Huge festival bringing over 100 music and film stars to Toronto next month

Toronto music and film fans are in for a treat this spring because a major festival is returning with some huge names.

The Departure Festival is bringing hundreds of artists and stars from across the city, Canada and the world together from May 4 to 10.

Whether you're looking to dance all night to great music or get up close with some of your favourite creators and filmmakers, there's an event for you to discover at over 40 venues. And tickets and passes are on sale now.

"After an incredible inaugural year, we're excited to build on that momentum with a 2026 edition that's bigger, bolder, and even more connected to the city," said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Departure Festival + Conference.

"Welcoming influential voices to vibrant spaces in the heart of downtown Toronto, Departure continues to evolve where music, culture, and emerging creative fields collide."

Departure Festival

The Departure Festival Music Showcase features over 100 emerging artists, including Annabel Oreste, Hunter James, Noise Hotel, Rosewater Park, and more.

You can also catch music headliners such as Wild Rivers, Katie Tupper, Piao and Kassidy.

Fans also won't want to miss the opportunity to be in the same room as the creators of KPop Demon Hunters and Heated Rivalry during Departure Honours on Thursday, May 7, at Koerner Hall.

Oscar-winner Maggie Kang will be presented the Cultural Innovator Award, recognizing the worldwide phenomenon that is KPop Demon Hunters.

Departure Festival

Other honourees at the Gala include Jacob Tierney, who will receive the Creative Impact Award for his work on Letterkenny, Shoresy and Heated Rivalry.

Rupi Kaur will be honoured with the Independent Achievement Award for her global success, and Sarah McLachlan will be honoured with the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award presented by Slaight Music.

Legendary music manager Bruce Allen will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Toronto-based arts and mentorship organization The Remix Project will receive the Industry Achievement Award.

Radiodays North America is bringing together creators and innovators to share global insights on the latest trends in the evolution of audio on May 5 and 6.

Influential names coming to the conference include Bobby Carter, host and series producer of NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts; Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music; Alan Cross, acclaimed broadcaster and music expert; Sarah Cummings, Director of Radio Content for iHeartRadio Canada and Orbyt Media; and Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and CEO of CRTC.

Departure Festival

Departure is also expanding its film programme with special events at TIFF Lightbox and Paradise Theatre.

Grab the popcorn and enjoy screenings of Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, and Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King, which spotlights the life, music, and global impact of Machel Montano, followed by a Q&A with Machel.

There will also be a screening of Bif Naked: The Documentary, a revealing film about the Canadian pop-punk pioneer with a Q&A and live performance, and Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience.

"Departure is a launchpad for discovery - whether you're finding your next favourite artist or reconnecting with ones you already liked," added festival organizers.

"It's an opportunity to experience Toronto in a new way, with performances, screenings, and ideas unfolding across the city."

More information about the Departure Conference and Festival, including tickets and pass information, can be found online.