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Canadian Icons Honored at 2026 Departure Fest
21 Jan
Summary
- Sarah McLachlan and Rupi Kaur will be honored in May 2026.
- Departure Festival celebrates Canadian media and entertainment talent.
- The event takes place in Toronto from May 4-10, 2026.
In May 2026, Toronto will host the second annual Departure Festival + Conference, a significant event celebrating Canadian talent in media and entertainment. The festival, running from May 4-10, will honor several influential figures.
Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan and poet Rupi Kaur are among the distinguished recipients. McLachlan will receive the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award, while Kaur is set to be recognized with the Independent Achievement Award.
KPop Demon Hunters creator Maggie Kang will receive the Cultural Innovator Award, and Heated Rivalry director Jacob Tierney will accept the Creative Impact Award. Other honorees include comedian Russell Peters and songwriter Jenna Andrews.
The Departure Festival, which replaced the long-standing Canadian Music Week showcase, aims to foster connections within the creative industries. Organizers express excitement for a larger, more integrated event in 2026, emphasizing its role where music, culture, and emerging creative fields converge.
