Juno-winning Oji-Cree artist Aysanabee leads the opening wave of performers announced for Folk on the Rocks 2026.
Yellowknife’s signature summer music festival has made the first of three lineup announcements revealing the artists playing this year’s edition, which runs from July 17-19.
Aysanabee, from the Sucker clan of the Sandy Lake First Nation in northern Ontario, is the marquee name in the opening wave. He won two Juno awards in 2024 for songwriter of the year and alternative album of the year – becoming the first Indigenous artist to win in either category – and is nominated again at this month’s Junos for his latest album, Edge of the Earth.
Joining Aysanabee in the lineup are Toronto punk band The OBGMs, whose album Sorry, It’s Over was shortlisted for the 2025 Polaris Music Prize and is also nominated for a Juno later this month. The OBGMs have shared stages with PUP, Sum 41 and Death From Above 1979.
Friday’s announcement included Calgary Americana singer-songwriter Justine Giles – Folk’s 2025 artist in residence – alongside Vancouver bluegrass artist Janky Bungag, Winnipeg indie-rock band Virgo Rising, country artist Robert Adam, Celtic roots trio Marrow Bones and touring troubadour Scott Cook alongside Pamela Mae.
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NWT acts on the list include Yellowknife hip-hop and R&B artist Northwyne, punk band R.A.S.K.L. and NorthWords NWT Storytime. The Yellowknives Dene Drummers return as ever, as do Bella Beats, Taiga Yoga and Rock the Arts Puppets.
A second wave of artists is expected on April 3 with a third wave on May 15. Early-bird tickets are on sale via the Folk on the Rocks website.
Cabin Radio will air full live coverage of Folk on the Rocks 2026, while the Cabin Radio Lakefront Stage returns.
