Music festival season continues into the fall in Canada’s capital with the CityFolk festival, starting Wednesday and running through this weekend.
The 2026 edition of CityFolk brings five days of live music, community spirit, food, and entertainment at a new home at the RA Centre Festival Grounds. CityFolk continues its tradition of showcasing an eclectic mix of internationally acclaimed artists alongside emerging Canadian talent.
This year’s lineup features an impressive roster of headliners, including Alabama Shakes, Cameron Whitcomb, Third Eye Blind, Of Monsters and Men, and legendary rocker Alice Cooper, supported by more than 30 artists spanning folk, rock, country, alternative, and indie genres.
The move to the RA Centre marks a new chapter for the festival, providing more space and a fresh experience for festival-goers while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere CityFolk has become known for over its more than three-decade history. Organizers report record-setting advance pass sales, reflecting strong enthusiasm from music fans across the National Capital Region and beyond.
Headstones at Ottawa’s CityFolk in 2023. Photo: Dan Nawrocki
As one of Ottawa’s signature cultural events, CityFolk contributes significantly to the region’s vibrant arts and tourism sector, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and bringing people together through the shared experience of live music.