Youth performance opportunity - Winnipeg Folk Fest Young Performers Program 2026
Deadline: April 10, 2026
Each year the Winnipeg Folk Festival presents the Young Performers Program during the Festival weekend showcasing young talent from across Canada, the US and abroad.
The program hosts multi-talented youth musicians aged 14-24. Participants spend two days in industry workshops and sessions with mentors from the Festival lineup and industry professionals and a third day performing on stage in front of a Folk Fest audience.
Countless talented artists have graced the Young Performers stage since its beginning in 2000 and many have gone on to bigger stages including the Winnipeg Folk Festival Main Stage; artists such as Faouzia, Boy Golden, Field Guide, Roman Clarke, Slow Leaves, Brandy Zdan, Olivia Lunny, Cara Luft, Daniel Champagne, Ariel Posen, Del Barber, Richard Inman and Sweet Alibi, to name a few.
he program includes full days of mentorship and the opportunity to perform on stage at the 2026 Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Sessions and workshops are held in the city from July 8-9, 2026.
Performances take place on July 10, 2026, the Friday of the Festival at Birds Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba.
*Program fee is $200 per applicant, which includes a 4-day ticket to the festival and backstage access for Friday. Bursaries will be available for Canadian applicants.
Who Can Apply?
Musicians aged 14 to 24 - singer/songwriters, instrumentalists, vocalists or bands. Returning participants welcome.
Please Note: All performers, and participants must participate in the full program, and fall within the age range (14-24 years of age).
For more information, Visit - https://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/programs/young-performers-program/
