From film to music, here's what to keep an eye on in 2026.Illustration by Alex MacAskill
With 2025 coming to a close, it’s time to look at what’s happening in the year ahead. Our critics have compiled their most anticipated cultural works and events of 2026 – from movies and TV to plays and concerts.
The most promising films of 2026: Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, Wuthering Heights and more
– Barry Hertz, film editor
Illustration by Alex MacAskill
Walking into 2026 presents a challenge for the dedicated moviegoer. Will Netflix prevail in its war to subsume one of the last great Hollywood studios? Will movie theatres be able to make it out the other side of that situation?
Presenting the 10* most promising theatre-first films of 2026 – not necessarily only in pedigree, but for their potential to change the doom-and-gloom narrative. (*With two extra for fun)
The most promising movies of 2026
The most buzz-worthy TV shows coming in 2026: Scrubs reboot, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and more
– J. Kelly Nestruck, television critic
Illustration by Alex MacAskill
In the United States, streaming services are playing it safe with reboots and revivals. Meanwhile, Canadian creators are going for original shows that aren’t simply elbows up, but in your face.
Most anticipated television shows coming in 2026
Five albums you should listen to in 2026: Charli XCX, Lucinda Williams and more
– Josh O’Kane, business of arts reporter
Illustration by Alex MacAskill
The calendar for album releases doesn’t fill up as early each year as it does for visual and performing arts – but the earliest, darkest months of the year already hold some promising record launches.
New album releases to be excited about in 2026
Five anticipated plays and musicals to watch in 2026: Medusa, Kimberly Akimbo and more
– Aisling Murphy, theatre reporter
Illustration by Alex MacAskill
What started as a perfectly normal year for Canadian theatre quickly became a fight for cultural sovereignty by the time U.S. President Donald Trump stepped into office at the end of January.
As we head into 2026, debates about what constitutes Canadian work, and what sorts of programming audiences should support, show no signs of stopping soon.
With that in mind, here’s what to look forward to, theatre-wise, in the new year.
Plays and musicals to look forward to in 2026
Art exhibitions to check out in 2026: Immersive installations, the Impressionists and more
– Kate Taylor, arts critic
Illustration by Alex MacAskill
Visual arts has a lot to offer in 2026 in Canada. Hyper-realistic sculptures at the Beaux Arts will captivate viewers, while the Royal Ontario Museum explores the history of psychedelics. See the full cross-country round-up.
Visual arts events and exhibitions to look forward to in 2026
Five classical music and opera events to catch in 2026: Kevin Chen, Barbara Hannigan and more
– Brad Wheeler, music critic
Illustration by Alex MacAskill
Classical music and opera buffs have much to look forward to in 2026. Twenty-year-old Calgarian Kevin Chen will be performing at various venues, fresh off the heels of his second-place finish at the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. See the full list.