2026 Ontario Folk Music Awards
The 32nd annual Ontario Folk Music Awards, honouring our nominees and recipients, will take place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at The Studio in Hamilton, Ontario.
​
Folk Canada is very pleased to announce that renowned Canadian Artist Terra Lightfoot will be the host for the 2026 Ceremony!
​
The ceremony will also include performances from nominees Tanika Charles, Vicki Brittle, Jonathan Nvita, kazdoura, Logan Staats and more!
The event will be exclusive to nominees and Folk Canada Conference delegates and attendees. Festivities will begin at the Folk Canada Conference Opening Reception at the Art Gallery of Hamilton where there will be photo opportunities, refreshments and snacks and then we will make our way over to The Studio for an evening of music and celebrating the nominees and award winners.
​
Click here to see past award winners.
Folk Canada Conference Opening Reception at Art Gallery of Hamilton: 4:00 pm
Red Carpet: 6:15 pm
Awards Show: 7:00-9:00 pm
HOST - TERRA LIGHTFOOT
Terra Lightfoot has a well-earned reputation as a tireless live performer, with a tour history mapped across the globe and awards testifying to every mile logged along the way.
To date, Lightfoot's marathon tours have touched down in eight countries across four continents (including support slots for Bruce Cockburn, Blue Rodeo, The Posies, Matt Andersen, The Sheepdogs, and Willie Nelson). She also conceived, created, curated, produced and co-headlined The Longest Road Show, an all-female touring revue.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Unforgettable by Amanda Rheaume
(Written by Amanda Rheaume, Dan Hosh)
Inevitable by Emma Lamontagne
(Written by Emma Lamontagne, Josh Bogert, Lynne Hanson)
Wihogora by Empress Nyiringango
(Written by Empress Nyiringango, Aron Niyitunga)
Oh, Little One by Jory Nash
(Written by Jory Nash)
Patron Saint by Kate Greenland
(Written by Kate Greenland)
Until the Devil’s Paid by Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps
(Written by Michael Darcy)
Quit My Habit by Rebekah Hawker
(Written by Rebekah Hawker, Edward T Murphy)
Temporary by Vicki Brittle
(Written by Vicki Brittle)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Truth We Hold
Amanda Rheaume
Not Defeated
Angelique Francis Band
Mi Pequeña
Eliana Cuevas
Immersed
Justin Gray
Sofreh Tisch
Ladom Ensemble
Honesty
The Lifers
Reasons To Stay
Tanika Charles
RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
_Lindsay%20Duncan.jpg)
Aysanabee
Amanda Rheaume
Great Lake Swimmers
Angelique Francis Band
John Muirhead
Eliana Cuevas
kazdoura
Justin Gray
The Pairs
Ladom Ensemble
summersets
The Lifers
PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Julian Taylor
Amanda Rheaume
Logan Staats
Angelique Francis Band
Mimi O’Bonsawin
Eliana Cuevas
OK Naledi
Justin Gray
Schmaltz & Pepper
Ladom Ensemble
The Barrel Boys
The Lifers
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Without You
by Aysanabee
Been Done
by Frank Mighty
One More Dance Around The Sun
by Great Lake Swimmers
“Kaku “Grandma’”
by Jonathan Nvita
Exploits Island
by Kate Weekes
Vulgar Bulgar
by Medusa Quartet
Fruta Prohibida
by Payadora