Like Calgary's lover Music and Arts Festival on Sled Island is ramping up operations in preparation for another installment in 2026The festival has spoken out about the “increasing costs” of running the festival, asking for donations to keep running at full capacity.
In an Instagram post, Sled Island noted that total artist expenses exceeded $388,000 and production costs exceeded $146,985. Box office receipts cover only 25 percent of the festival's annual expenses, and Trace Island does not receive any revenue from liquor sales.
“As a registered charity, we strive to make the festival as accessible as possible, but rising costs across the board continue to create new challenges every year,” the festival wrote. “Your donations play a critical role in helping us remain sustainable and ensuring that we can continue to deliver the memorable experiences that define Trace Island.”
The festival is grappling with rising prices while trying to avoid significant increases in ticket prices. The festival noted that 50 percent of donations made before the new year will be reimbursed up to $5,000. Find out more at sledisland.com/donate.
Sled Island 2026 will take place from June 17 to 21. tenderloin as guest curators.
