Jacob Tierney, Maggie Kang to appear at Toronto’s Departure Festival

From left: Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang and Michelle Wong accept the award for best animated motion picture for "KPop Demon Hunters" during the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Kevork Djansezian/CBS Broadcasting via AP)

TORONTO — The minds behind two of last year’s hottest pop culture properties — “Heated Rivalry” and “KPop Demon Hunters” — are among the entertainment pros set to appear at Toronto’s Departure Festival and Conference this spring.

In addition to “Heated Rivalry” showrunner Jacob Tierney and “KPop Demon Hunters” creator Maggie Kang, singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan and pop poet Rupi Kaur will receive honours at the event.

Tierney will accept the creative impact award and Kang has been tapped for the cultural innovator award.

Meanwhile McLachlan will get a humanitarian award and Kaur is to receive the independent achievement award.

The event will also include appearances by comedian Russell Peters and Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman.

The festival, formerly known as Canadian Music Week, takes place from May 4 to 10.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2026.

Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press