The Winnipeg Folk Festival is celebrating 25 years of the Young Performers Program, taking place this summer from July 8-10, 2026!

Open to musicians aged 14–24 from across Canada and beyond, the Young Performers Program is your chance to gain important industry knowledge. Participants dive into two days of hands-on workshops and mentorship with festival artists and music industry pros, then step into the spotlight for a live performance on the Shady Grove stage in front of a real Folk Fest crowd.

Since launching in 2000, YPP has supported countless emerging artists, with alumni including Micah Erenburg (The Secret Beach), Faouzia Ouiya (Faouzia), Liam Duncan (Boy Golden), Dylan McDonald (Field Guide), Roman Clarke, Grant Davidson (Slow Leaves), Brandy Zdan, Olivia Lunny, Cara Luft, Daniel Champagne, Ariel Posen, Allison DeGroot, Richard Inman, and Amber Nielson, Jess Rae Ayre and Michelle Anderson (Sweet Alibi).

Applications for 2026 are now open! Deadline is April 10, 2026. To learn more and apply on our Young Performers Program page.