The Dawson City Music Festival returns to the Yukon this July 17 to 20, marking its 48th annual edition of bringing Canadian musicians to the historic townsite. Organizers have set the main festival dates for July 17 to 19, with late-night shows extending the music into July 20.
Multiple venues across Dawson City will host performances, including the Main Stage campus at Minto Park, the Palace Grand Theatre, the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, and other locations. The Minto Park site serves as the festival hub, with food vendors, an artisan market, and a beer garden alongside the outdoor stage.
The Dawson City Music Festival Association says the event presents music across folk, indie rock, hip hop, and metal, with all-ages programming and a dedicated KidsFest for families. The organization was established in 1979 and operates as a non-profit charity on the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation.
Long referred to as “Canada’s tiny, perfect festival” after the nickname coined by Vancouver’s Georgia Straight newspaper, the gathering has grown from a weekend jam session into the Yukon’s longest-running music festival.
Executive Director Sean Brodie leads a team that includes Board President Arcane Perry, Vice-President Charlotte Luscombe, Secretary Kaitlyn Urquhart, Treasurer M-A Roy, and Director Dez Dzik. Festival passes and camping are already on sale through the festival website.
The full performer lineup was expected to be announced in spring 2026; as of mid-June, details were forthcoming, as festival volunteers prepared the historic venues for another summer of live music along the Yukon River.
