AccessFest

I would love to see this be what a festival is.” — renforshort at AccessFest 2026.

This week, CBC Music Music featured AccessFest Fest and explored what happens when accessibility isn’t treated as an accommodation, but as a creative principle from day one.

Accessibility isn’t just about getting through the gate. It’s about ensuring artists can perform, audiences can participate, and everyone belongs in the same shared experience.

Thank you to CBC Music for sharing our story.

Swipe through to read highlights from the feature. 💙

“Me being visually impaired, Access and various things to do with giving those with visual or other disabilities the same opportunities as everyone else is near and dare to my heart” - Casey Harris of X AMBASSADORS shares. “I think it is really important that every human being be given access and options to live their life as fully as possible.”

We wanted to feature a headliner that would align with our values as festival organizers. X AMBASSADORS have been incredible ambassadors in highlighting how lived experiences can inform artistry. They have done important work for representation in the live music industry and we are thrilled to have had the chance to host them on our mainstage.

Accessibility is a driving lens on every decision we make at the festival. Our mission is to create the most accessible festival experience so that every single person feels welcome and included.

ASL is not just s functional language tool, ASL can include artistry and performance also. Julian Ortiz brought his talent and charisma to showcase the visual language of translating music into movement.

We are dedicated to making accessible experiences for all. We are making space and creating moments for representation and radical inclusion.

Torontos very own renforshort on the AccessFest mainstage.

Many festivals and live events are fare from accessible. There are many barriers ti address. We hope our festival can act as a new model for how accessibility can be built in to welcome more people into festival spaces.

🤟💛 this community is a powerful, dynamic and beautiful one. We are here to create space for true accessibility and

A festival is only as vibrant as the incredible team working behind the scenes to bring it to life! ✨

We want to share our deepest gratitude with our Media & Production Partners for making AccessFest 2026 an unforgettable success.

CBC Radio-Canada
Kaiser & Partners
Platform Productions Inc.
The Disability Collective
B Squared
Mirvish Productions
Access Trax
Sunshine Therapy Dogs

We want to give a massive shoutout to our incredible Supporting Sponsors. Their vital support gives us the resources we need to grow our community, amplify our message, and bring AccessFest 2026 to life.

Thank you for standing with us and investing in a future where accessibility and inclusion are the standard for everyone, everywhere. 🙌🏽

As we look back on an incredible day at David Pecaut Square, we want to extend a massive thank you to our Premier & Impact Sponsors. AccessFest 2026 simply wouldn’t be possible without their incredible partnership, meaningful support, and dedication to real action.

A huge thank you to:

Big things happen when we work together. 🌟
We want to give a huge shoutout to our Government Partners for supporting AccessFest 2026 and helping us pave the way toward a more accessible and inclusive future for all!

What. A. Day. 🎉

AccessFest 2026 brought together community, creativity, advocacy, learning, and celebration—all in one incredible day.

From accessible workshops, Unfiltered Talks to music, dancing, and an unforgettable evening, every moment was a reminder of what’s possible when accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of the experience.

THANK YOU to everyone that helped make this festival so special. The energy, conversations, and connections we witnessed throughout the day are exactly what AccessFest 🟡 is all about.

Swipe through some of our favorite moments. ✨