Unison Festival
If you’re looking for a weekend that combines world-class choral music with a powerful sense of community, clear your calendar for May 15–18, 2026.
Vancouver is set to host Unison Festival 2026, Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ choral gathering. Every four years, this non-competitive festival brings together choirs from every corner of the country to celebrate pride, diversity, and the joy of singing. Hosted this year by the legendary Vancouver Men’s Chorus, the festival will take over the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre for a long weekend of harmony and connection.
The Theme: Music Healing Spirit
This year’s theme, “Music Healing Spirit,” speaks to the transformative power of song. After years of change and challenge, the festival invites over 25 choirs and nearly 1,000 singers to explore how music can comfort, challenge, and ultimately unify our spirits.
What’s on the Schedule?
Whether you’re a choral enthusiast or just looking for an uplifting experience, there is something for everyone:
The Opening Concert (Friday, May 15): A "West Coast Welcome" featuring a massed choral performance and local British Columbia choirs.
Concert Blocks (Saturday & Sunday): Four distinct blocks of music throughout the weekend, each featuring short sets from multiple visiting choirs. Expect a mix of genres, from classical and pop to folk and experimental.
The Closing Concert (Monday, May 18): A grand finale where singers join forces in four large "Festival Chorus" ensembles, featuring special guest performers M'Girl.
Social Highlights: It's not all rehearsals! The weekend is packed with social events, including a Magic Spirit Boat Cruise around Coal Harbour, "Drag Queen Yoga," and the highly anticipated Banquet & Dance at the Westin Bayshore.
Plan Your Visit
When: May 15 – 18, 2026
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton St, Vancouver)
Tickets: Individual concert tickets are now available to the public. If you want the full experience, consider a delegate pass to access all workshops and social mixers.
This isn't just a series of concerts; it’s a living, breathing celebration of queer culture and the human voice. Don't miss the chance to hear Canada sing in unison!
For the full festival schedule, visit: unisonchoruses.ca/festival