UpFRONT Festival of Indigenous Arts, Music & Culture is a dynamic three-day celebration of Indigenous creativity, community, and cultural expression taking place August 14–16, 2026. The festival’s music programming features an exceptional lineup of Indigenous artists representing a wide range of genres and cultural traditions.

Beginning Friday afternoon and continuing throughout the weekend, the festival will transform the area into a vibrant hub of Indigenous artistic excellence. Audiences can experience performances across multiple outdoor stages, an Indigenous artisan market, an interactive live graffiti wall, intimate conversations with Indigenous authors, immersive family programming, and a dynamic celebration of Indigenous arts, music, and culture.

“UpFRONT Festival places Indigenous voices, stories, and creativity at the centre of Toronto’s cultural landscape,” said TKMF’s Cynthia Lickers-Sage. “This festival creates opportunities for artists and audiences to gather, celebrate, learn, and build meaningful connections through contemporary Indigenous arts and culture.”

Festival headliners include award-winning hip-hop artist Drezus, a JUNO nominee and SOCAN Indigenous Songwriter Award recipient whose powerful lyricism and commanding stage presence have made him one of the leading voices in Indigenous music today; acclaimed singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda; and the Tom Wilson Tehohàhake Trio, led by the iconic Indigenous musician, bestselling author, and acclaimed visual artist.

Also featured is internationally acclaimed Māori artist REI, whose high-energy performances blend electronic music, hip-hop, pop, dance, traditional Māori language, kapa haka, and taonga pūoro. Additional performers include Métis rock artist Electric Religious; roots-rock performer and author Adrian Sutherland; Juno Award-winning artist Quique Escamilla; singer-songwriter Lacey Hill; Mâmawin’towin, a Métis kitchen party featuring Alyssa Katrine and Amanda Rheaume; acclaimed singer-songwriter Don Amero; rising Six Nations artist Semiah; contemporary roots musician Mimi O’Bonsawin; emerging Anishinaabe artist Zeegwon Shilling; a Rabbit & Bear Paws puppet show; celebrated DJ and producer DJ Jay Mak; and Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve dance group Tribal Vision Dance.

Family-focused programming throughout the weekend will feature performances by Rabbit & Bear Paws and Tribal Vision Dance, offering engaging opportunities for children and families to connect with Indigenous stories, traditions, music, and dance.

“The UpFRONT Festival reflects TO Live and TKMF’s shared commitment to supporting Indigenous artists and creating meaningful platforms for Indigenous cultural expression,” explains Clyde Wagner, President and CEO, TO Live. “Grounded in principles of collaboration, accessibility, and community engagement, the festival celebrates Indigenous culture as vibrant, contemporary, and continually evolving.” 

Throughout the weekend, Berczy Park will host a free Indigenous arts and craft market featuring makers and artisans from across the region. Visitors will also witness Indigenous Street artists creating large-scale site-specific murals on live graffiti walls installed around the festival grounds. Inside St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, the festival’s kitchen table conversations series will bring together Indigenous authors, artists, and thought leaders for intimate discussions exploring identity, creativity, community, and storytelling.

Programming schedules, artist information, ticket information, and additional festival details at www.tolive.com.

EVENT DETAILS

UpFRONT Festival of Indigenous Arts, Music & Culture, Presented by TO Live, Curated by TKMF

Dates: August 14–16, 2026

Locations: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (27 Front Street East), Scott Street, and Berczy Park (35 Wellington Street East)

Outdoor festival programming is free, Kitchen table conversations are ticketed 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.