NORTHERN LIGHTS FESTIVAL BORÉAL ANNOUNCES 2026 LINEUP
Sarah Harmer, Begonia and Terra Lightfoot Lead a Bold, Expansive Weekend
SUDBURY, ON — Northern Lights Festival Boréal returns to Bell Park from July 10–12, unveiling a 2026 lineup that blends celebrated Canadian songwriters, international voices and emerging artists across folk, roots, indie, hip hop, afrobeats and global music. The program also features a bold classical crossover collaboration with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra.
This marks the first lineup curated by Artistic Director Kerri Stephens, who brings a fresh perspective while honouring the festival’s legacy.
“This is the first lineup I’ve had the opportunity to curate as Artistic Director of NLFB, and it was important to me that it honour the legacy of this festival and the people that built it, while also stepping boldly into a new era,” says Stephens. “Every artist was carefully chosen to complement the lineup as a whole, and I can’t wait for attendees to rediscover old favourites and fall in love with new ones.”
Headlining the festival are three standout Canadian artists: Sarah Harmer, Begonia and Terra Lightfoot, each representing a distinct sonic world.
Harmer, one of Canada’s most respected singer-songwriters, is known for her luminous voice and poetic storytelling across decades of influential folk and roots music. Fronted by Winnipeg vocalist Alexa Dirks, Begonia delivers soaring, soul-infused indie pop defined by fearless emotional honesty. A JUNO Award winner, she has emerged as one of the country’s most compelling contemporary voices. Lightfoot, a commanding guitarist and powerhouse vocalist, channels gritty blues-rock energy with sharp songwriting and magnetic stage presence, earning acclaim as one of Canada’s most exciting live performers.
“To have three artists like Sarah Harmer, Begonia and Terra Lightfoot headlining the same weekend says everything about the strength and diversity of Canadian music right now,” adds Stephens.
The lineup also features acclaimed Canadian artists, including Dan Mangan, whose deeply human songwriting bridges folk, indie rock and orchestral textures, and Foxwarren, the celebrated collective led by Andy Shauf, known for blending folk storytelling with experimental production.
A highlight of the weekend is a bold classical crossover concert pairing the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra with 2V+, weaving together three centuries of music in a dynamic and unexpected collaboration.
Additional artists performing throughout the weekend include Mattmac, Logan Staats, Tommyphyll, Denise De’ion, Koziithegoat, Arny Margret, Merrick Winter, Aske Skat, Supalung, Andrina Turenne, JD Crosstown, Cayenne, Okavango African Orchestra, Clerel, Petunia & The Vipers, Charlotte Cornfield, Jim Bryson, Kelly McMichael, Jessica Pearson & The East Wind, Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder, Duane Andrews & The Hot Club of Conception Bay, Bye Parula, Arielle Soucy, Hendrika, Mark Petersen, Lennie Rayen and The Bobby Tenderloin Universe.
Headliners:
Sarah Harmer
Begonia
Terra Lightfoot
Featured Artists:
Dan Mangan
Foxwarren
2V+ & Sudbury Symphony Orchestra
Full Lineup:
Andrina Turenne, Arielle Soucy, Arny Margret, Aske Skat, The Bobby Tenderloin Universe, Bye Parula, Cayenne, Charlotte Cornfield, Clerel, Denise De’ion, Duane Andrews & The Hot Club of Conception Bay, Hendrika, JD Crosstown, Jessica Pearson & The East Wind, Jim Bryson, Kelly McMichael, Koziithegoat, Lennie Rayen, Logan Staats, Mark Petersen, Mattmac, Merrick Winter, Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder, Okavango African Orchestra, Petunia & The Vipers, Supalung, Tommyphyll
Tickets and additional festival information are available at:
www.nlfbsudbury.ca
ABOUT NORTHERN LIGHTS FESTIVAL BORÉAL
Northern Lights Festival Boréal is one of Canada’s longest-running music festivals, held annually in Sudbury, Ontario. Since 1972, the festival has celebrated folk, roots and contemporary music in the heart of Northern Ontario, championing artistic discovery, cultural diversity and community connection.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kerri Stephens
Artistic Director
Northern Lights Festival Boréal
kerri@nlfb.ca
1-204-296-6608
