Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Celebrates Music, Culture and Community
with Two Free Events in July
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival announces two free community events leading up to its annual return to ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park from July 17–19, 2026. Leaning into the celebration of connection through live music, the Festival is giving audiences two opportunities to get a taste of what to expect at the weekend event.
“Folk music has always been about bringing people together,” said Fiona Black, Artistic Director of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. “And we want to celebrate that folk is for all. Our Festival is a celebration of music as a gathering place for communities, cultures and generations. And with these two events, I want to encourage everyone to come and learn more about the festival, listen to some amazing music and share our excitement at what this year’s festival has in store.”
On Saturday, July 11, the Festival hosts the Maple Stage at the Khatsahlano Street Party, one of Vancouver’s largest free community celebrations. Artistic Director Fiona Black will MC the day long concert series featuring incredible local performers who reflect the style of music one can expect at the Festival. The Rooftop Rhythms at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch on Thursday, July 16 will offer audiences an intimate pre-festival experience in the heart of downtown, creating an opportunity for audiences to connect before the festival officially begins. El Balcón hits the stage at 2:00 PM when Mexico meets the Middle East in a jazzy blend.
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a weekend of internationally acclaimed artists, emerging voices, collaborative performances, food vendors, artisan markets, family programming, and community gathering spaces. The Festival opens on Friday with performances beginning at 3:00 PM across three stages before evening the Mainstage performances from Aysanabee, Hazlett and Sahra Halgan. Saturday and Sunday, the Festival gets started across three stages at 10:30 AM with performances like Rise Up and Sing and collaborative sessions including Global Ties That Bind and Stories from Across the Pond. On the Mainstage Saturday evening are Tami Neilson, Billy Bragg and Ruby Waters with Sunday evening performances from Maruja Limón,Valerie June and BIM (Benin International Musical).
The full performance schedule is now available on the website and attendees can purchase a weekend pass, single-day or evening tickets through the website or contact the Festival Box Office at 604.602.9798, ext. 302between 10am and 4pm or boxoffice@nullthefestival.bc.ca.
Weekend Passes:
Adult $250 | 65 plus $220 | Student $165
Single-Day Tickets:
Adult Friday: $85 | Saturday or Sunday: $150
65 plus Friday: $70 | Saturday or Sunday: $125
Student/Youth Friday: $45 | Saturday or Sunday: $90
Evening Tickets:
All Tickets: $75
All Weekend:
Children 12 and under FREE
For those looking for a musical taste of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, listed to our 2026 playlists curated by Artistic Director Fiona Black.
ABOUT THE VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a Canadian cultural institution. It is a unique community-based celebration internationally renowned for presenting the finest traditional and contemporary folk and roots music from around the world. Now in its 48th year, the Festival continues to be one of the city’s most beloved, enjoyed, and respected events. Each year, the Festival draws tens of thousands of enthusiastic attendees to experience the music and culture of more than 40 international, national, and local acts.