Departure Festival + Conference In Toronto To Include Sarah McLachlan, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Creator Maggie Kang, Russell Peters, Kevin Lyman, More May 4-10

The first round of artists and guests has been announced for Departure Festival + Conference, which debuted as the reimagined Canadian Music Week in 2025, which this year moves into downtown Toronto’s St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and the historic Fairmont Royal York May 4-10.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, award-winning “KPop Demon Hunters” creator and co-director Maggie Kang, writer, director and producer Jacob Tierney, and literary trailblazer Rupi Kaur will be recognized at Departure Honours, which returns for year two to celebrate notable changemakers and groundbreaking achievements within the cultural landscape, according to the announcement. The event is produced by Oak View Group and Loft Entertainment. OVG is parent company to Pollstar.

McLachlan will be awarded the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award presented by Slaight Music, Golden Globe-winner and visionary force behind “KPop Demon Hunters” Maggie Kang will receive the Cultural Innovator Award. Meanwhile, the creative force behind acclaimed films and shows including global hockey romance hit “Heated Rivalry” Jacob Tierney will receive the Creative Impact Award, while literary star Rupi Kaur will receive the Independent Achievement Award. Additional honourees are to be announced.

Rupi will also headline a special event at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre the evening prior. Additionally, Departure will once again host the Live Music Awards, presented in partnership with the Canadian Live Music Association.

Early announcements for the Departure Conference lineup include comedian Russell Peters, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and Grammy-nominated songwriter Jenna Andrews.

Departure Festival promises curated music showcases, exclusive premium music shows, comedy, film & TV and interactive pop-ups in various venues across the city, including an exclusive 10th anniversary Massey Hall show from platinum-selling indie trio Wild Rivers celebrating the release of its self-titled debut album. Other performances include Tommy Genesis at The Great Hall, the return of the SiriusXM Spotlight Series taking over The Mod Club with Canadian artists Katie Tupper, Sacha, Chxrry and Jev, and the returning SOCAN Songwriters Series.

“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 new, vibrant spaces in the heart of downtown Toronto, Departure continues to evolve where music, culture, and emerging creative fields collide. This is just the beginning, with more exciting announcements still to come.”

The St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and the historic Fairmont Royal York will serve as the main stages and central hub for keynote sessions, with the announcement describing the site as a nod to Departure’s roots as Canadian Music Week, which operated out of the hotel for years. The campus will also debut Departure House at Transmission Studios as an innovative pop-up destination for immersive brand activations and specialized programming.

“Departure has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Canada’s cultural calendar,” said Tom Pistore, President of Oak View Group Canada. “The 2026 edition continues to champion artistic innovation, bringing together boundary-pushing creators and ideas. We’re proud to support a platform that not only showcases world-class talent, but also encourages inspiration, collaboration, and passion across the global creative community.”

More information is available at departureto.com.