Decimate Metalfest is moving ahead with preparations for its 2027 edition in Millet, Alberta, opening performer submissions as the independent heavy music and arts festival looks to build its next lineup.
Applications opened Sept. 15 and will remain available until Oct. 15, 2026. The all-ages festival is scheduled for June 25 and 26, 2027, at the Millet Agriplex Arena, bringing together heavy music performers, independent artists, entertainers, families and fans.
Alberta Festival Seeks Local and International Performers
Organizers are inviting applications from performers across metal, rock, punk, hardcore, alternative and other heavy music genres. Youth musicians, solo artists and entertainers including dancers, DJs, comedians, magicians and drag performers are also encouraged to apply.
Interest in the independently operated Alberta festival has expanded beyond Canada. According to organizers, applications for the 2026 event arrived from 15 countries, eight Canadian provinces and 25 U.S. states.
Festival founder Sloan Voxx said that growth has helped expand the community surrounding the event.
“What started here in Alberta is reaching people thousands of kilometres away, and that’s pretty incredible to see! Every year we get to welcome back familiar faces while meeting people experiencing Decimate for the first time. Artists, attendees, volunteers, vendors, families, and crew all come together for the weekend. We watch people support each other, make new connections and friendships, share some ridiculous moments, and create memories that continue long after Decimate is over. We’re obviously here because we love heavy music, but Decimate has always been about family and community. Seeing familiar faces come back year after year, welcoming new ones into the family, and watching this community continue to grow is what makes all the work behind Decimate worth it. You can see the photos, watch the videos, and hear the stories, but there’s something about actually being there that you can’t really explain. You have to experience it for yourself,” says Voxx.
Youth Performers Remain a Focus for Decimate Metalfest
Providing performance opportunities for younger musicians remains an important part of the festival’s programming. Organizers are encouraging youth performers to submit applications alongside established, emerging and touring artists.
“Some of my favourite moments are watching younger performers step onto that stage and absolutely own it,” says Voxx. “They get to share the same stage and be part of the same festival community as artists who have been doing this for years. You can see the nerves, the excitement, and then that moment where it clicks and they’re just up there doing what they love. There’s something pretty incredible about getting to witness that. They’re part of Decimate, just like everyone else,” adds Voxx.
Applicants Encouraged to Highlight Their Live Performances
With hundreds of applications received annually, Decimate Metalfest is asking prospective performers to provide details that demonstrate their individual identity, stage presence and connection with audiences.
“Tell us why we should book YOU! What makes you different? What do you bring to the stage? What have you been working toward? Why do you want to be part of Decimate? Most importantly, be yourself. Every artist brings something different to the Decimate stage, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. We want to see what makes you uniquely you. Show us who you are. Tell us your story. Let your personality come through. Whether it’s your sound, your live show, your story, or something completely unexpected, show us what makes your band or performance yours.”
Organizers are also emphasizing the importance of including music and live-performance links with applications.
“Yes, we have received submissions without them. We’re pretty good, but we haven’t unlocked the ability to hear your band telepathically just yet! We want to hear what you sound like, but we also want to see what happens when you step onto a stage. Show us your energy. Show us your connection with the crowd. Show us the moments when you forget about everything else and just get lost in what you’re doing. That’s what live music is all about.”
Applications must be submitted through the official Decimate Metalfest performer application. The festival team will review submissions after the Oct. 15 deadline.
Sponsorship and Community Partnerships Open for 2027
Beyond building the lineup, Decimate Metalfest is seeking businesses, organizations and community partners interested in supporting the 2027 event. Organizers say partnerships help create opportunities for artists and youth performers while supporting the broader festival experience.
The woman-led festival describes itself as an independent, grassroots event built by members of Alberta’s heavy music community. Its programming combines touring acts, underground and emerging musicians, youth performers and independent creators in an all-ages setting.
“Decimate has grown, but I never want to lose sight of what made it special in the first place. We can grow the stage, the lineup and the crowd, but that heart has to stay. That’s Decimate, and that’s what we’re building again for 2027,” says Voxx.
With performer applications now underway, organizers are turning their attention to assembling the 2027 lineup and expanding the network of artists, businesses and community organizations involved in the Millet festival.