Planning is underway for 2026! Bands subject to change.
Many of our entertainers will be ASL-interpreted again this year! We got great feedback last year, and are so pleased to offer this again in 2026.
Music (subject to change)
Mélisande [électrotrad] — From Montreal, Award‑winning Québécois powerhouse, is one of the most electrifying forces in contemporary folk music today. Their fusion of traditional Québécois roots with modern energy creates a sound that is both deeply authentic and wildly innovative. With powerhouse vocals, masterful musicianship, and a stage presence that captivates audiences of all ages, Mélisande delivers performances that are unforgettable. They don’t just play music — they ignite a cultural experience.. This electrifying Acadian quartet will blow your socks off! Mélisande: lead vocals, mandolin, jaw harp, Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand : flute, bass, synth, vocals, Émile Garand : accordion, harmonica, vocals, Gabriel Girouard : fiddle, foot percussion, vocals a blend of traditional Acadian and modern interpretations and styling.
Henry Sir —Canadian CBC‑featured comedian, #1 iTunes, Just For Laughs, Comedy Central get ready to laugh till it hurts! Henry will do a special festival set before the headliner band- he is one of the sharpest, funniest, and most refreshingly original voices in comedy today. With his fearless punch‑up humor, razor‑smart social commentary, and wildly relatable storytelling, he delivers the kind of set that leaves audiences laughing, thinking, and wanting more. Catch him live — this is comedy with brains, heart, and serious bite.
Rock Rx – Hailing from the Kalamazoo area, this high-energy cover band returns again in 2026 doing their renditions of the best Canadian Rock, Pop and R&B of the 80s, 90s, and now! They make the audience feel like they are part of the band, literally. Don’t be surprised if you have a mic in your face during the show, as you sing along to one of your favorite songs.
Zion Lion – This popular Kalamazoo-based reggae band known for their high-energy blend of reggae, Afrobeat, soca, and zouk. Featuring musicians from the US, St. Lucia, Belize, and Jamaica, they are a staple of the local Michigan music scene.
Full Frontal Overdrive – If you saw them at The Moose Soir’EH back in May at Old Dog Tavern, you know what’s up! They’ll be covering the spectrum of Canadian rock from the 60s and 70s and they’ll get you up and dancing!
The Hen Peck’d Dawgs – These fine folks have been friends of the Fest since the beginning! They are best known in the region for blending traditional Celtic sounds, medieval folk, sea shanties, and early Canadiana classics.
Kalamazoo Pipe Band – The Kalamazoo Pipe Band is dedicated to teaching, performing & promoting highland bagpipe music in Kalamazoo, MI. Originating in the 1950’s, they have had the honor of piping at many Michigan ceremonies and events. Their heart thumping drum and heart wrenching pipes will move you and invoke the spirit of Canada’s Commonwealth origins.
Woodland Stream Drum & Song returns this year for our opening ceremonies! Their Indigenous drumming will join with Owyn Zapata of the Notawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatami singing a traditional straight song.
Culture of the Event
See what Canada is all aboot! As Canada is a Mosaic Culture, we will honor as many of our founding people as possible including Indigenous peoples. Opening ceremonies will close with Honor Song of the Mi’gmak Tribe with Dr. Paul Rene Tamburro, his wife Andrea, and Fest founder Channon Mondoux. Our robust musical line-up is reflective of that Mosaic Culture, and our Vendor Village will include Canadian and Indigenous vendors.
Genot Picor will be presenting a 45-60 minute program entitled “Stories, Songs and Dances of the Voyageurs®” The program will reenact the French-Canadian veillée, which is an interactive family-oriented program that features stories, songs and a dance (or dances) from the fur trading era.
The Azure Musketeers French Living History. Step back into the 1640s and the era of the Thirty Years’ War! The Musketeers represent the historical Nerestrang Regiment and bring the past to life through immersive military displays and an authentic historical encampment. Witness the “Pike and Shot” formations that defined the age, where massive 15-foot spears met the first generation of gunpowder muskets. Explore their camp to see the uniforms, tools, and daily life of soldiers from 400 years ago.
2026 Activities
World Champine Poutine Competition Local and regional restaurants and food trucks will compete to create the best Poutine in the World!
The Butter Tart Competition returns this year! Open to all who want to bring their best version of this sweet Canadian classic, professional bakers and home bakers both. Details to come!
Children’s Tent: Join us at the children’s tent for arts, crafts and cultural and educational activities about Canada!
Workshop Tent: We debuted these workshops last year and they were a big hit! 2026 will have several workshops going on throughout the event with all manner of fascinating topics. Watch this space!
- Genealogist Janine Cotugno from the Kalamazoo Valley Geneaological Society speaks on genealogy from a Canadian perspective! She has presented for both of the workshops that the Fest put on this last winter. Find the recordings in the sidebar of any page on our site.
- Daisy Kostas, an Elder of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe will speak on traditional Indigenous herbal medicine.
- Dr. Daniel McFarlane, one of the world’s leading authorities on the Great Lakes, will present again this year. His talk on Niagara Falls last year was very popular!
- Dr. Paul-Rene Tamburro will tell stories of the Abenaki and Mi’kmaq Indigenous peoples.
Canadian Sports Center! Come out and enjoy skills workshops, experiences and learn the history of these sports! We will have:
- Curling! sponsored by the Kalamazoo Curling Club.
- Lacrosse! Canada’s official winter sport! Meet the athletes and coaches of Kalamazoo United!
- Basketball! Invented by a Canadian.
- Hockey! Come learn street hockey led by Premier Athletics.
- Crokinole! If you don’t know what crokinole is, come find out at the Fest! This traditional Canadian game is a family favorite.