The following are the featured artists:
Bahamas: A globally successful touring artist, Bahamas has earned widespread acclaim across genres, with over three-quarters of a billion streams and more than 3 million monthly listeners. His albums Bahamas Is Afie and Earthtones both won Juno Awards, and in 2026, he again won Adult Alternative Album of the Year for My Second Last Album, shared with Begonia.
Begonia: Winnipeg-based artist Begonia (Alexa Dirks) is celebrated for her powerful live performances and genre-blending sound. A two-time Juno and Polaris nominee, her 2026 release, Fantasy Life, earned a Juno Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.
The Pairs: This internationally touring trio is known for sibling harmonies, humour, and intimate stage presence. Their 2025 album Together on a Rock charted in the top 10 on the FAI Folk Charts and received national radio play.
Kelly McMichael: A Polaris-shortlisted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, McMichael blends indie rock, pop, and experimental sounds. A previous Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist, she has earned national acclaim, with After the Sting of It winning MusicNL’s Album of the Year and receiving widespread radio play.
The Young Novelists: This internationally touring duo, featuring Peterborough’s Laura Spink, is known for rich harmonies and storytelling. Their 2025 album, These Dark Canyons, was nominated for a 2026 Juno Award.
Field Guide: A Winnipeg-based artist known for atmospheric songwriting, Field Guide has amassed millions of streams and toured alongside major acts, including Bahamas and Leif Vollebekk.
Dean Johnson: The Seattle-based singer-songwriter broke out with his debut album at age 50, earning attention for his emotionally resonant songwriting and distinctive voice.
The Lucky Ones: Blending classic country-roots with contemporary sounds, this Yukon-based group (featuring Peterborough’s Ryan West) draws from generations of musical tradition.
The Naysayers: Led by Drea Naysayer, a previous Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist, this genre-blending project spans folk, country, alt-rock, and punk. With 10 independent albums and international touring experience, they continue to build a passionate following.
The Free Label: This Toronto-based six-piece delivers high-energy funk, disco, and R&B, with international touring experience and millions of views of their live performances.
The Watched Pots: This Peterborough songwriting duo blends improv songwriting, feminism, humour, and kitchen theatrics to make music creation accessible and fun for beginners.
Slow Leaves: The project of Winnipeg’s Grant Davidson, who writes songs about vulnerability that elevate the ordinary into poignant narratives with indie-folk and pop inclinations.
Moondoggy: Formed in Collingwood, this lively alternative rock band, now based in Toronto, has gained tens of millions of streams worldwide and toured across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
The festival also features a Children’s Village, which will offer free daily programming from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. including crafts, workshops, story time, face painting and a daily children’s parade.
