Canadiana Fest, In Partnership with Premier Athletics for Youth Development & OutFront Kalamazoo

PRESENTS:

Can Am Peace Jam 2026

A HISTORIC SEND‑OFF AT ARCADIA CREEK FESTIVAL PLACE- The final festival before reconstruction — celebrating 30+ years of community before the venue’s grand return in 2028.

Although we celebrate all Canadian people and emphasize our Indigenous, French and British Commonwealth heritage, this milestone year honors the French‑Canadian diaspora and its lasting influence on North American art, music, food, industry and culture.

GET EARLY BIRD TICKETS BY AUGUST 1 BE ENTERED TO WIN;

PIZZA FOR A YEAR BY B.C. PIZZA K'ZOO

2026 FEATURED ARTISTS & SPECIAL GUESTS

Go to our website (Canadiana Fest ) for schedule and details soon!

• Mélisande [électrotrad] — a blend of traditional Acadian and modern interpretations and styling

From Montreal, Award‑winning Québécois powerhouse, is one of the most electrifying forces in contemporary folk music today. Their fusion of traditional Québécois roots with modern energy creates a sound that is both deeply authentic and wildly innovative. With powerhouse vocals, masterful musicianship, and a stage presence that captivates audiences of all ages, Mélisande delivers performances that are unforgettable. They don’t just play music — they ignite a cultural experience.This electrifying Acadian quartet will blow your socks off! Mélisande: lead vocals, mandolin, jaw harp, Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand : flute, bass, synth, vocals, Émile Garand : accordion, harmonica, vocals, Gabriel Girouard : fiddle, foot percussion, vocals

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• Henry Sir —Edmontonian turned NY'er, Canadian CBC‑featured comedian, #1 iTunes, Just For Laughs, Comedy Central

Get ready to laugh till it hurts! Henry will do a special festival set before Mélisande [électrotrad] Lauded as one of the sharpest, funniest, and most refreshingly original voices in comedy today. With his fearless punch‑up humor, razor‑smart social commentary, and wildly relatable storytelling, he delivers the kind of set that leaves audiences laughing, thinking, and wanting more. Catch him live — this is comedy with brains, heart, and serious bite. See him July 25 in Kalamazoo (Don't Miss Henry Sir, One Night Only in Kalamazoo)

• Local and regional bands spanning Caribbean, Indigenous traditional, classic rock n’ roll, Celtic, Scottish Pipe, and Acadian folk. include; Zion Lion, Rock RX, Woodland Stream, Full Frontal Cortez, Hen Pecked Dawgs, The Kalamazoo Scottish Pipe Band (go to our website for details or click on the links!)

• Get a selfie with our "N.I.C.E Agents"- doling out kindness, good advice and hugs!
• The Azure Musketeers — 17th‑century French military living‑history troupe.
• Genot Picor — Returning Voyageur storyteller, dancer, and musician performing traditional songs on the vielle.
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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

• World Champion Poutine Competition — Food trucks battle for the Golden Gravy Ladle; ACF led judging for Best in Class & YOU get to vote onsite for your favorite to WIN!
• Butter Tart Competition — Open entry; registration supports Canadian food banks.
• Awards made for Poutine Week in the Zoo – local Kalamazoo County restaurants who competed will be awarded Best In Class and Overall Champion
• SPECIAL VIP EXPERIENCE TENT; for those who choose to purchase this ticket type, get the Royal Canadian Experience and support the festival in style (see ticket site or website for details)
• Canadian Sports Centre with WMU Champions, local and Indigenous teams, coaches and athletes— Hockey, The Creator’s Game (lacrosse), curling with the Kalamazoo Curling Club, basketball with WMU Athletes.
• Festival Parade, children’s activities, cultural workshops, genealogy, historical and heritage presentations.
• Northern Lights Apothecary N.A. Bar - offering Clearly Canadian inspired Ritual Zero Proof crafted cocktails, featuring all-star Jesse Perez of Banana Bartending and his Flair Bartending, Reese Waldon’s cocktail crafting
• Beer Garden hosted by OutFront Kalamazoo. Featuring Bell’s and Canadian Imports
• Fully accessible programming including ASL interpretation and QR audio guides
• Presentations Tent world renown speakers and entertainers, story tellers and culture bearers from Indigenous Elders and Ph.D’s to authors, living history authorities and more.

Cultural experiences

• Indigenous ceremony – Nga Zichiige Nibi Onji (We do it for the water) Water Ceremony (Semi private event) led by Tribal Elders for festival staff and special guests
• Indigenous artists, musicians, poets, and presenters
• Opening Ceremonies Round Dance song by Woodland Stream for the whole community to join in
• Cultural Village- Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society, d’Alliance Francaise, The Azure Musketeers, Genot Picor French Canadian Voyageur, 
• Canadian Citizenship by Descent-Bill C3 Group- a nearly 30K member Facebook group will be hosting an information booth and gathering of Canadian Citizens by Descent

VENDOR HIGHLIGHTS

• Indigenous artists and craftpersons – Including renowned Canadian Abenaki silver artist Paul-Rene Tamburro and Cherokee artist Andrea of Sunrise Drum, Canadian Cree artist Crystal Marshall of New Moon Designs, Artisans of the Saginaw/Chippewa, Notawaseppi Huron, Gun Lake and Pokagun Tribes
• Canadian inspired art –  jewelry, pottery and many other goods
• Canadian businesses and producers – Kari Stopelstadt of Good Batch Popcorn, Macal DeNeve Wadsworth of Wraps n’ Signs,

TICKETS

$12 General | $8 Senior/Vet | $5 Students | Children Always Free