When the Smoke Cleared, the Music Took Over: Calgary Folk Festival 2026
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
The sun shined brighter than ever over at Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, AB. this past weekend. Year after year, Calgary Folk Festival brings a jam packed lineup and it’s certain that the programming has something for everyone, with this year proving that even further. Even though the wildfire smokes set the 47th edition of the fest off to a gloomy start, the show must go on and REVERIE was on the grounds curating our top picks from the festival.
Thursday
Mariel Buckley
For a place that saw Buckley’s first steps into music, Calgary audiences know how to embrace a homecoming show like no other. Mariel Buckley started the festival off with a stunning performance of classics and tracks of her last release Strange Trip Ahead. Walking away you could overhear audience members fawn over her, saying “she’s home”. Opening notes of “Neon Blue” had the audience cheering so loud, you knew you were in for a treat for the next four days.
— Daman Singh
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
Of Monsters and Men
As the sun set down (albeit, slowly), Of Monsters and Men took to the ATB Mainstage. I can say I haven’t seen the crowd so packed on a Thursday night at Folk Festival, but what else could you except for Of Monsters and Men. Opening their set with “Television Love”, the group brought new life into the smoke fueled drowsies at the park. Highlight of their set was certainly the group debating with the audience if this was their first time in Calgary, or not — it wasn’t, this was the group’s second time here. Oh, and if you don’t know who Of Monsters and Men are, you do. “Little Talks” and “Dirty Paws” had everyone in the crowd — even people on their tarps — stomping and clapping along with the band.
— Daman Singh
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
Friday
Mitsune
If Mitsune weren’t on your radar before this weekend, they definitely should be now. The Berlin based Japanese folk group were a treat. Structured around the Shamisen, their sounds were loud, abrupt, all while carrying a cultural legacy that they uphold in their visuals alongside it. One of the most fun sets of the entire weekend, the crowds definitely matched the energy they needed for their Calgary debut performance.
— Daman Singh
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
Thundercat
75 Minutes, no breaks. Just straight grooves and pumping energy. That’s Thundercat for you. Bruner’s headlining performance at the Mainstage was truly an exhibit of why he was named one of the most influential bassists of all time. Performing tracks from his new release, Distraction, he had the audience in a chokehold. Whether it was Sonic the Hedgehog on his bass or his charming humour, you could not keep your eyes off of Thundercat.
— Daman Singh
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
Saturday
Ms. Americana : Ken Pomeroy, Lola Kirke, Jess Williamson, Madison Cunningham
A highlight of Saturday’s programming was the Ms. Americana session featuring one of the evening’s mainstage headliners, Madison Cunningham, alongside Jess Williamson and Lola Kirke, led by Ken Pomeroy. The collaborative session was centred around the idea of each artist getting to highlight songs that are usually absent from their typical setlists. This led to a selection of unreleased songs and deep cuts from each artist, as well as a cover of “My Own Worst Enemy” from Lola Kirke. Pomeroy’s leadership of the session allowed each performer to showcase some hidden gems from their catalogues, as well as allow listeners to have a sneak peek at what could be their new favourite songs.
— Kenn Enns
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
Lola Kirke
Lola Kirke brought a calm & intimate energy to the Saturday evening lineup at Calgary Folk Fest, captivating a seated crowd that remained engaged throughout her entire set. Her slower paced, reflective songs created a welcomed contrast to the festival's busier moments, allowing the crowd to settle in and completely take in the music. Between songs, Kirke’s humour shined through when she gave a shout out to anyone in the audience experiencing what she called "beer fear"- also known as hanxiety, adding a relatable, lighthearted moment to an otherwise beautiful understated performance.
— Emily McDonald
Photo credit: Sara Zori (@saratakesphotosofthings)
DUG
Laughter was just as much a part of DUG's Saturday evening set at Calgary Folk Fest as the music was itself. The Dublin based duo mixed clever storytelling with spirited folk songs, keeping the audience entertained with tales of a bizarre Swedish festival called Buckle Up and lyrics poking fun at the often shady reality of dealing with club promoters. They were quick to note that Calgary Folk Fest was a welcoming festival, cracking jokes that they had been treated "like princes" throughout the whole festival. Their easygoing charm made for an incredibly interactive performance. By the end of the set, complete strangers were holding hands dancing in a circle, this wholesome moment perfectly captured DUG’s ability to turn an audience into community.
— Emily McDonald
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
The Free Label
If you’ve been to the folk festival enough times you know that the National Stage is truly the “party stage”, making it the perfect stage for a band like The Free Label. Catching them earlier in the day with the Neighbourhood Kids and Ruby Singh and the Ancestors during a session was just a small bite into the groovy meal their headlining set was going to be. Closing off Saturday night, the group had the audience in a chokehold, not a single body in sight that could stop from dancing (including stage crews if you looked closely). The Free Label are a band that in all honestly shines the best live, so if you get a chance you have to witness the rhythms and charm for yourself.
— Daman Singh
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
SUNDAY
Polo Sho
Sunday’s programming was definitely tailored for the hiphop lovers. Just outside the main festival bounds, the free stage at Folk lets everyone have a little taste of the festival. Polo Sho’s set was a major highlight of the Albertan hip-hop scene. Joined by Kindé for a song, it was an honest celebration of our local scene.
—Daman Singh
Photo credit: Daman Singh (@damaan_)
Killer Mike
Probably one of the most anticipated sets of the entire festival, Killer Mike was everything I dreamed of and more. Joined by a wonderful band of backup vocalists, Killer Mike took the audience to church and back. Pairing his soulful vocals and rhythmic bars with the occasional heart lifting speeches, his set was the best thing to end our time at the Folk Festival.
—Daman Singh