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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Watched Pots
This Peterborough songwriting duo blend improv songwriting, feminism, humour, and kitchen theatrics to make music creation accessible and fun for beginners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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!