A new chapter is opening for B.C.’s live music community. On March 20 and 21, 2026, Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood becomes the epicentre of emerging talent when SoMa Fest, presented by Music BC, makes its debut as an independent, community-driven festival celebrating discovery, connection, and the people shaping the future of B.C. music.
The festival spans two evenings across some of Mount Pleasant’s most treasured independent stages. On Friday, March 20, performances kick off at Fox Cabaret and continue late into the night at Hero’s Welcome. On Saturday, March 21, the action spreads across Biltmore Cabaret, Red Gate, Anza Club, and The Hargrove.
The festival’s scope extends well beyond the stage. Running in tandem with the live programming, the SoMa Forum debuts as a new space for the conversations that drive the music industry forward. Taking place both Friday and Saturday mornings at a Mount Pleasant venue, the Forum brings together artists, managers, label reps, and industry veterans from across Canada and around the globe for two days of panels, workshops, and networking.
Programming Highlights Include
On Brand or Off Key? presented by Natasha Dion (SEVEN Studios) & Negele Hospedales
Did You Read The Brief? Sync Selections Demystified moderated by Kim Temple (High Priestess Publishing) with speakers Natasha Duprey (Music Be Nice Productions), Cody Partridge (Peartree Music Supervision), Heather Gardner (Vapor Music / Guild of Music Supervisors)
Decoding the Data with Chartmetric presented by Dom Randazzo (Chartmetric)
Copyright, Consent, and Creativity in the Age of AI moderated by Kei Baritugo (Montreal AI Ethics Institute) with speakers Amanda Silvera (Artist, Voice Actor), David Morin (Artist), Asia Mattu (ACTRA Member, Voice Actor)
The Balancing Act: Snotty Nose Rez Kids on Life and Art moderated by Jenny Lea (Artist)
How to Attend
Tickets are available now through AdmitONE, with options for individual venue entry or a Superfan Pass covering both festival nights. Forum passes are available separately for Friday, Saturday, or both days.
SoMa Fest — March 20 & 21, 2026 | Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC Visit somafestbc.com for the full lineup and more information.
SoMa Fest is made possible by the generous support of funders Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia, FACTOR and the Government of Canada.
Featured image: Empanadas Ilegales performing at SoMa Fest at the Fox Cabaret
