Sled Island 2026 taught me three new things about Calgary: the Palomino isn’t as good as it smells, the trains are free downtown, and there is more than one library. The last one may seem insignificant, but when you’ve agreed to meet at a library for an interview, it becomes quite important. When I went to meet Sam Woywitka (of SAMWOY) for a 1 p.m. interview on June 19, I paced around the building for 10 minutes before realizing there was, get this, another library, at which point I dashed outside and hopped in an Uber that took me to the correct spot. When I arrived, Sam was very forgiving and led me to his car for the interview below.

The Nora Kelly Band’s set at Sled Island was stunning. The band was funny, charming, and knew how to take themselves seriously when the music demanded it. They were playing at Pin Bar on 17th Ave in Calgary, a bar with—you guessed it—pinball machines, about eight of them in a small room to the right of the stage. Nora and I agreed to interview after her set, by which point I’d drunk two tall cans of PBR and had grown quite sweaty from all of my head-nodding and slight swaying.

Clay breaks down his Sled Island 2026 experience in the last of the “Debrief” articles we will be delivering.

Chris breaks down his Sled Island 2026 experience in Part 2 of 3 “Debrief” articles we will be delivering.

Jeff breaks down his Sled Island 2026 experience in Part 1 of 3 “Debrief” articles we will be delivering.

Our writers go through some acts they’re looking forward to seeing at Sled Island 2026.

Our writers go through some acts they’re looking forward to seeing at Sled Island 2025.

We highlight 16 Canadian acts playing this year’s Sled Island .

Shaun has a somewhat hectic conversation with all 7 members of The Rifle County Players.

Noreen chats with various venues and festivals to get some insight into how their business has a been impacted by COVID-19.