Departure 2026 is turning Toronto into a creative epicenter, and this afternoon showcase at Cassette is a perfect way to experience the festival's intimate side. Indie88’s Weekend Cafe is taking over the Queen West venue to present a stellar lineup of emerging Canadian artists: Georgia Harmer, Braden Lam, and AVIV.
Why You Should Go
This is a fantastic opportunity to catch three distinct voices in the Canadian indie scene in one go. Georgia Harmer brings her thoughtful, folk-tinged songwriting, while Braden Lam offers a fresh take on contemporary folk, and AVIV rounds out the bill with her signature indie-pop sound. Hosted by Indie88’s Adam Ricard, it’s a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon discovering your new favourite artist.
The Venue
Cassette, located in the heart of Queen West, is known for its cozy, intimate vibe, making it the ideal spot for this kind of showcase. It’s a great neighbourhood to explore before or after the show—grab a coffee at a nearby cafe or browse the local boutiques that make Queen West one of Toronto’s most vibrant strips.
Practical Info
Tickets are $23, and the show runs from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on May 9. Be sure to arrive early to grab a good spot. Departure 2026 runs from May 4 to 10, so if you enjoy this, check out the festival website for other showcases and headlining performances happening across the city.