The three-day festival is back with global artists, family programming and free community events across the city.
This is probably one to mark on your calendar if live music is a part of your ideal summer weekend, with ocean views as an added bonus.
The 49th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival returns to ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park on July 17 to 19. The lineup features artists from Canada and around the world for three days of concerts, collaborative workshops and cultural performances across four stages.
The weekend is planned around discovery, with artists from different musical backgrounds pairing off throughout the day in a series of workshops, leading up to evening listening sessions at the mainstage with sunset views on the shore.
This year, a stellar lineup of Canadian and international artists bring the festival alive. Friday kicks off with an opening ceremony, presented by Thelma Stogan, followed by performances from Indigenous singer-songwriter Aysanabee, indie-folk artist Hazlett and Somaliland musician Sahra Halgan.
On Saturday, the star acts feature powerhouse country-soul singer Tami Neilson, British folk icon Billy Bragg, and Canadian alt-pop singer Ruby Waters. Sunday features Spanish flamenco fusion group Maruja Limón, Grammy-winning Americana singer Valerie June and West African collective BIM (Benin International Musical).
The festival also features collaborative workshop sessions between musicians from different cultures and genres throughout the weekend and audiences can also catch performances from Amistat, Brighde Chaimbeul, Bia Ferreira, El Balcón, Haley Blais, The Slocan Ramblers, Teddy Thompson and dozens of other artists.
Find the full artist lineup on the folk festival website, and the event goings-on via the schedule page.
“This year’s schedule really reflects the spirit of discovery, connection and community that defines the Vancouver Folk Music Festival,” says artistic director Fiona Black in a press release. “From legendary international artists to emerging voices and once-in-a-lifetime workshop collaborations, there is something happening on every stage all weekend long.”
In addition to the music, the festival features artisan vendors, food, storytelling and family programs, including the return of the Little Folks Village. The dedicated children’s area includes interactive art activities, water play, storytelling, dance performances, stilt walkers and live music throughout the weekend. Kids 12 and younger get in free with a paying adult.
The festival is already creating buzz in advance of opening day, holding two free events. The Maple Stage will again be featured at the Khatsahlano Street Party on July 11, this time with a full day of local performances. Rooftop Rhythms will be held at the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch on July 16 for a preview of the festival weekend.
From exploring a new favourite artist to dancing barefoot around the mainstage or introducing your little ones to live music for the first time, Vancouver Folk Music Festival remains one of the city’s best summer traditions.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2026
When: July 17 to 19. Friday: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m..
Where: ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park, 3941 Point Grey Rd.
Tickets: $75 and up (discounted for seniors, students and youth)
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.vancouverisawesome.com ’
