Organizers of Yellowknife’s Still Dark Festival – which took place for the first time earlier this year – say it will return on February 5-8, 2026.
The inaugural Still Dark, held in late January and early February this year, was billed as an attempt to fill a gap in the city’s musical calendar and “celebrate the diverse community of Yellowknife in the deep dark of winter.”
Acts for the first event included NWT artists Flora and the Fireweeds, Sunaïra, Maazes, Hughes, Taylor Saracuse and Some Other Dead People, Crook the Kid and PARTS, Alberta-based musicians Shane Ghostkeeper and Mouraine, and Toronto-based Lauren Dillen.
“We can’t wait to show what we have brewing for our second year,” organizers said on Monday as they announced the festival will return.
For year two, Still Dark Festival will offer three to four large concerts, two or three smaller concerts for all ages, workshops and other events, a news release added, with the focus remaining on downtown Yellowknife venues.
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“By activating Yellowknife’s arts and culture scene during the long winter, we hope to strengthen the arts sector, support and activate the downtown during a challenging time of year, provide a value-added experience for visitors, and most importantly, follow the northern tradition of making our own fun to help each other survive the long, dark winters,” organizers stated.
A fundraiser, the It’s Getting Dark Bowling Dance Party, was also announced.
$60 tickets for the October 4 event – including “all you can bowl” admission – are available online. The night will feature DJ Tmixxy, Seb, and Puppy DJ.
