Country talent Madeline Merlo to headline her home town’s Canada Day celebration

Country talent Madeline Merlo to headline her home town’s Canada Day celebration

Published 5:45 pm Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Maple Ridge’s own country star Madeline Merlo will be the Canada Day headliner. (Special to The News)

Maple Ridge is planning the biggest Canada Day celebration yet, with country star Madeline Merlo on the stage, a FIFA World Cup viewing party, and a party that will go until the sun goes down.

This July 1, the city has expanded festivities with more entertainments, starting with the award-winning country singer from Maple Ridge. Headliner Merlo is billed as having “an old soul and a new school style.” She’s the BC Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, winning the organization’s highest honour in April. She was also winner of Top Performing Album and Top Performing Single for her song “Broken Heart Thing,” and was also nominated for multiple CCMA Awards in 2025, including Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

Memorial Peace Park will offer a full-day festival experience, running from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with three stages of live entertainment, cultural performances, family activities, food trucks and soccer festivities. The ACT Arts Centre will showcase family entertainment, performances and activities.

“Canada Day in Maple Ridge is about celebrating our community and bringing people together,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “This year, we’re responding to community feedback and creating an even bigger experience with extended hours, great entertainment and FIFA festivities.

“We’re proud to welcome Maple Ridge’s own Madeline Merlo home as our headliner. We’re excited to open up The ACT this year and welcome residents and visitors downtown for an unforgettable celebration into the night.”

The celebration will also see FIFA World Cup festivities , bringing fans together downtown to celebrate both Canada Day and the global spirit of sport and community. The viewings will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The ACT, and there will be family and children’s activities in the Studio Theatre and lobby.

There will be a Kids Zone with inflatables, face painting, caricature artists, mini golf and interactive games.

A sensory room at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre will offer individuals with diverse abilities with a quieter space.

• Laser tag and rock-climbing wall.

• Zumba and dance activities.

• Local vendors and community group displays throughout the park.

• Eat Street, featuring food trucks serving up global flavours.

• Live entertainment on three stages, including cultural dance, live music, and magic shows.

• Madeline Merlo as Headliner, BC’s own Bend Sinister as pre-Headliner and Opener Zada.

• Alcohol Licensed areas in Memorial Peace Park and at the ACT.

New this year, attendees can take advantage of a free bike valet service. The secure valet will accommodate bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and strollers and is supported through a $10,000 grant from the BC Cycling Coalition. The enclosed facility will be staffed and monitored throughout the event, with a simple check-in and tag system ensuring equipment is securely stored until participants are ready to head home.

“This year’s celebrations reflect the energy and diversity of our community while giving people even more reasons to spend the day downtown,” said Russ Brummer, manager of arts, culture and events. “We’ve got something for everyone, from live entertainment and cultural performances to FIFA festivities and family-friendly activities. We’re also excited to introduce a free bike valet, thanks to support from the BC Cycling Coalition, making it easier for people to ride, roll and attend the celebration while supporting a more accessible, sustainable and enjoyable event experience.”

More information at MapleRidge.ca/CanadaDay.