Youth Discoveries

The Road To Summerfolk

An amazing opportunity for youth to be heard and seen by an international crowd.

What is Youth Discoveries ~ The Road to Summerfolk?

Youth Discoveries was created to give young performers an opportunity to experience performing at a major folk festival. The program offers mentorship, workshops, performance opportunities, networking and more, and fosters a sense of community amongst the up-and-coming!

Preliminary rounds will take place in 4 cities (Collingwood Simcoe Street Theatre – April 4, Toboggan Brewing, London – April 6, Hugh’s Room, Toronto – April 7, Silence Sounds, Guelph-April 7 )! Our Finale will be held at the Owen Sound and North Grey Public Library in Owen Sound on Sunday April 28, 2024! Up to 5 finalists will play at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival on August 16-18th, 2024 in Owen Sound, Ontario!

For 2024, we are accepting applications from artists aged 14-22! Here’s what you’ll need to participate:

Be between the ages of 14-22 (all group members)
Fill out the registration form (here)
After filling out registration, a follow-up email will ask you to:
- Provide a stage plot/input list
- Provide a high-res photo for promotional purposes
- Provide a bio or one-sheet
- Provide all your socials / websites etc.
Demonstrate the following (this is what our judges will be looking for!! Hint Hint!):
- Musical Ability – including lyrical content
- On-Stage Presence / Interaction with Audience
- Songwriting / Composition originality
- For inspired covers – tell us why this song resonates with you!
Be ready and able to perform in person at your selected Preliminary Round, Finale Competition in Owen Sound on April 28th, 2024, and Summerfolk 49 in Owen Sound on August 16th-18th.

2 performers from each Preliminary will be selected by our judges panel to move forward to the Finale, along with 4 wild cards chosen once all Preliminary Rounds are completed. Up to 5 Finale performers will be selected to perform at Summerfolk 49.