Riot City joins revised headliner roster as grassroots festival prepares for two-day event in Millet, Alberta
Western Canada’s underground metal community is set to converge once again in rural Alberta this summer as Decimate Metalfest returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena on June 26 and 27, bringing together heavy music, independent arts and community-focused programming in an all-ages festival environment.
Organizers of the Alberta-based festival have announced several lineup changes ahead of the 2026 edition, including the addition of Calgary heavy metal band Riot City as a replacement headliner after original headliner Glyph withdrew from the event.
The revised lineup also adds Calgary youth band Pollux and Edmonton-based Kill the Eclipse to a growing roster that already includes international touring acts, Canadian metal bands, youth performers and specialty entertainers from across North America.
Now entering another year of expansion, Decimate Metalfest has evolved from a grassroots gathering of underground music fans into a broader cultural event that combines live music, independent arts and multi-generational community participation.
Riot City Headlines Saturday Lineup
Festival organizers confirmed Riot City will headline the Saturday programme, joining a lineup featuring Famous Strangers, Cries of Blood, No Faith In Fortune and several emerging acts from across Western Canada.
Friday evening will open with co-headlining performances from Ohio deathcore band The Convalescence and Wisconsin-based Squidhammer, alongside acts including Anomalyptic, Let It Rot and Valley of Despair.
Across the two-day event, a total of 26 acts are scheduled to perform, including touring artists, local bands, DJs, burlesque performers, drag artists and youth musicians.
Saturday’s schedule will also feature Kill the Eclipse, identified by organizers as the festival’s “Fundraiser Band,” a rotating act selected from artists involved in Decimate Metalfest fundraising events throughout the year.
The event continues to distinguish itself within Canada’s independent festival landscape by combining established touring acts with younger performers and emerging regional talent.
Youth and Emerging Artists Featured
Several youth performers are included in this year’s lineup, including Pollux from Calgary, Kleaver and Edmonton-based Desicrate.
Organizers say the inclusion of younger artists reflects the festival’s long-term focus on community development and accessibility within Canada’s metal scene.
In addition to musical performances, featured entertainment will include appearances from Calgary-based drag performer Harlot, burlesque artist Lust Dust – Hazzardous Material and New York DJ Alex Kayne.
Festival Growth Reflects Rising Interest in Independent Metal Events
Decimate Metalfest’s organizers say international interest in the event continues to expand. For the 2026 edition alone, performer submissions were received from 15 countries, eight Canadian provinces and 25 U.S. states.
The growth highlights the increasing profile of independent Canadian metal festivals at a time when grassroots live music events continue to play an important role in supporting touring artists and local creative economies.
The festival has also become part of a wider network of independent Western Canadian music festivals through its membership in the Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance, which includes Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, Armstrong MetalFest and Hyperspace Metal Festival.
Organizers say the event’s continued growth has been driven not only by its music programming but by the inclusive atmosphere surrounding the festival experience.
Community-Focused Festival Experience
Beyond the live performances, Decimate Metalfest will include camping, breakfast events, interactive entertainment, art vendors and community gatherings throughout the weekend.
Festival attractions include free tented camping, youth and adult air guitar competitions, local vendor booths and the annual Saturday pancake breakfast.
Children under 10 are admitted free, part of what organizers describe as a commitment to accessibility and multi-generational participation.
The event is also entirely organized and operated by women, an aspect festival leadership says remains central to its identity within the traditionally male-dominated heavy music industry.
“What started as a small idea has grown into something far bigger than any one of us,” says Decimate Metalfest founder Sloan Voxx. “Seeing artists, volunteers, sponsors, and fans all come together to build this community is incredibly humbling. I am honored to be part of something that brings so many people together and creates a space where anyone can connect through heavy music and feel a sense of belonging. At the end of the day, Decimate Metalfest belongs to the community that built it. Whether you are discovering your first metal band, playing your first festival stage, or returning as a longtime fan, everyone is welcome.”
Local Partnerships Continue to Support Festival Expansion
The 2026 edition of Decimate Metalfest is supported by a broad range of municipal, media and industry partners, including the Town of Millet, Alberta Music, CJSW 90.9FM and several Alberta-based businesses and arts organizations.
All performances will take place at the Millet Agriplex Arena in Millet, Alta., located south of Edmonton.
As independent music festivals across Canada continue navigating rising operational costs and competition for audiences, Decimate Metalfest’s continued expansion reflects sustained demand for community-driven live music experiences outside major urban centres.
Tickets for Decimate Metalfest 2026 are currently available through the festival’s official website.