GEDfest, the annual grassroots fundraiser built around Tragically Hip tribute performances, returns October 16-24, 2026, with 13 shows across 12 cities in Canada and, for the first time, the United States. The event, named for the late Gord Downie, is organized entirely by volunteers and directs proceeds to local cancer charities in each host city.
The 2026 edition expands into Buffalo, New York, where The Strictly Hip will headline the event’s first U.S. chapter at The CAZ. Canadian dates include Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, St. John’s, Vancouver, Kelowna, Cochrane and Regina, featuring tribute and local acts such as 40 Hours Over, Grace2, Trickle Down, Velvet Sons and Hipnautical.
According to organizers, GEDfest has raised $732,000 for cancer organizations since founder Keith Dyck launched the event in Calgary in 2018. This year’s fundraising goal is $425,000, which the group says would push its cumulative total past $1 million.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Eric Alper, thatericalper.com.