FOLK CANADA CONFERENCE 2026
123 days to the eventSheraton Hamilton Hotel (Downtown), 116 King Street West, Hamilton OntarioTickets are now available for the 2026 FOLK CANADA CONFERENCE, taking place October 14–18 in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada!
This year’s event offers a dynamic range of opportunities, including:
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Official, Spotlight, and Acoustic Showcases (Formerly Private Showcases) designed to facilitate artist discovery and career growth.
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Export-Ready programming, connecting artists with international buyers through curated B2B meetings.
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Receptions, Lightning Talks, and informal gatherings to foster meaningful business relationships.
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A full schedule of keynotes, panels, workshops, roundtable discussions, and peer-to-peer sessions.
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The Developing Artist Program for artists aged 25 and under, offering mentorship, training, and showcasing opportunities.
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The READI (Ready & Emerging Artist Development Incubator) Program for artists of all ages and genres to gather for an intensive day of training, peer sharing, mentorship, and community building.
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The Culture in Climate Summit - 3 days of sessions, panels, and important discussions centred around climate impact and action.
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The Ontario Folk Music Awards, celebrating the achievements of our community with awards presentations and performances (note: this event has a separate ticketing system from the conference... more info coming soon!)
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The Community Folk Fest, happening Sunday October 18th, 2026, is a completely free day of concerts held for the people of Hamilton!
The 2026 Folk Canada Conference promises four days of music, learning, and connections that can shape your career. We can't wait to see you there!
Pictured: Silla performing at the 2025 Conference in Ottawa.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14TH
READI Program Sessions
Developing Artist Program Sessions
Opening Reception & Red Carpet
Ontario Folk Music Awards
Evening Spotlight Showcases
FRIDAY OCTOBER 16TH
Panels / Workshops / Sessions
Culture In Climate Summit Day 2
Daytime Spotlight Showcases
Evening Official Showcases
Evening Spotlight Showcases
THURSDAY OCTOBER 15TH
Panels / Workshops / Sessions
Culture In Climate Summit Day 1 - Opening Keynote & Sessions
Developing Artist Program Showcase
Evening Official Showcases
Evening Spotlight Showcases
SATURDAY OCTOBER 17TH
Panels / Workshops / Sessions
Culture In Climate Summit Day 3
Daytime Spotlight Showcases
Evening Official Showcases
Evening Acoustic (Formerly Known As Private) Showcases
HOST HOTEL
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
116 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
+19055295515
Reservations can be made by clicking the link above or by contacting the 24 hour, toll-free reservations line at 1-888-627-8161 and asking for the “Folk Canada Conference” block.
OVERFLOW HOTEL
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton
Pring Guesthouse - Economical Option
158 Mary Street Hamilton Ontario CA L8L 4V8
+289 440 8035
Folk Canada has reserved the entire guest house throughout the duration of the conference. Private rooms and shared dorm beds are available. All rooms are reserved at a 30% discount.
GETTING HERE
By Plane
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
9300 Airport Rd #2206, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0
Toronto Pearson International Airport
6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
2 Eireann Quay, Toronto, ON M5V 2R9
By Train
(10 min from Hamilton)
1199 Waterdown Rd, Burlington, ON
Book your train ticket in Canada using VIA Rail.
From Toronto Pearson Airport
BY GO BUS
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Go to Pearson Airport Terminal 1
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Take the 40 Hamilton GO Bus (approx 1hr 15 min)
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Get off the Bus at Main St W @ Caroline St. S
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Walk 7 minutes to Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
BY CAR/UBER
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45 Minutes to 1 hour drive
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$120-$150 CAD (If Uber/Car service)
From Union Station
BY GO BUS
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Go to the Union Station Bus Terminal
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Take the 16 Hamilton/Toronto Express GO Bus (approx 55 mins)
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Get off the bus at Hamilton GO Centre
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Walk 11 minutes to Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
BY GO TRAIN
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Take the Lakeshore West Line (approx 1hr 15 mins)
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Get off the train at Hamilton GO Centre
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Walk 11 minutes to Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer for the Folk Canada Conference and be part of Canada's largest gathering of the Folk Music Industry!
Volunteer Perks:
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Complimentary Conference Registration
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T-shirt
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The opportunity to meet some of your favourite performers and people in the industry
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A chance to grow your skills and get experience
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Hear amazing music!
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Knowing that you are contributing to a signature event in the Folk Music community
We ask that volunteers commit between 12-18 hours of time before/during/after the conference.
Please fill out the volunteer form, and the Folk Canada Volunteer Coordinator will reach out shortly after it’s completed!
FREE CHILDCARE &
ACCESSIBLE REGISTRATION
Kids are always welcome at the Folk Canada Conference, and as part of our commitment to making it easier for working parents, we are proud to offer Lil’ Folkers Childcare free for all registered participants. This dedicated childcare space will be supervised by child care professionals, providing a safe and musical environment for your little ones while you enjoy the conference activities. We also offer a free conference registration for childcare companions if needed.
The Lil' Folkers Room is designed to cater to the needs of children of ages around 3 to 9 years old. If your child falls outside of this age range, and you would like to access this opportunity, please get in touch directly and we will see if an accommodation can be made. Located on-site, this room will be open from 11am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the conference, while you attend showcases and panels.
While the Lil' Folkers room provides a safe and fun environment, it's important to note that no food or snacks will be provided. Therefore, it is recommended that you drop off your Lil' Folker already fed or with their own snacks and water. This way, they can enjoy their favourite treats and stay hydrated throughout their time in the Lil' Folkers room.
To reserve your child's spot, please fill out the form located in the link below.
CAREGIVER REGISTRATION
We do our best to support folks who are caring for loved ones, whether chosen family or relatives. If you’re bringing someone in your care, get in touch with us and we’ll see if our caregiver registration applies. This would allow them to access conference areas at no cost. We’re here to help make your experience as smooth and inclusive as possible!
ACCESSIBLE REGISTRATION
We strive to keep our registration rates as low as possible to make the conference accessible to all. If the cost is a barrier and would prevent you from attending, please reach out to us to request a community ticket, which helps offset registration fees. We also encourage folks to consider volunteering—it's a fun and meaningful way to attend the conference for free while supporting the event through various activities.
STAY CONNECTED
Join the conversation and keep the music alive.
Follow Folk Canada on social media for the latest updates, events, and more!
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