| Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Beadwork by Nichol

Beadwork By Nichol is a Red River Metis run handmade beadwork business located in Manitoba Canada. Nichol makes fun wearable beadwork.

Ohkwari Designs

Indigenous-owned Ohkwari Designs & Miyotehew Collective: Handcrafted beadwork & sewn goods with a mission to gift mossbags to our community.

Pâh Mûk Thâbî House

Land based jewelry and fashion: clothing: shirts, ribbon skirts/shirts/vests, moccasins, gloves||Keychains/dream catchers||**mainly jewelry

Theatre Alberta Workshop 2027

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Short workshop summary

Program Dates February 26 - 28 2027

Applications opening soon!

Theatre Alberta Workshop 2026

Workshop 1: Everyone Is Interesting

A three-day intensive exploring Mammalian Diving Reflex’s approach to socially engaged performance through interviews, fieldwork, and collaborative creation, grounded in the belief that everyone has a story worth telling.

Program Dates November 27 - 29, 2026

Applications opening soon!

Language English

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Dominic is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and arts administrator with over a decade of experience in theatre production, cultural programming, and community-centred arts leadership across Nigeria and Canada. His practice as an administrator spans various facets of the arts, focusing on strategic programming, producing, artists curation, and community engagement. Dominic is also the Artistic Director of Black Onyx Playhouse, a Calgary-based initiative amplifying Black African voices through theatre and performance.

Dominic also serves on the Equity Action Advisory Committee for the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta and a board member of the African Music Academy, a non-profit advancing African music education in Edmonton.

ProgrOutside of his professional life, Dominic enjoys a good game of volleyball, a good novel, road trips, and a good barbecue sesh.

Program Delivery Specialist

Description

A stage like no other.

The majestic Shaw Amphitheatre offers a 360° view of Banff’s gorgeous surroundings. Set in a natural valley in the heart of Banff Centre campus, there is no better spot to enjoy both the mountains and the arts in the summer.

Across four nights, enjoy a different act each evening at 6 p.m., featuring a mix of touring artists, Alberta musicians, and lively folk-inspired sounds. This extended weekend’s lineup includes Northern Irish folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside on July 23, Alberta folk artist John Wort Hannam on July 24, Calgary-based synthwave band Lost Decade on July 25, and Banff’s own Rocky Mountain country band The Ramblin’ Hey Ho Ha’s on July 26.

Make the most of Amp Sessions with a juicy burger in one hand and a cold drink in the other. Hit up the BBQ for hot dogs and burgers, and swing by the outdoor bar for beer, wine, or a mixed drink. Great tunes, good food, cold drinks — the perfect summer evening.

Supported by:

Outdoor setting with a musician on stage in front of a crowd

Page Summary

Kayla Williams and The Motown 6 bring yacht-pop, soul, and funk to Shaw Amphitheatre, with BBQ and an outdoor bar at 6 PM.

Exhibition

Yes

Free

Yes

Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only

Off

Exhibition Dates

Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 12:00 - Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 12:00

Licensed

Event Tags

Amp Sessions

Expandable Content

July 23 - Joshua Burnside

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Joshua Burnside is an experimental folk songwriter, singer and producer. He takes influence from alternative electronica and Irish
folk, chopping and blending them with a mixture of found sounds, world music and unorthodox production methods. Following an award-winning debut album and an acclaimed follow-up released during the height of the global pandemic, his music lives against the grain, in both style and spirit. Raised in the north of Ireland between the lush drumlins and hills of Strangford Lough, and the narrow entries and alleyways of East Belfast, Joshua’s music has defined and defied the post-conflict society of his home.

Taking in the economics of existence, family, trauma and renewal, while set against a backdrop of tense electronica and lush Irish folk and traditional songwriting, Joshua has entrenched himself within the fabric of the modern folk canon, alongside the likes of Bon Iver, Ben Howard and Sufjan Stevens. While his award-winning first album Ephrata took in lush landscapes, technological horrors, night terrors and wistful Columbian vistas (set against a bed of Irish folk, cumbia rhythms, and electronica), his critically acclaimed second Into The Depths Of Hell, took a far darker approach. Melding swirls of clanging metallic found sounds, alt-rock, and Irish songwriting traditions were supported by UK and US national radio and international tastemakers NPR, Guitar Magazine, CLASH, The Guardian, The Times and more.

