The annual Calgary Folk Music Festival is returning to Alberta from July 23 to 26. The festival will feature an impressive lineup of dozens of artists spanning seven stages as a wide variety of genres — from the funky pop of Thundercat (pictured above) to local roots acts Corb Lund and Mariel Buckley.
The festival will take place at the beautiful Prince’s Island Park, which will provide attendees with an urban oasis where they can take in all of the live music performances in the heart of the city. The festival will also feature family-friendly activities, food vendors, an arts market, and more.
Here are five must-see artists performing at Calgary Folk Music Festival 2026. Find more details, including ticket info, at the event’s website.
Corb Lund
An Alberta native and real-life rancher, this country artist’s lyrics perfectly capture the Prairies and the mountains. The emotional complexity of his music is captured in “Dig Gravedigger Dig,” the most fun you’ll have dancing to a song about cemetaries.
Daniel Romano’s Outfit
While Daniel Romano has dabbled in traditional country and quiet folk, the Outfit is manic, loud and pure garage rock chaos — now featuring more collaboration than ever.
Goldie Boutlier
Goldie Boutlier has been in the music biz for 15 years (previously under the aliases Kay, My Name Is Kay and Goldilox), but she’s hitting her stride with her latest project, throwing back to the sound and style of ’60s pop on the single “Cowboy Gangster Politician.”
Mariel Buckley
Local Calgary singer-songwriter Mariel Buckley will return home with her rootsy, lyrically vivid songs made for late-night drives. “Driving in the Dark” feels like a great idea.
Thundercat
You definitely won’t get Distracted when Flea’s favourite modern bassist busts out his witty songs that are impossible not to dance to.