Vancouver’s annual ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl – Come Toward the Fire Festival is returning for its fifth year to celebrate Indigenous cultures, creativity and community, and organizers have unveiled the programming for the 2026 season, marking its most expansive edition yet.
Running from September 18 to 20 at the Chan Centre and venues across the UBC campus on unceded Musqueam territory, this year’s festival will welcome the Vancouver debut of rising Indigenous performers LOV, Siibii, Kalyn Fay and actor/comedian Dallas Goldtooth.
Other artists on the bill include Aysanabee, Logan Staats, Boslen, Coastal Wolf Pack, Burnstick, Francis Baptiste, Miss Christie Lee, Gamksimoon, Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz and more.
In addition to live music, there will also be film screenings, hands-on workshops, food trucks, an Indigenous artisan market, storytellers and authors, live mural painting and more.
“ʔəm̓i ce:p xwiwəl – Come Toward the Fire is a gathering place — a space where Indigenous Peoples, families, and performers come together in a spirit of deep sharing with the many communities that call this place home,” Jarrett Martineau, Chan Centre’s Head Curator, shared in a release. “This year, that spirit grows. The addition of a Day of Knowledge Sharing reflects what this festival has always believed: that joy, learning, and cultural vitality are inseparable.”
“Musqueam is honoured to continue our partnership with the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts as we welcome the return of ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl – Come Toward the Fire,” added Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow. “As the host Nation, it is deeply meaningful for us to support a gathering that celebrates Indigenous creativity, storytelling, and the living cultures of Indigenous Peoples from across these lands. This festival creates space for Indigenous voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated. We thank the Chan Centre for their continued commitment to this partnership and for helping create opportunities for cultural exchange, learning, and connection for all who attend.”
The festival will include a mix of ticketed, free, and pay-by-donation events. Tickets are available to purchase now, and you can find more information on the festival’s official website.