Banner courtesy of Canadiana Fest
KALAMAZOO, MI – Canadiana Fest proudly announces the return of the Can‑Am Peace Jam on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Arcadia Creek Festival Place — marking the final major festival at this beloved downtown venue before redevelopment begins.
This year’s theme, “The Canadian Diaspora,” celebrates the stories, music, languages, and cultural threads carried across borders and generations. The 2026 lineup features an exciting blend of Canadian and regional talent, featuring:
- Mélisande [électrotrad]- Sponsored by the Québec Government, award‑winning Montréal quartet known for electrifying, revamped Québecois Acadian folk music will get you dancing!
- Special Guest M.C. Henry Sir – Edmonton‑born comedian and fan-favorite funny man
- The American premiere of “Burd-Canada’s oldest man” by WMU Ethics Studies- meet the director!
- The Azure Musketeers & Genot Picor— French living history reenactors, musicians & storytellers
- Indigenous artists, speakers, and culture bearers sharing teachings, ceremony, and live music
- The PEACE Posse- Sharing love, friendship, and issuing citations for kindness!
- Canadian Sports Centre activations, youth engagement, and cross‑border community programming with local and regional coaches, teams, and WMU Champion Athletes
- 5 local bands will take the stage playing Canadian folk, cultural, and classic rock n’roll music
The festival also features:
- Poutine Competition and Butter Tart Bake-Off (anyone can join in the competition and win!)
- Children’s games, activities, crafts, and cultural learning stations
- Educational presentations on French-Canadian/USA and Indigenous literary, culture, and histories
- A Parade of Nations, with Scottish Canadian bagpiping celebrating cross-border friendship
- Beer Garden, food vendors, and artisan market and VIP EXPERIENCE TENT by City Centre Events
“Can-AM Peace Jam has always been about connection,” said founder Channon Mondoux. “This year, we’re honoring the stories that traveled with our ancestors — and the new stories we’re creating together as a community.”
Event Details
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 gates open 1pm – 11pm
- Arcadia Creek Festival Place 145 S Water St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
- Music, culture, food, sport, and family‑friendly programming all day, glo party at night!
- Tickets and information available at canadianafest.com. Adults $12, Senior/Vet $8, Students $5, kids $0
- Equity Ticket info will be shared later this summer, and full schedule available soon