The Road To Summerfolk

Youth Discoveries

An amazing opportunity for youth to be heard and seen by an international crowd.

Learn More Below. See the Schedule.

Preliminaries Start APRIL 9th

Get your Applications in today!
Starting Soon!

Youth Discoveries is Summerfolk's signature program designed to nurture and showcase the next generation of folk performers.

It is created to give young artists the opportunity to experience what it’s like to perform at a major folk festival, the program offers valuable mentorship, workshops, performance opportunities, and industry networking. Youth Discoveries also fosters a strong sense of community and connection among emerging performers, helping them build confidence, develop their craft, and take their first steps into the Canadian folk music scene.

How It Works

Schedule

Preliminary rounds will take place in 4 cities

  • Thursday, April 9 – Owen Sound, Grey Roots Museum, 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 11 – Stratford, The Bunker Performance Lounge & Cafe, Time 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, April 12 – Guelph, Silence, 11:00 AM
  • Sunday, April 12 – Toronto, Hugh’s Room, 5:00 PM

The Finale will happen on

  • Sunday, April 26 – Owen Sound, Harmony Centre, Time TBD

For 2026, we are accepting applications:

  • Be between the ages of 14-22 (all group members)
  • Fill out the registration form here>>
  • After filling out registration, a follow-up email will ask you to:
    • Provide a stage plot/input list
    • Provide a high-res photo for promotional purposes
    • Provide a bio or one-sheet
    • Provide all your socials / websites etc.
  • Demonstrate the following (this is what our judges will be looking for!! Hint Hint!):
    • Musical Ability – including lyrical content
    • On-Stage Presence / Interaction with Audience
    • Songwriting / Composition originality
    • For inspired covers – tell us why this song resonates with you!
  • Be ready and able to perform in person at your selected Preliminary Round, Finale Competition in Owen Sound on April 26th in Owen Sound at the Harmony Centre.
  • Summerfolk 51 happens in Owen Sound on August 21-23, 2026.
 

Results:

2 performers from each Preliminary will be selected by our judges panel to move forward to the Finale, along with 4 wild cards chosen, once all Preliminary Rounds are completed. Up to 5 Finale performers will be selected to perform at the Summerfolk Festival.

* Up to 12 slots per show are available.

The Youth Discoveries program is proudly supported by: