In the depths of February, when Toronto could use a little collective warmth, Winterfolk XXIV returns to do what it’s done best for over two decades: bring people together through music. Now in its 24th year, the beloved mid-winter festival takes over the Tranzac Club from February 12–15, 2026, expanding to four full days for the first time in its history.
Rooted in folk, blues, and singer-songwriter traditions, Winterfolk has long been a cornerstone of Toronto’s live music ecosystem — a festival that values listening rooms, shared stories, and community over spectacle. Founded by songwriter Brian Gladstone, the festival has grown organically while maintaining its grassroots spirit, offering both established performers and emerging voices a place to be heard.
This year’s expansion begins on Thursday, February 12, with the debut of Emerging Talent Night, a dedicated showcase for up-and-coming artists of all ages. The rest of the weekend unfolds thematically: Blues Night on Friday, Sounds of Canada on Saturday (including a Valentine’s-night focus on love and connection), and Sounds of the World on Sunday, highlighting global influences within folk and roots traditions.
More than 100 artists are expected across multiple stages, with confirmed performers including Donne Roberts, Lynn Harrison, Robert Priest, Jesse Greene, Tyler Ellis, Shawna Caspi, Melanie Peterson, and Jory Nash, among many others. The Tranzac Club, located just south of Bloor in the Annex, provides an ideal home base — intimate, welcoming, and deeply embedded in Toronto’s independent music scene.
For audiences, Winterfolk offers flexibility and accessibility. Weekend passes (February 13–15) are priced at $88 in advance ($100 at the door if available). Individual day tickets range from $29–$44 in advance, depending on the program, while Emerging Talent Night is free with advance registration (or $10 at the door, donation suggested). Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as the festival is expected to sell out.
Tickets and full schedule details are available at 👉 https://www.winterfolk.com/wristbands/.
At its heart, Winterfolk remains about connection — between artists and audiences, between generations of musicians, and between neighbours braving winter together. Whether you’re a longtime folk fan or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a February evening, Winterfolk XXIV offers four days of music, stories, and shared warmth in the heart of the city.
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