Chance The Rapper, Father John Misty, And Modest Mouse Set To Headline 2026 Phillips Backyard Music Festival In Victoria
Get ready for an incredible weekend of live music on Vancouver Island. The highly anticipated Phillips Backyard Music Festival has officially unveiled its massive 2026 lineup. After expanding across two weekends in previous years, the beloved Victoria summer staple is scaling back to a single, jam-packed three-day event from July 10 to July 12. Produced by Top Shelf Productions and hosted at the Phillips Brewing and Malting Company on Government Street, this year promises to deliver one of the most star-studded rosters the provincial capital has seen in recent memory.
The 2026 edition is bringing serious Grammy-nominated star power to the island. Headlining the three respective nights are hip-hop icon Chance the Rapper, indie-folk provocateur Father John Misty, and legendary indie-rock outfit Modest Mouse. By condensing the festival into one monumental weekend, organizers have curated a lineup that balances global superstars with heavily hyped regional talent. It is a fantastic excuse for mainlanders to hop on a ferry and experience the vibrant Victoria music scene firsthand.
Kicking things off on Friday is three-time Grammy winner Chance the Rapper. This performance marks a highly significant moment for local hip-hop fans, as the Chicago native will be making his long-awaited Victoria debut. Known for his infectious blend of gospel, soul, and rap, his headlining set is guaranteed to drive massive early ticket sales. Joining him on the Friday bill are Los Angeles hip-hop and funk artist Duckwrth, emerging pop singer-songwriter Sophia Stel, soulful Greater Victoria vocalist Nicky MacKenzie, and Vancouver indie-pop artist DACEY.
Saturday shifts the energy toward the sardonic and cinematic sounds of Father John Misty. The alter-ego of Josh Tillman, Father John Misty is renowned for his eccentric stage presence and critically acclaimed discography. He has not performed locally since 2015, making this a highly anticipated return. The Saturday lineup also features a triumphant return from Cincinnati musician and producer Sudan Archives, who delivered a legendary, violin-driven R&B set at the same festival in 2023. Rounding out the Saturday roster are beloved local folk duo Jon and Roy, indie-pop artist Flower Face, and emerging Victoria pop-rock band Carmine.
Closing out the weekend on Sunday is none other than Modest Mouse. Led by the unmistakable vocals of Isaac Brock, the veteran Washington band brings three decades of post-punk rawness and spacey rock to the Phillips Backyard stage. Joining them is Montreal-formed indie rock royalty Wolf Parade, a band currently experiencing a massive resurgence in popularity after their 2005 track “I’ll Believe in Anything” was featured in the television series Heated Rivalry. The Sunday lineup is completed by Quebec math-rock duo Angine de Poitrine, Vancouver radio mainstays Fake Shark, and local singer-songwriter Darrian Gerard.
Beyond the music, festival organizers Morgan Brooker and Stephen Franke have focused on enhancing the overall attendee experience. The 2026 festival promises an expanded footprint, the removal of previous RFID payment requirements, and the return of the raised stage to ensure excellent sightlines throughout the entire backyard. Local food trucks and plenty of cold Phillips beer will be on hand to keep the summer vibes immaculate. Furthermore, the Music BC side stage will return this year, with additional supporting artists to be announced in the coming months.
Tickets for the 2026 Phillips Backyard Music Festival go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25, at 10:00 am local time. Single-day tickets are priced at $125, while full weekend passes are available for $325. A special “6 Pack” promotion is also available until the end of April, offering six single-day tickets for the price of five. Given the condensed one-weekend format and the sheer calibre of the headliners, music fans across British Columbia should prepare for these passes to move incredibly fast.
Phillips Backyard Music Festival 2026 Lineup
- Friday, July 10 – Victoria, BC – Chance the Rapper, Duckwrth, Sophia Stel, Nicky MacKenzie, DACEY
- Saturday, July 11 – Victoria, BC – Father John Misty, Sudan Archives, Jon and Roy, Flower Face, Carmine
- Sunday, July 12 – Victoria, BC – Modest Mouse, Wolf Parade, Angine de Poitrine, Fake Shark, Darrian Gerard
For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, visit the official Phillips Backyard website.
