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.
Aysanabee
Aysanabee is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer songwriter currently based in Toronto. Solemn and soaring, backed by a swirling blend of indie, soul and electronic soundscapes, mournful saxophone and pulse-quickening finger-picking.
Terra Lightfoot
Hailing from Haliburton, Ontario, seasoned rocker Terra Lightfoot has a well-earned reputation as a tireless live performer, with a tour history mapped across the globe and awards testifying to every mile logged along the way.
Ken Yates
Originally from London, Ontario, Ken Yates is an award winning artist. He is known for his introspective storytelling and his signature blend of folk, indie, and rock influences. His latest album, Total Cinema, was released on June 6, 2025!
*Ken will be headlining our Kick-Off Concert at Market Hall on August 13th, 2026
Georgia Harmer
Known for her ethereal voice and sincere lyricism, Georgia Harmer has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in Canada's indie music scene. Her songs move fluidly across a wide emotional range—shifting from soaring, cathartic anthems to hushed, intimate reflections with ease.
Kazdoura
Meaning “to stroll” in Levantine Arabic, Toronto-based Arabic psychedelic funk band Kazdoura embodies the spirit of exploration, nostalgia, and groove. Their sound radiates a vintage psych-soul atmosphere, with ethereal, ornamented vocals soaring over lush, hypnotic arrangements.
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.
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.
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 Weber Brothers
Between their renowned musical ability, high-energy, awe-inspiring performances and lessons learned first hand from rock n’ roll pioneers, The Weber Brothers have developed a reputation as the “Baddest Band in the Land”.
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.
Cale Crowe
Born and raised on the Alderville First Nation territory, Cale Crowe was fuelled by music from the time he had a heartbeat. His blend of campfire-style folk and modern pop/rock reflects & builds upon the taste he developed all those years ago.
//NEWBERRY//
//NEWBERRY// is the strangest and darkest of siblings Sue & David Newberry’s many musical collaborations. The band presents music that is lyrically, emotionally and sonically intense, in a setting that is drone-oriented, ambient-adjacent, and full of a powerful desire to survive life’s difficult moments.
Hunt the Hare
Hunt the Hare is a modern Celtic group on a musical adventure and they would like to invite you along for the ride. From the first note to the last chord, Hunt the Hare creates a joyful noise that you don’t want to miss!
Ollie Mae
Peterborough-based Ollie Mae is a 17 year old singer songwriter who channels the classic sound of folk, Can-rock, and country roots through her music. She’s been diligently working on her self-produced first album throughout the year, and is elated at the opportunity to play for Peterborough Folk Festival!
Glen Caradus
Glen grew up in Kingston Ontario and spent endless hours playing in and beside Lake Ontario. He then worked in the Deaf community for 10 years while volunteering at the GreenUp Ecology Park. For the last 23 years, Glen has been working and teaching at Camp Kawartha, GreenUp Ecology Park, The Canadian Canoe Museum and with the James Bay Cree Nation.
Kelli Marshall
Kelli Marshall is Ojibway from the Mississauga territory of Hiawatha First Nation. She represents the Pike Clan. She’s a dancer, activist , storyteller, Mother, sister, daughter, and Aunty. Kelli has been pow wow dancing for ten years, but dancing since she could walk. She does multiple styles including Women’s Traditional, Jingle, Fancy Shawl and Smoke dance.
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.
Shad
London-based recording artist of Rwandan descent. He is known for blending humour and weighty themes, while inspiring positivity. Juno Award winner for Rap Recording Of The Year(2011). Five of his albums have been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize for Canadian Album Of The Year.
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.
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.
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 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.
Burs
Toronto based Folk-Rock band BURS has intimately crafted a collection of works that doubles down on their folk-rock ethos while stepping into new experimental depths.
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.
The Kents
The Kents formed in 2011 in Lindsay, Ontario. They offer a unique indie pop sound that is reminiscent of Foster the People, Young the Giant, and The Arkells.
Melissa Payne
Hailing from Ennismore, Ontario, Melissa Payne has made a lasting impact on the music scene, and her journey has only just begun. Originally rooted in old-time fiddle and traditional Celtic music, Melissa has now blossomed into a successful solo artist with three full-length albums under her belt.
Tennyson King
An award-winning, nomadic folk musician whose life and music stretch between Hong Kong and Canada. Performing in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Tennyson builds his sound around rhythmic guitar, kick drum, and traditional instruments like the zhongruan.
Lauren Dillen
Dillen’s soothing voice and deft musicianship can be heard through her work with folk-rock quartet Burs, but her solo project is all about self-work and following her instincts. Her songs are reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling, and Andy Shauf.
Tristan Konkle
Raised in Peterborough, Tristan pairs energetic performances with a deep commitment to songwriting craft. Konkle blends modern indie pop with vintage influences, guided by thoughtful production and the support of his hometown community.
Tristan is the recipient of the PFF 2026 Emerging Artist Award
The Friendly Frogs Freak Show
Amphibian progressive funk energetically charged and ready to fire you up into a vortex of infinite sounds and colours backed by an eclectic rhythm section. Prepare to bring out your inner frog.
The Watched Pots
This Peterborough songwriting duo blend improv songwriting, feminism, humour, and kitchen theatrics to make music creation accessible and fun for beginners.
Joanna Bronson
Based out of Peterborough, Ontario, Joanna Bronson is a country singer-songwriter whose music captures the quiet beauty and raw honesty of life in small towns. With a voice that feels both timeless and deeply personal, she weaves heartfelt stories of home, love, and heartbreak into songs that resonate long after they’re heard.
Songs of Scratch Garden
From classrooms worldwide to living rooms and backseat sing-alongs, it is rare to meet a kid who hasn’t danced to one of Scratch Garden’s songs (or a parent who hasn’t happily sang along!). The Songs of Scratch Garden live show is bringing this beloved music to the stage, where every beat brings a giggle, every lyric sparks curiosity, and every kid feels invited to join the fun.
Ash Street
Based in Peterborough, Ash is a Michi Saagig artist and fashion designer of critical acclaim and international recognition. Her work speaks to prominent social injustices and issues, particularly Red Dress Day, held annually on May 5 as a national day of remembrance and activism honouring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people (MMIWG2S+).