Sled Island – 2026

Each June, the five-day music and arts festival brings together a community of more than 250 bands, comedy, film and art as well as over 30,000 attendees in more than 30 venues, earning rave reviews from attendees, artists and media across the globe.

The festival also features over 200 artists hand-picked through Sled Island’s submission process, including local talent and emerging acts. The festival’s comedy headliner this year is Juno award-winning comedian and actor Dave Merheje.

2026

LA-based experimental hip-hop trio clipping. will be joining us as guest curator. The group’s distinctive approach to the genre showcases a wide range of musical influences and a highly inventive style, often pushing the boundaries of what can be done both vocally and instrumentally, making them a very exciting choice as guest curator for Sled Island 2026!

Joining the guest curator, clipping., is English chamber folk ensemble Black Country, New Road, revered Canadian pop project HOMESHAKE, LA synth punks Sextile, fuzzy indie rock outfit feeble little horse, outlandish egg punk group Snõõper, lo-fi post-punk duo Sweeping Promises, NYC-based ambient pioneer Laraaji, and genre-bending dream pop artist Salami Rose Joe Louis (signed to Flying Lotus’ record label, Brainfeeder).

Each year, Sled Island’s guest curator helps to shape the festival’s programming. This year, clipping. has handpicked an incredible collection of performers, including renowned abstract rapper billy woods (Armand Hammer), horrorcore noise rap artist Backxwash, accomplished experimental sound composer Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe, Calgary hip-hip heroes Cartel Madras (opening for clipping. at The Palace Theatre), Australian free noise musician Granpa (Lucas Abela), gothic industrial artist Lana Del Rabies, and more still to be announced.

Also included in the first wave lineup is Nigerien desert rock band Etran de L’Aïr, a new solo project from multidisciplinary artist and Sled Island alum Thor Harris (Swans, Thor & Friends, Ben Frost), acclaimed lo-fi hip-hop artist DijahSB, indie pop singer-songwriter Emily Yacina, blackened death metal trio Suffering Hour, and Montreal slop rock group Tha Retail Simps.

Capping off today’s announcement is a selection of outstanding emerging artists, including Denver-based experimental hip-hop group Wheelchair Sports Camp, ambient free jazz saxophonist Jairus Sharif, vehement post-rock outfit Jed Arbour, improvisational art punks Dial Up, conscious Calgary rapper KTheChosen, gritty synth punk four-piece CAT PISS, funky art rock project Pastel Blank, quirky post-punk ensemble Parisian Orgy, riot grrrl up-and-comers Rebel Grrrlz, and weirdo punk-meets-country group bugswallow.

On top of all the incredible music, the festival will showcase two nights of stand-up comedy with some amazing Canadian talent, including Ben Sosa-Wright, Mikey Dubs, Sophie Haze, Amar Singh, Gabby Rose and host John Cullen.

This year’s special events include the Opening Party and Poster Show Launch at Sled Village (Haus of SpanicArts – 131 6 Ave), Sled Island Drag Brunch, Quiz Shoe, a multi-media exhibition from Clinton St. John, the annual Wrap-Up Pig Roast, and more.

Lastly, all conference panels will once again take place in the beautiful Central Library on Friday, June 19. The Sled Island Conference is a free, day-long summit where attendees can learn about grant writing, visual content, branding, DIY events, mental health and broadcasting.

Who is it for?

All ages & adult events

Tickets :

Free & Ticketed events

Single Day Pass: $65-$85

Discovery Pass: $195-$250

Discovery Plus Pass: $319-$399

How to get tickets?

Buy Online

Any shows not sold out in advance will have walk-up tickets available, subject to capacity.

Date & Time:

June 17 – 21, 2026 Schedule

Venue & Address :

Various Venues, Calgary, Alberta.
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