Bahamas
A globally successful touring artist, Bahamas has earned widespread acclaim across genres, with over ¾ 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.
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.
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.
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 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 Watched Pots
This Peterborough songwriting duo blend improv songwriting, feminism, humour, and kitchen theatrics to make music creation accessible and fun for beginners.
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.
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.
Kelly McMichael
A Polaris-shortlisted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, McMichael blends indie rock, pop, and experimental sounds. A previous Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist, her albums have earned national acclaim, with After the Sting of It winning MusicNL’s Album of the Year and receiving widespread radio play.
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.
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 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.
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.