Purple City is a forward-thinking music festival of the future. This multi-day, multi-venue, all-ages music experience is a youth inspired arts event that is focused on the newest sounds from the global underground. Purple City prides itself in being collaborative & community oriented and the core of the festival is built on the amazing groundwork of Edmonton’s rich and diverse music community. The festival’s eclectic programming and passion for independent music continues to create a one-of-a-kind festival experience that showcases the best talent from our own backyard, in addition to opening our ears to some incredible national and international acts. Purple City’s mandate is to create an event for all ages that is diverse, inclusive and progressive. From psyche rock to punk rock; avant garde to folk, Purple City is music Festival of discovery & indie staples a like. Explore, expand your mind, dance & make new friends at Edmonton's newest destination boutique music festival. For more info visit www.purplecityfest.com

Coming straight out of Baltimore, War on Women is a co-ed hardcore punk outfit that doesn't pull any punches. Formed in 2010, the band takes the raw, explosive energy of classic 80s hardcore and fuses it with the urgent, feminist spirit of the riot grrrl movement. Led by the powerhouse vocals of Shawna Potter, they tackle heavy topics like gender equality and social justice with a sound that’s as fast as it is furious. Their music is a masterclass in aggressive precision—blending thrashy riffs with melodic hooks and driving rhythms that demand a reaction. While their lyrics are pointed and political, the band never loses sight of the high-octane performance that makes a great punk show. Expect a blistering, no-nonsense set that’s meant to shake the room and spark a conversation.

Hailing from Montreal, Thee Soreheads are a feminist punk band unapologetically shaking up the city’s music scene with their raw sound and confrontational message. Formed in 2023, the band draws inspiration from the riot-grrrl legacy of Bikini Kill and the high-octane swagger of Amyl and the Sniffers, pairing fierce riffs with incisive lyrics that challenge societal norms and champion gender equality. Known for their electrifying live shows, Thee Soreheads have quickly built a reputation as a must-see act. They opened for Grimskunk at MTelus in April 2025 and have shared stages with The Courettes, Les Breastfeeders, and Mary Shelley. Their music resonates with listeners seeking both empowerment and authenticity. In November 2025, the band released their debut EP *I’m Not Your Fucking Sex Doll* via Outhouse Records. With the Taverne Tour across Western Canada slated for Spring 2026 and a full-length album on the way, Thee Soreheads are here to make noise, take space, and leave no eardrum unbruised.

Gucci Chain Letter was formed by long-time stalwarts of the Vancouver and Edmonton punk and hardcore music scenes. The band aims to create songs that are driving and melodic, while never being married to the confines of a single genre. Gucci consists of members and ex-members of groups like, Daggermouth, Youth Decay, This Is A Standoff, King Thief, Drive By Punch, Precursor, Counterfeit Jeans and more

Hillsboro has carved out a place in Pacific-Northwest DIY with their kinetic and emotional live presence. The band blends influences from alternative rock, emo, and electronic elements into a sound which is somehow both nostalgic and wholly their own. Screamo riffs are layered upon blown out drum breaks; screeching violins float over intricate walls of guitar. Often shifting between delicate atmospheres and sudden bursts of intensity, it's frontman Nima Walker's vocals that anchor the group's emotional core, with a style that feels rough-edged and deeply personal. In just a few years, Hillsboro has taken their sound on the road across western North America by way of DIY tours, sharing the stage with the likes of Preoccupations, Emma Goldman, and PISS. In 2025, Hillsboro brought this energy to festival stages, including appearances at Treefort Music Fest, Sled Island and Philips Backyard, solidifying themselves as one of Vancouver’s most promising emerging acts.

Rebel Grrrlz are a five piece Riot Grrrl, punk band. With loud vocals and powerful lyrics they're able to make a bold statement in the local, underground scene about current social issues with teenage angst. Formed in 2023, they have already made their mark by playing 2024/2025 Sled Island Music Festival, the Calgary Stampede, as well as opening for the Avengers at the Sloth Records 30th Anniversary Party.  Their debut EP "We're Gonna Eat Your Soul" was released June 2025 and has been featured on X929, CBC, and CJSW.