Whether you’re new to Calgary, or you’re an oldtimer like us and you’ve been here for years, you know that summer is the coveted season of the year. With long, cold winters and shoulder seasons that seem to last forever, us Calgarians dream about the sunshine and plan what we’re going to do from June to August months in advance. Whether you enjoy folk, blues, acoustic, alternative or some other genre of music that we haven’t even heard of yet, the Calgary Folk Music Festival should be at the top your summer bucket list this year, and here’s why.
Folk Fest has been held downtown on Prince’s Island Park since 1980. Welcoming artists, musicians, vendors and performers from around the globe, this festival is an all-encompassing event where patrons are able to enter the Island and experience Folk Fest in its entirety. Always proudly presenting dozens of bands on multiple stages, this festival appeals to Calgarians of all ages, with artists across countless genres performing at all hours throughout the day. Year after year, festival goers have enjoyed outdoor music, food and entertainment for four days at the end of July. Folk Fest has continued to grow in size and popularity, reaching more and more people across the globe, until we finally reach today, the summer of 2019.
Perhaps the most exciting news we can share with you about the Calgary Folk Music Festival is that they’re celebrating their 40th anniversary this year! That’s forty solid years of sharing music, arts, culture and entertainment with our city for four beautiful days in the warm July sun. This year’s line-up consists of new favourites, old classics and everything in between – they really pulled out all the stops for you guys. It’s a compilation of everything that has allowed Folk Fest to remain a successful, unique gathering year after year right here in YYC. This year, they are happy to welcome 71 artists from sixteen countries on eight stages in both concerts and collaborative sessions featuring everything from folk and funk to fresh hip hop and alternative beats. You can expect exquisite performances from artists like Belle & Sebastian, DJ Champion, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Strumbellas and so many more. Click here to view the full festival line-up.
So, the easiest way for you to stop in and listen to music from July 25th-28th in the beautiful Prince’s Island Park is to buy your Folk Fest tickets now! Grab your picnic blanket and your sunglasses so that you can lounge worry-free by the river’s edge as you take in the sweet smells of summer and the even sweeter sounds of both local and world-renowned artists playing their passion. This festival is all ages, so explore the handmade arts market and indulge in global cuisines throughout the days. Don’t forget to stop in at the shaded Big Rock Brewery beer garden to relax and rehydrate.
So, let’s recap. All you need to bring is: a backpack with all your goodies, a blanket/tarp to sit on, a water bottle to stay hydrated, some snacks to stay well nourished, great friends to share your experience with and a camera to remember it forever.
Click here for Folk Fest tickets.
Click here for Folk Fest line-up.
Click here for Folk Fest schedule.
Click here for Folk Fest volunteer opportunities.
Think that about covers it, YYC? Mark those calendars, because this is one festival and 40th celebration that you won’t want to miss.
