Rock The Lake is Kelowna’s premier summer rock festival, uniting fans of all ages for a celebration of music in the heart of our sunny downtown. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Okanagan Valley, RTL combines legendary performers, rising talent, and community spirit into an unforgettable weekend. This is rock for everyone: loud, local, and unmistakably Kelowna.

ARTISTS ANNOUNCED:

Considered one of the most influential Canadian alternative bands of the 21st century, Alexisonfire, co-led by City & Colour’s Dallas Green, are currently touring to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Platinum-selling album Crisis. The band earned multiple Juno Awards and has built a multi-decade-long reputation for their high-impact live show.

Juno Award-winning Cameron Whitcomb recently won over fans in Kelowna with a powerful performance at the 2025 Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMAs), hosted at Prospera Place this past September, where Whitcomb took home both the Breakthrough Artist and Fans’ Choice awards.

Also from BC are platinum-selling post-grunge alt-rockers Default, led by Dallas Smith. With a catalogue of radio hits and crowd-pleasing anthems, the band remains a defining voice of a generation of Canadian rock.

No stranger to Rock The Lake, April Wine ties the festival to its classic rock roots. With decades of international success, induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and a deep catalogue of radio staples, the band remains a touring force.

They’re joined by another Rock The Lake classic rock fan favourite, Glass Tiger, who received a Grammy nomination in 1987, and have been on the road cementing their place as one of Canada’s most successful pop-rock imports to this day.

Canadian alt-rockers Finger Eleven are returning to Rock The Lake. The Burlington, Ontario natives are known for their high-energy performances and a catalogue of rock radio staples including “Paralyzer” and “One Thing,” Finger Eleven remain one of Canada’s most recognizable rock acts.

Known for his sharp lyricism and high-energy performances, Canadian alternative hip-hop mainstay Classified delivers a catalogue of platinum-selling hits, including fan-favourite tunes like “Inner Ninja”.

Rising contemporary country artist Hailey Benedict joins the lineup. Benedict has been gaining national attention for her powerful vocals and modern sound, showcased here in Kelowna at the 2025 CCMAs in September.

Completing the second wave of artists is high-energy tribute act, The Hip Replacements, highlighting the legacy of beloved Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip.  Keeping the spirit of The Hip alive, they’ll bring singalong anthems to life under the Kelowna sun. Rock The Lake Music Festival is excited to reveal that Canadian alt-rock legends.

Local bands Freeze The Fall and Rise Overrun were added to the 2026 lineup as the winners of Battle of the Bands.

Freeze The Fall  have quickly gained attention for their heavy, modern rock sound and fast-growing online following. The Kelowna group has built momentum through energetic live performances across the Okanagan, establishing themselves as one of the region’s rising young rock acts.

Indie pop-rock group, Rise Overrun, is made up of local friends and UBCO students. Representing the next generation of Western Canadian talent, the band brings an energetic, emotionally driven sound as they look to make their mark on the Rock The Lake stage.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:

RTL brings three days of rock to the heart of Kelowna for the ninth year, but it’s more than just music. Before you Rock The Lake, rock around Kelowna. Just outside the gates, you can explore all downtown Kelowna has to offer, from great eats and craft beer to hidden gems and beautiful beaches, just steps from the festival.