Mariposa Folk Festival returns to shores of Lake Couchiching with 2026 lineup reveal

Barrie's Steve Earle along with more than 100 other artists will take to 11 stages over three days.

The three-day Mariposa Folk Festival has released its 2026 lineup, promising another iconic weekend of music on the shores of Lake Couchiching.

The festival returns to Tudhope Park in Orillia from July 3 to 5 with sounds led by Father John Misty, Sarah Harmer, Sharon Van Etten, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Taj Mahal, Billy Bragg, Ocie Elliott and Steve Earle.

Festival organizers unveiled the lineup Thursday, highlighting this year’s theme, “Sounds Like Home.”

“We are thrilled to invite music fans of all ages to come together on the shores of beautiful Lake Couchiching to enjoy the incredible music, reconnect with old friends, and make some new ones,” said Mariposa Folk Festival President Pam Carter.

• Mariposa Folk Festival wraps up with a sold out crowd, stacked Sunday lineup
• Mariposa Folk Festival brings 100+ performers to Orillia’s Tudhope Park

Artistic director Spencer Shewen said this year’s lineup focuses on authentic musicianship and the shared experience of live performance.

“When I was putting this lineup together, I kept coming back to what a summer festival should feel like for our audience,” said Shewan. “It’s about going on a journey, letting loose, relaxing, discovering new artists, creating memories, making new friends, and forgetting about the outside world for a while.”

Returning acts and debuts

Several artists are set to return to the Mariposa stage, including Steve Earle, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Billy Bragg, Sarah Harmer, The Barr Brothers, Dan Mangan, The Free Label, Great Lake Swimmers, Yukon Blonde, Lance Anderson, and more.

Making their festival debuts this summer are acts such as Father John Misty, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Ocie Elliott, Foxwarren, Leith Ross and The Longest Johns.

According to the press release, the festival will feature more than 60 artists across 11 stages, along with story, dance and craft presentations.

Tickets are now on sale through the festival website. Children 12 and under are admitted free, with special prices available for young ones and adults. On-site camping will also be offered throughout the jam-packed weekend.

This year marks the 66th year of the popular three-day festival.