Le Phoque OFF: Quebec City’s Alternative Music Festival Returns
Quebec City is set to come alive with the vibrant sounds of alternative music as Le Phoque OFF announces its 12th edition, scheduled for February 13-21, 2026. Celebrated as the city’s most eclectic music festival, Le Phoque OFF will feature nearly 100 artists, showcasing both emerging talents and established acts from Canada and beyond.
Among the notable names already confirmed are local favorites Sandveiss and New Brunswick’s MESSE, alongside Robert Robert, who will be launching his new album, BOOST. The lineup also includes the provocative UK act Nuha Ruby Ra, the instrumental hip-hop group zza, Swiss metalloids Beure, grindcore band Sedmi, and the danceable sounds of Le Winston Band and Ensemble Afrovibes.
From February 15-18, festival-goers can enjoy 20-minute showcases from nearly 50 diverse artists, including Pure Carrière, Valois, l i l a, and Fleur de peau. Other performers on the bill include Patche, Afternoon Bike Ride, Laura Niquay, Rayannah, Ammoye, and Catherine Jeanne-D’Arc. International acts such as Le Talu from Belgium, PONS from the USA, and Jessica93 from France will also grace the stages.
In addition to the music, Le Phoque OFF will host an industry component featuring panels, roundtables, and networking events that address current topics in the music sector. For more details and ticket information, visit Le Phoque OFF’s official website.
Winterfolk: Toronto’s Mid-Winter Roots Music Festival
Toronto’s beloved Winterfolk festival is gearing up for its 24th year, expanding to four full days of live music at the Tranzac Club from February 12-15, 2026. This year marks the first time the festival will run for four consecutive days, kicking off with the debut of ‘Emerging Talent Night at Winterfolk’ on February 12. This special evening is dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming performers of all ages, with applications available on the festival website.
Over 100 artists will take the stage across multiple venues, with confirmed acts including Donne Roberts, Lynn Harrison, Robert Priest, Jesse Greene, Tyler Ellis, Shawna Caspi, Melanie Peterson, Jessica Stewart, Brian Gladstone, Noah Zacharin, Frankie Hart, Suzanne Jarvie, Glen Hornblast, and Jory Nash, among others yet to be announced. For more information, visit Winterfolk’s official site.
Industry News: Charity and Challenges
On November 15, Massey Hall in Toronto will host a charity fundraiser titled Unbreakable, featuring a stellar lineup of Canadian talent. The event will showcase soul diva Jully Black, veteran rocker Bif Naked, rising star Georgia Harmer, Montreal-based soul artist Clerel, and renowned guitar teacher David Glabais along with his students. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Last year’s concert raised over $103,000, prompting Glabais to make this an annual event. Tickets are available through Massey Hall’s website.
In contrast, The Sound of Music festival in Burlington, ON, one of Canada’s largest free music festivals, is facing financial difficulties. The City of Burlington recently denied the festival municipal funding for its 2026 edition while proposing a new waterfront music festival in Spencer Smith Park. Current organizers plan to submit an expression of interest for this new event, with submissions closing on November 24.
Artists News: New Releases and Performances
Oshawa’s hard rock singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lindsay Schoolcraft is making waves with her latest single and video, "Crucified." Known for her work with symphonic metal legends Cradle of Filth, Schoolcraft describes this track as her heaviest and most lyrically honest to date.
Toronto’s pop-punk band The Mendozaz has also released their most ambitious project yet: an eight-song concept album titled The Completely Fictional History of This Great Nation of Canada. This album promises their signature blend of humor and catchy hooks.
Renowned P.E.I. roots troubadour Al Tuck has been captivating audiences during his recent solo Ontario dates, including a performance at The Capitol in Hamilton. Tuck’s set featured a mix of his original material and a fresh take on Ron Sexsmith’s "Get In Line," alongside highlights like "StompinTomConnors.com" and "AI vs Al."
As the music scene continues to evolve, these festivals and artists are sure to keep the spirit of live music alive and thriving across Canada.