His third album, Teeth Of Time, sits comfortably and confrontationally between the alt-folk realms of Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens while retaining the indie singer-songwriter and traditional folk elements of Josh's signature songwriting.

July 24 - John Wort Hannam

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John Wort Hannam has been on a roots-fueled troubadour journey for over two decades, spinning songwriting gold from the chaff of the lives he has encountered and those within his fertile imagination. After twenty-plus years, he shows no sign of slowing down. He’s gaining both momentum and a wider audience, winning two 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards for both Solo Artist and Contemporary Album of the Year. Audiences and critics hear something special in his narrative, lyrically driven songs. Effortlessly mixing rich and clear timbered vocals with lyrics that tug at the heart, his sound is both unique and familiar. He's released 8 full-length recordings and has a few feathers in his hat for his effort that included a Juno nomination, three Canadian Folk Music Awards, a coveted Kerrville, TX New Folk Songwriting Competition win and numerous other Canadian Folk Music Award and Western Canadian Music Award nominations.

July 25 - Lost Decade

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Lost Decade is a Calgary-based synthwave band with a love for timeless music. Members Derek Leugner and Brandon Smith’s earliest ideas came to life after hours at the Cantos Music Centre, where the glow of vintage keyboards and synths set the stage for their sound. Joined by vocalist Chenelle Roberts with classical, blues, and Caribbean roots, they craft soulful synth-driven sounds inspired by the energy of 80s and 90s music.

July 26 - The Ramblin Hey Ho Has

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Get ready for a foot-stompin’ good time as The Ramblin’ Hey Ho Ha’s return to the Shaw Amphitheatre stage. Banff’s own Rocky Mountain country band is known for a boot-kickin’ blend of bluegrass, roots, and rock with a twangy twist, bringing big energy and bigger heart to every performance.

Featuring a lively mix of acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and tambourine, their sound is steeped in mountain air and prairie soul. With crowd sing-alongs, high-spirited originals, and a few reimagined classics, The Ramblin’ Hey Ho Ha’s turn every show into a celebration of community, rhythm, and storytelling.

Exhibition Location

Shaw Amphitheatre

Exhibition Notes

Concerts begin at 6 p.m.

Computed Sort Date

1784851199

Description

A stage like no other.

Across three nights, enjoy a different act each evening at 6 p.m., featuring a mix of Alberta artists and summer-ready sounds. This weekend’s lineup includes Calgary yacht-pop artist Kayla Williams on July 17, Alberta soul and funk collective The Motown 6 featuring Jo Marillier, Daniella Rubeling, Michael Maher, Tony Berthelet, and Arif Boga on July 18, and, In association with Canmore Folk Festival, Side Hustle and Cave Arcade on July 19.

Supported by:

group of people seating on the grass on summer time

Page Summary

Kayla Williams and The Motown 6 bring yacht-pop, soul, and funk to Shaw Amphitheatre, with BBQ and an outdoor bar at 6 PM.

Exhibition

Yes

Free

Yes

Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only

Off

Exhibition Dates

Friday, July 17, 2026 - 12:00 - Sunday, July 19, 2026 - 12:00

Licensed

Event Tags

Amp Sessions

Expandable Content

July 17 - Kayla Williams

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Calgary's Kayla Williams is a yacht-pop songstress who brings a feminine flair to the glitter-drenched grooves of the '70s and '80s. She fuses soulful vocals with slick retro-funk swagger - think Hall & Oates meets HAIM, with a little Huey Lewis charm and a splash of Lake Street Dive. A seasoned musician, 13-year vocal coach and 2024 nominee for Pop Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards, Williams is no stranger to the stage - she has performed extensively throughout Western Canada. Her lighthearted energy offers a refreshing escape, showcasing the powerful force of femininity in music.

