The North Country Fair is celebrating 49 years of entertaining the Peace region from June 19 to 21, 2026.
The venue and the campsite are both nestled in the boreal forest along the Driftpile River.
The festival, sometimes lovingly referred to as “hippy days,” is a celebration of music and community, featuring four stages, free workshops, amazing art displays, children’s activities, a parade, delicious food vendors and a vibrant artisan market.
As I sat down to write this preview, it occurred to me that I have been attending since 1998.
My girlfriend, who eventually became my wife, convinced me that we needed to attend the event we had both heard about for years.
I looked at the lineup and didn’t know many of the artists.
What I experienced was a meticulously crafted lineup of world-class performers.
By the end of that first weekend, I had made up my mind to try never to miss the festival again.
Almost every year, I come home with a new list of artists I love.
This year’s lineup includes My Son The Hurricane, Brasstactics, Captain Tractor, Monkeyjunk, Jed And The Valentine, The Uncas, Buns, and many more.
It is hard to find a festival of this size that is this eclectic.
One of the things that makes the festival unique compared to a folk fest inside city limits is that the side stages will play until the wee hours of the morning, with some sets starting as late as 2:30 am.
Don’t worry if you’re not a late-night person, or if you have kids; there is usually another opportunity to see the same bands during the day.
More than music
The North Country Fair cannot be defined by the music alone.
There is a strong feeling of community. It is very common to hear “happy fair” as you walk past strangers.
You will eventually recognize attendees who come back year after year.
Many folks will spend their days painting, doing yoga, or hula-hooping. There is a river where you can cool off.
The festival has a “no canned music” rule, but throughout the large camping area, you will be welcomed into acoustic jams around fires.
Although it is not required, many attendees dress up for “Formal Friday” and “Psychedelic Saturdays.”
While I recommend spending the whole weekend, it is also noteworthy that all Sunday gate admissions will be donated to the Sucker Creek Women’s Emergency Shelter.
Tickets available at www.northcountryfair.ca
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