Registration for Canada’s premiere networking event for the folk music community is live! This year’s Folk Canada Conference will gather artists, industry pros, and festival curators from across the world in Hamilton, ON, from October 14-18. Get ready for showcases, panels, workshops, the Ontario Folk Music Awards, and tons more!
Oct 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – Oct 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel (Downtown), 116 King Street West, Hamilton Ontario
This year’s event offers a dynamic range of opportunities, including:
- Official, Spotlight, and Acoustic Showcases (formerly Private Showcases) designed to facilitate artist discovery and career growth.
- Export-Ready programming, connecting artists with international buyers through curated B2B meetings.
- Receptions, Lightning Talks, and informal gatherings to foster meaningful business relationships.
- A full schedule of keynotes, panels, workshops, roundtable discussions, and peer-to-peer sessions.
- The Developing Artist Program for artists aged 25 and under, offering mentorship, training, and showcasing opportunities.
- The READI (Ready & Emerging Artist Development Incubator) Program for artists of all ages and genres to gather for an intensive day of training, peer sharing, mentorship, and community building.
- The Culture in Climate Summit – 3 days of sessions, panels, and important discussions centred around climate impact and action.
- The Ontario Folk Music Awards, celebrating the achievements of our community with awards presentations and performances (note: this event has a separate ticketing system from the conference – more info coming soon!)
- The Community Folk Fest, happening Sunday October 18th, 2026, is a completely free day of concerts held for the people of Hamilton!
For tickets and more information:
https://www.folkcanada.com/events-1/folk-canada-conference-2026
