Artists from around the world performed at this year’s Sled Island music festival across various venues and galleries in Calgary. The five-day festival features everything from live music to art installations and comedy acts.

The festival attracted more than 25,000 attendees to over 15 venues for concert-goers to explore across the city.

Musical performances, including Sharon Udoh, Lana Del Rabies, Backxwash, and billy woods were selected by this year’s guest curator, clipping.

Experimental sound collaging artist Jairus Sharif opens at the Palace Theatre in Calgary for Sled Island on Saturday, June 20, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Post-punk experimental group Eye of Newt performs at the Palace Theatre on Friday, June 19, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Los Angeles-based experimental industrial artist Lana Del Rabies performs with intense visuals accompanying her set at Commonwealth on Thursday, June 18, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Lana Del Rabies puts on an energetic and industrial performance at Commonwealth in Calgary for Sled Island on Thursday, June 18, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Guest curator and hip-hop artist clipping. headlines at a busy room at the Palace Theatre for Sled Island on Saturday, June 20, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Hip-hop artist clipping. interacts with the crowd at a sold out show at the Palace Theatre for Sled Island on Saturday, June 29, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Montreal experimental hip-hop artist Backxwash combines traditional Zambian music with grungy hip-hop instrumentals at Commonwealth for Sled Island on Thursday, June 18, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Winnipeg-based indie rockers Virgo Rising play artful shoegaze tracks at GULBAR for Sled Island on Thursday, June 18, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Cartel Madras put on a lively experimental hip-hop show at the Palace Theatre on Saturday, June 20, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
London-based art-rock group Black Country, New Road headline at the Palace Theatre on Friday, June 19, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER
Montreal-based artist Magella combines soulful melodies with experimental electronic sounds at Commonwealth for Sled Island on Thursday, June 18, 2026. PHOTO: GREG DERER

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Greg Derer can often be found behind a camera in his free time, and really enjoys the technical aspects of journalism and digital media. Working with the Reflector, the Calgary Journal, and Big Kitty Magazine,...