A Guide to the Kap Kraze Country Derby

Demolition derby by day, Tim Hicks live by night — Kap Kraze is back in Kapuskasing, Ontario on July 17 & 18, 2026, and it's the wildest summer weekend in Northeastern Ontario.

By Northern Ontario Bigger than Texas, wilder than the west, more welcoming than a campfire in October, Northern Ontario is like no place else.

March 24, 2026

The Kap Kraze Country Derby is Kapuskasing's biggest summer event—a two-day demolition derby and country music festival returning to the Kapuskasing Sports Palace on July 17 & 18, 2026. Friday night kicks off with a tailgate party featuring live entertainment, fireworks, and a mechanical bull, while Saturday brings nail-biting demolition derby action, including Figure 8 Racing and Full-Size Tag Team Derby, followed by a country concert headlined by Tim Hicks and Zach McPhee.

What's the Schedule for the Kap Kraze Country Derby?

Friday, July 17: Kap Kraze Tailgate Party

The fun kicks off Friday at 5 pm at the Derby Fairgrounds, right across from the Sports Palace. The tailgate runs until midnight and sets the tone for the weekend with:

Derby car showcase and a chance to meet the drivers
Line dancing with The Urban Cowboy
Live music by Corey Olford followed by DJ Johnny Rivex
Behind-the-scenes derby track tour
Washer Tournament Part 1 (starts at 6 pm)
Kids' inflatables and games until 9 pm
Food and vendor marketplace with local flavours and crafts
Beer garden
JED the Mechanical Bull
Fireworks at 10:30 pm

Saturday, July 18: Kap Kraze Demolition Derby

Gates open at 9 am for the main event, presented by Edge Motorsports. This year's theme is Halloween/Horror, and the derby features seven categories:

Ladies Bone Stock
Youth Bone Stock
Junk Run
Truck Half-Ton
Demo Cross Racing
Figure 8 Racing (new in 2026)
Full-Size Tag Team (new in 2026)

Throughout the day you'll find axe throwing, a Kids' Zone, food trucks, a beer garden, and Washer Tournament Part 2.

Saturday, July 18: Country Concert at the Kapuskasing Sports Palace

The evening moves indoors to the Kapuskasing Sports Palace for a country concert headlined by Tim Hicks and Zach McPhee. Doors open at 6 pm.

Tim Hicks is one of Canada's most recognized country artists, known for high-energy performances and a string of chart-topping hits. Zach McPhee is a rising Canadian country artist making waves on the national scene.

Kap Kraze 2026 Ticket Information

Tickets are available at the Kapuskasing Welcome Centre or online at kapkraze.eventbrite.ca. Follow Kapuskasing Tourism and Events on Facebook for the latest announcements.

All Access – Tailgate + Derby + Concert Adult (19+): $92.03 | Youth (18 & under): $70.72

Demolition Derby + Tailgate Party Adult (19+): $44.10 | Youth (18 & under): $28.11

Concert Only – Tim Hicks + Zach McPhee + DJ Johnny Rivex All ages: $76.06

After Party with DJ Johnny Rivex All ages: $33.45

Kids 5 and under free. All prices in CAD and include HST and fees. Tickets available at the Kapuskasing Welcome Centre or at kapkraze.eventbrite.ca.

Plan Your Trip to Kapuskasing for Kap Kraze Weekend

Known as the Model Town of the North, Kapuskasing is located on Highway 11 in Northeastern Ontario, about 5 hours north of Sudbury and 1.5 hours west of Timmins. A free bus shuttle to Moonbeam runs at 1 am on Saturday night.

Find campgrounds and places to stay in Kapuskasing and the surrounding area before they fill up — Kap Kraze weekend books fast.

Why You Can’t Miss Kap Kraze This Summer

Kap Kraze Country Derby is Kapuskasing’s biggest summer event and it promises to be THE event of the summer. From thrilling demolition derbies and awesome Canadian country music to activities for all family members to enjoy, you’ll have serious FOMO if you miss it. Plus, line dancing and DJ Johnny Rivex are back by popular demand – need I say more?

So pack your bags, bring your family, and head to Kapuskasing for a weekend of non-stop fun. You will not want to miss it!

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About Northern Ontario

Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada! Bigger than Texas, wilder than the west, more welcoming than a campfire in October, Northern Ontario is like no place else. Sunset Country is famous for its spectacular fishing lakes, Superior Country has friendly towns and a superior coastline, Algoma Country has bucket list drives and epic outdoor adventure, and the Northeast provides excellent vacation destinations close to Toronto and other large urban centres in Southern Ontario.