July 18 - The Motown 6 : Jo Marillier, Daniella Rubeling, Michael Maher, Tony Berthelet & Arif Boga

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The Motown 6 is an Alberta-based soul and funk collective that delivers super-charged rhythms with vibrant vocal harmonies. United by a shared love of rhythm and blues, the group presents a musical homage to the classic catalogues of Motown, Stax, and Chess, through to the swampy sounds of New Orleans. With a relentless blues backbeat, The Motown 6 revels in the funkier side of Nashville and the hard grooves of contemporary British soul.

July 19 - Side Hustle & Cave Arcade

In association with Canmore Folk Festival | 40-minute sets

Side Hustle is a local, family experiment that started during the pandemic years. A unique period offered time and opportunity to combine musical interests and curiosity into a grassroots band setting. Influences and formal training are rooted in fiddle and guitar - traditional folk, Celtic, country and western, and popular music. The group has performed original music and cover songs at open mics, busking, and at private and public events such as the Banff Centre Mountain Book and Film Festival and Hockey Day in Canada.

Cave Arcade is an indie rock band from Canmore, Alberta, crafting shimmering, guitar-driven songs that balance sharp wit with a hazy sense of nostalgia. Fronted by Louis Trautman (guitar, lead vocals), alongside Andre Laver (lead guitar, backing vocals), Eli Panning-Osendarp (bass, synth), and Austin Novakowski (drums), the band brings a tight, dynamic chemistry to a sound that feels both expansive and immediate.

They first emerged with their self-titled debut EP, Cave Arcade, a reverb-drenched release rooted in surf-inspired textures that quickly carved out a style that’s cinematic, layered, and quietly anthemic. Since their 2022 full-length The Vaguest Details, Cave Arcade has continued to evolve, leaning further into atmosphere without losing their melodic core.

Their latest EP, Castles, marks a confident step forward—bigger, more immersive, and emotionally resonant, while still carrying the offbeat charm that defines their songwriting.

Exhibition Location

Shaw Amphitheatre

Exhibition Notes

Concerts begin at 6 p.m.

Computed Sort Date

1784332799

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Mira Capicchioni, Smith Rock State Park, Oregon, photo by Jules Jimreivat (2026 Signature Image)

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This fall, celebrate mountain culture alongside industry leaders in writing, filmmaking, and adventure with events including the annual Festival Marketplace, mountain-inspired art exhibitions, the return of BanffPitch, and mountain mixers with music. 2026 Festival and Weekend Passes are now on sale!

BANFF, AB, MAY 5, 2026 – Since 1976, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity has been an industry leader in the celebration of mountain culture in all its forms. Running from October 31 through November 8, 2026, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival invites people from around the world to find inspiration in mountain experiences through film, books, workshops, and other events on campus and downtown. Passes are now on sale.

The festival is a space for filmmakers and writers to meet and exchange ideas. In 2025, Banff Centre celebrated 50 years of the festival and record-breaking attendance of over 21,000. Highlights included the Fire and Ice Symposium, a public symposium exploring the role of storytelling in creating positive impact and action through the lens of changing ice and wildfires and the first-ever BanffPitch session, an initiative to support emerging filmmakers. The 2025 festival also awarded the Mountain Film Competition Grand Prize to Iron Winter, directed by Kasimir Burgess and the Mountain Book Competition Grand Prize to Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women's Ascent of Denali by Cassidy Randall.

Festival and Weekend Passes for the 2026 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival are now on sale, with two options:

Chomolungma Passes
Chomolungma Passes provide the ultimate festival adventure, the best available seats to all events in the Jenny Belzberg Theatre as well as tickets to all non-overlapping events throughout the nine days, including our popular book events. This pass also includes VIP Parking, a festival gift bag, VIP reception, the Online Film Pass, and more!
Weekend Passes
Visitors can also plan a weekend at Banff Centre with the purchase of opening (Oct. 31 to Nov. 2) or closing (Nov. 6 to 8) weekend passes. These passes also include the best available seats to all Jenny Belzberg Theatre and literary events, the Online Film Pass, festival poster, and more!

