Polaris returns with an extended festival lineup in 2026 after the success of its inaugural event last year commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Polaris Music Prize. This year’s festival, spanning a month, offers a diverse range of activities including listening parties, concerts, panel discussions with musicians, and art installations.
The festivities commenced on September 2 at Toronto’s Allan Gardens with a unique listening experience featuring the 50th anniversary celebration of Mort Garson’s album “Mother Earth’s Plantasia,” a nominee for the Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize. Future events in Toronto include a listening party with Aquakultre on September 19, a free waterfront concert with Savannah Ré on the same day, a café discussion with Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Elizabeth Copeland on September 20, and another free waterfront concert featuring Julianna Riolino on September 20.
The highlight of the Polaris festival will be the concert and award ceremony on September 22 at Toronto’s Massey Hall. The festival will continue with more events post-ceremony, such as a performance by Bells Larsen as part of the Second Summer festival on September 24, shows by Status/Non-Status and Ribbon Skirt on September 25, and a hi-fi listening session for Broken Social Scene’s “You Forgot It in People,” winner of the Heritage Prize, on September 30.
For event details and ticket purchases, visit the Polaris website.