Held at the Qathet Academy of Music in Powell Rover, British Columbia, Canada from May 1st to 3rd, 2026, the event featured a special Opening Night on May 1st, which was attended by an enthusiastic audience of over 220. The Saturday Accordion Cabaret was a sold out show!

The festival, directed by Walter Martella and Karina Inkster included concerts, workshops, which were “buzzing with energy from beginning to end, and accordion enthusiasts of all levels left with full hearts and inspired hands”, a cabaret, accordion parade, a pop-up accordion store and “countless magical musical moments”.

Guest artists featured Anthony Schulz, Ronen Segall, Stephen Nikleva, Faye Bendrups, Guillermo Anad, Budge Schachte, Boyd Norman, Terry Martyniuk, Martin Hergt, and the Victoria Accordion Club Band.

The festival concluded with a May 3rd outdoor event held at Willingdon Beach which featured a song circle, jam session, band performances and beach party.

Qathet Accordion Fest 2026 highlights