Priority hotel bookings are also available for 2026 Festival passholders!

With nine epic days of events, international guest speakers, and exhibitions, the 51st Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival will thrill adventure film lovers and outdoor enthusiasts once again, featuring returning Presenting Sponsors Banff Lake Louise Tourism and Rab.

In 2026, the Film Competition returns with $35,000 CAD in cash and prizes, awarding filmmakers for capturing storytelling through adventure, climbing, environment, snow sports, and more. Submissions are open until 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on August 5th, 2026.

The internationally recognized Banff Mountain Book Competition celebrates mountain literature in all its forms with $26,000 in cash prizes and seven awards selected by an international jury of writers, adventurers, and editors. The 2026 Book Competition is accepting entries until June 30.

Quotation

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the festival was an incredible milestone, and it was so inspiring to see decades of guests, colleagues, and audiences return to Banff like never before. We’ve been building on that momentum and I’m so excited about what’s coming up in 2026, kicking off the next 50 years of celebrating mountain culture around the world through film, books, photography, and other forms of art and connection.

Source

Joanna Croston, Director, Mountain Culture and Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival

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The Festival Marketplace also returns in 2026, giving visitors the chance to engage with every facet of mountain culture. Festival partners will be on site with the latest gear and apparel, local artisans will have booths displaying unique mountain gifts, and best-selling authors will sell signed copies of their books.

This year, Banff Centre is excited to announce the return of BanffPitch, an initiative that began in 2025 to support emerging filmmakers. On November 7, five applicants of all ages and from around the world pitch their film ideas to an international jury in front of a live audience. The winning pitch will receive a $25,000 CAD cash award to support their film project. Other cash and prizes are also available for second and third places. In 2025, the grand prize went to Echoes of memory by Mateo Arango Guerrero. Entries are accepted until June 30.

As part of the festival’s commitment to championing creativity in mountain spaces, this year will feature exhibitions exploring the intersection of mountain culture and art. Following the success of the Mountain Photo Competition, Banff Centre has opened its doors to other artistic media, including 2D visual and digital works. Exhibitions exploring themes of adventure, wildlife, mountain sport, the environment, and natural history will be on display throughout the festival. Artists have until June 1 to apply.

Banff Centre’s rich history of supporting Mountain Culture is well-documented in our BANFF @Altitude Podcast. With each episode, dive into the festival archives and hear stories from some of the world’s top mountain athletes, adventurers, storytellers, and many more. Stay tuned for updates on season two of BANFF @Altitude featuring past festival guests to be released later in 2026.

The full 2026 schedule will be announced on July 28. Single tickets for events at Banff Centre locations will also go on sale July 28, 2026.

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See Banff Centre’s Media Room here.

For photos, information, or interview requests, please contact:

Carly Maga
Director, Communications
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
tel: +1.403.763.6210
cell: +1.403.431.3423
carly_maga@banffcentre.ca

About Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival

Created over 50 years ago, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival has become the premier event of its kind in the world. The nine-day Festival hosted by Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Canada, showcases the world’s best films, books, and photographs on mountain subjects —climbing, culture, environment and natural history, exploration and adventure, wildlife, and sport—and attracts the biggest names in mountaineering, adventure filmmaking, and explorers as presenters and speakers. An international jury will also award over $40,000 CAD in prizes for films and books submitted to this year’s Festival competitions. banffmountainfestival.ca

About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and leadership development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become a global organization leading in arts, culture, and creative decision-making across dozens of disciplines, from the fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to move everyone who attends our campus—artists, leaders, thinkers, and audiences—to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to build an innovative, inspiring future through education, performances, convenings, and public outreach. banffcentre.ca

Banff Centre
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Banff, Alberta
Canada
T1L 1H5
403.762.6100
www.banffcentre.ca

We recognize, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minihrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Métis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

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