First Wave of Artists Announced for 2026 Festival Lineup!
Yellowknife – We’re thrilled to announce the first wave of artists for this year’s Folk on the Rocks (FOTR) music festival, July 17-19, 2026.
The North’s greatest party under the Midnight Sun is back, bringing together an exciting mix of artists from across the North and beyond. From boundary-pushing indie and high-energy hip hop to soulful songwriters, genre-bending collectives, and powerful cultural performances, our 2026 lineup is shaping up to be one of our most dynamic yet. Our stages will have something for everyone – from hip-hop, rock, folk, RnB, to electronica and of course, the Yellowknives Dene Drummers.
As always, you can expect a weekend that blends Northern tradition with fresh sounds and unforgettable live moments. Alongside incredible music, the festival grounds will be filled with local food vendors, cold beverages, artisans, and community organizations that make FOTR more than just a music festival.
This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more artist announcements, schedule details, and everything you need to plan your weekend at Folk On The Rocks 2026.
The festival lineup is being announced in three waves, with the second wave scheduled for April 3 and the third wave scheduled for May 15.
Introducing the first wave of artists for FOTR 2026 in alphabetical order:
Aysanabee - Aysanabee is a multi–JUNO Award–winning Indigenous (Oji-Cree) singer-songwriter whose music blends alternative, indie-folk, and rock influences into a sound that is both intimate and expansive. Known for his emotionally resonant songwriting and unmistakable voice, Aysanabee has quickly become one of Canada’s most compelling contemporary artists, earning national acclaim for his artistry and storytelling.
Bella Beats - Since 2004, Bella Dance Academy (BDA) has been a leading dance educator in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and has built a reputation for excellent dance instruction.
Dumb Crush - Out of the ashes of three young lifetimes of ambition, love, failure, success and a million and one PBRs comes Dumb Crush. Their first two EP’s “What’s Gotten Into People?” and “Get Up And Go” see the band navigate a fever dream of the dregs of our time on this planet, forced to survive with shoebox condo capitalism and the devastating weight of nostalgia.
Janky Bugang - Janky Bungag is sweet and spicy wrapped into a bluegrass pickin’, good timin’ man. Hailing from Vancouver, Janky takes the everyday ins and outs of living in a city and transforms them into a song that each person can relate to. From love to lust, heart break to smoke break, he touches on all the emotions with a laid back lighthearted energy.
Justine Giles - Singer-songwriter Justine Giles just released her long-awaited EP “Another Chance”, five heartfelt and beautifully constructed songs that encapsulate the past five years of her creative journey, while affirming her place within the global Americana scene. She was recently named “Solo Artist of the Year” at the 2024 YYC Music Awards and was also nominated as an “Exceptional Rising Leader” at the 2024 Calgary White Hat Awards (linked with her Education Team Lead role at the National Music Centre).
Marrow Bones - A fiddler from Newfoundland, a piper from the Eastern Townships of Quebec, and a strummer from Antigonish, Nova Scotia walk into a wooden hall. What happens next? Maximum Celtic Groove! Marrow Bones is an eclectic Canadian roots ensemble composed of best-friends Mary Beth Carty (accordion, guitar, bones, voice, foot-stomp), Colin Carrigan (fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki), and Roy MacLaren (whistles, banjo, pipes).
NorthWords NWT Storytime - Founded in 2007, NorthWords NWT is a major supporter of NWT authors, proud to foster the careers of both emerging and established Northern writers by offering a platform to share their work through workshops, mentorships and readings.
Northwyne - My name is Northwyne Remigio and I am Yellowknife born and raised Hip-hop/R&B artist as well as a producer. I am part of music group Ice Cold Collective and with them I songwrite, produce and record songs. I am also part of record label One North Recordings and have been networking and promoting my music through it. I have doing music since I was 6 years old starting with piano and guitar.
The OBGMs - Toronto-based punk-rock stars, The OBGMs, are known for furiously engaging performances and unmatched energy. Backed by critically acclaimed albums (The Ends / Sorry, It’s Over), the recent JUNO Award nominees don’t play to the crowd—they own it, weaponizing playful rage and turning non-believers into members of the sect. Sharing stages with Sum 41, PUP, and Death From Above 1979 proves the range: stadium-ready presence with the instinct to level a small room. No matter the size, the outcome is the same- the place ignites. Faith in music is restored.
R.A.S.K.L. - CANADIAN (Yellowknife) PUNK BAND. Kaize- lead Guitar. Axel-Rhythm guitar. Nixx-Bass. Leo-Drums. Scarlett - Vocals
Robert Adam - Known as Canada’s Dream Angel Cowboy, Robert Adam blends their limitless imagination with their grounded respect for country music. A visceral lyricist, emotive vocalist, crafty fashion designer, and vulnerable show person. Fresh off the release of their debut LP Governed By The Seasons and their nine show Japan tour, Robert is rising at the speed of angel light.
Rock The Arts Puppets - Rock the Arts Puppets is an Ottawa based company that brings their high energy, family puppet shows all across Canada. Humans of all ages join creator Sarah Argue and her Creatureville puppet pals to laugh, be you and Be Pozzy!
Scott Cook and Pamela Mae - Born in West Virginia and raised on the Canadian prairies, Scott Cook quit a job teaching kindergarten in Taiwan in 2007 to become a full-time troubadour. He's toured steadily across Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere since then, averaging over a hundred shows and a dozen festivals every year while distilling his experiences into empathetic, keenly observant verse.
Taiga Yoga - At Taiga Yoga, our goal is to make yoga accessible for all, respecting both Western and Eastern philosophies. We offer a safe and diverse class schedule, adjusting to seasonal changes.
Virgo Rising - Virgo Rising is an indie rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Led by vocalist and guitarist Emily Sinclair, alongside multi-instrumentalist siblings Jenna and Lauren Wittmann and drummer Isaac Tate, the group blends soft, intimate bedroom pop with bold, electrifying indie rock.
Yellowknives Dene Drummers - The Yellowknives Dene Drummers are from the communities of Ndilo and Dettah, and include all ages. The drummers can be booked for Northern style celebrations, event opening prayer songs and celebration songs, drum dances and hand games demonstrations.
Folk On The Rocks 2026 early bird tickets are for sale at www.folkontherocks.com/tickets.
Special thanks to Folk On The Rocks’ dedicated title sponsor: Lawson Lundell.
Further thanks to our dedicated sponsors and funders: 62 Degrees North; 100.1 True North FM (Vista Radio); Cabin Radio; CANNOR; Capital Suites, City of Yellowknife; DT Electric; Government of Northwest Territories; Heritage Canada; Media Tenois; NNSL; RioTinto Diavik; Quality Inn YK; The Explorer Hotel.
