always deliver,” Knight said. “We love giving local acts that opportunity to share the stage with big-name artists.”
It's all about the 90s on Saturday
Saturday night shifts gears with a tribute to the golden era of alt-rock. Big Shiny 90s, named after the classic MuchMusic compilation series, brings a full-band experience covering everything from Soundgarden and Blink-182 to Sloan, Collective Soul, and The Proclaimers.
“If you ever owned a Big Shiny Tunes CD, this show will take you back,” Knight said. “It’s a chance for people to hear all their favourite songs in one night, live.”
Opening for Big Shiny 90s is Monochromatics, a Winkler-based punk band that’s quickly made a name for themselves with covers of Green Day, Blink-182, and other early-2000s favourites.
“They bring a ton of energy and they’re a perfect fit to get the crowd hyped for Saturday night,” Knight added.
The festival’s signature downtown stage continues to be a major draw for both artists and fans, with its unique setting and tightly packed atmosphere creating what Knight calls “an unbeatable concert experience.”
'It's electric'
“When you're standing in that crowd, shoulder to shoulder with 3,000 other people, it’s electric,” he said. “The intimacy of that space, right in the middle of downtown Morden, is something really special.”
Best of all — every show remains free to attend. “We work hard to make sure all of our mainstage concerts are free,” said Knight. “It’s part of what makes the Corn & Apple Festival what it is — accessible, inclusive, and community-driven.”
Fans can find more info, artist bios, and festival updates at cornandapple.com.