Bluesfest organizers expect to draw crowds of about 30,000 people each day for the two-week music festival which kicks off on Tuesday.

"It takes so many months of planning and finally when it starts to come together there's this anticipation. And once we actually open, it's a bit of a relief to be honest with you," said Mark Monahan, the festival's executive director.

Hundreds of people were working in the sweltering heat Monday to put together the final touches on the festival's various stages at Lebreton Flats.

Rock band Iron Maiden opens the show Tuesday night. A new feature also includes a music and comedy tent, where Wayne Brady will host a night of comedy on Tuesday.

Bluesfest runs July 6-11 and July 13-18. The festival will feature more than 2,000 blues, R&B, soul, gospel, pop, rock and world musicians.

Other headliners include Arcade Fire, Keith Urban, Matthew Good, Santana, RUSH and Weezer.