Saskatchewan Metal Summit 2026
Are you ready to rock out at SaskMusic's inaugural Metal Summit?
SaskMusic is delighted to announce that you can now reserve discounted hotel rooms at our Metal Summit host hotel, which will be the Alt Hotel in Saskatoon (480 2 Ave. S, Saskatoon).
To book, contact the hotel by phone (639) 398-0250 using the Group Name: 2026 SaskMusic Delegates Room Block or use this link to book online. The block is first come, first served and may sell out, so book sooner than later!
The festival component of the summit will take place February 27-28. The conference component will take place February 28-March 1.
The festival portion of the weekend will feature performances by ten Saskatchewan metal bands: Adolyne, Augurium, Dead Shit Earth, Into Eternity, Kelevra, Krash, Man Meat, Reject, Slutty Waist, and Untimely Demise!
The conference will include 15+ music industry professionals working in the metal scene, including international delegates, keynote presenter Ash Pearson (drummer for 3 Inches of Blood/Revocation, and has played with Intronaut, Zimmers Hole, Ultra Earth, Ritual Dictates, Gravemass and Devin Townsend), Lisa Cope (Nuclear Blast Records), Leo Benton (Atonal Agency), and more.
Musicians, artists, and industry members at any level of knowledge are welcome to attend.
Conference Registration Form (festival pass included for adult registrants)
Individual Show Tickets:
Friday Feb 27 at Amigos (19+)
Saturday Feb 28 at Coors Event Centre (All Ages)
SCHEDULE (Subject to change):
Friday, February 27: Festival Night 1
- 9:00pm-12:00am Festival Kickoff Show at Amigos Cantina (19+) - Into Eternity, Augurium, Dead Shit Earth
Saturday, February 28: Conference Day 1 & Festival Night 2
- 9:00am-9:45am Conference check-in (Alt Hotel, Indigo Room, 2nd floor)
- 9:45am-10:00am Introductions, brief weekend overview
- 10:00am-11:00am Meet the Venues & Festivals – We’ll discuss what goes into a festival application, what artistic directors are looking for, how to get on a venue’s radar and stand out from the crowd, and how to meet expectations once you land the gig; and get invited back!
- 11:00am-12:00pm Building Community Through Non-Traditional Spaces – We’ll discuss all ages shows in non-traditional venues, building community through these types of events, and meet the promoters navigating the underground music scene.
- 12:00pm-1:30pm Lunch Break (lunch not provided)
- 1:30pm-2:30pm Touring Canada as a DIY Artist – We’ll discuss reaching out to venues, what the touring landscape looks like, planning your route, creating a budget, and tips and tricks to have a successful tour.
- 2:30pm-4:00pm Meet the UK & EU Agents - Join an assortment of international delegates as they take a deep dive into the specifics of UK & EU markets. When does it make sense to tour overseas, and what do you need to have in place to do so?
- 4:00pm-4:30pm Networking, wrap up
- 6:00pm-12:00am Festival Night 2 at Coors Event Centre (Vizzy Stage and Greenroom) (All Ages) - Adolyne, Kelevra, Krash, Manmeat, Reject, Slutty Waist, Untimely Demise
Sunday, March 1: Conference Day 2
- 9:15am-10:00am Conference check-in (Alt Hotel, Indigo Room, 2nd floor)
- 10:00am-11:00am GRANTS!!! (in a death metal voice) - We'll be joined by Creative Saskatchewan and others to discuss funding options for heavy bands and take questions from attendees.
- 11:00am-12:00pm DIY Marketing - You're putting in the time to create it...but what do you do with it once it's done? We'll talk timelines, digital marketing, merch, and things not to forget in your rush to get your new release out or book that gig.
- 12:00pm-1:30pm Lunch Break (lunch not provided)
- 1:30pm-2:30pm Labels - We’ll discuss what a label does, and how it differs from other music industry roles. What does pitching to a label look like in 2026?
- 2:30pm-4:00pm Keynote with Ash Pearson (3 Inches of Blood/Revocation) - Canadian metal drummer known for his technical prowess, versatility, and prominence in extreme music will talk about his career.
- 4:00pm-4:30pm Closing Statements, Farewells/Wrap
Registration Rates
- Adult - SaskMusic member $75, non-member $115: entrance to conference and festival
- Two Adults - [Member-only option] $130: entrance to conference and festival for two people
- Youth (Under 19) - member $30, non-member $60: entrance to conference only for one Youth and one parent/guardian
- Non-member rates include a one-year membership with SaskMusic.
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
- Sponsored spots: A limited number of individual complimentary registrations are available. If cost is a barrier, you can apply for a sponsored spot through the registration form.
- If you're a SaskMusic member who'd like to register 3+ people together, contact our office for group pricing by email or phone 1-800-347-0676.
- Festival Kick Off Show - $20/ticket - Friday Feb 27 at Amigos (19+)
- Festival Night 2 - $30/ticket - Saturday Feb 28 (All Ages)
Where are things happening?
- Conference: Alt Hotel, 480 2 Ave S, Saskatoon SK, Phone 639-398-0250, www.germainhotels.com/en/alt-hotel/saskatoon
- Festival Night 1: Amigos Cantina, 806 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon SK, Phone 306-652-4912, www.amigoscantina.com
- Festival Night 2: Coors Event Centre (Vizzy Stage/Greenroom), 241 2nd Avenue South, Saskatoon SK, Phone (306) 651-1000, coorseventcentre.com
MEET THE PANELISTS
We'll be adding info on more panelists joining us here.
This event is possible, due in part, to support from Creative Saskatchewan, The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), Canada’s private radio broadcasters, the Government of Canada, the Alt Hotel, Amigos Cantina, Greenroom, and Coors Event Centre.
