So… what comes to your mind when you think of folk music?
If your brain goes straight to fiddles and softly-strummed acoustic guitars, it might be time to rethink your playlist — and your summer plans.
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is back to prove once again that folk defies genre. At its heart, folk is storytelling through sound and those stories take many forms. From delicate indie folk harmonies to boundary-breaking blues, lively Celtic fusion to mesmerizing Tanzanian percussion, this year’s Folk Festival lineup showcases the full spectrum, illustrating once again that “folk” isn’t a sound — it’s a spirit.
A global line-up with a Canadian heart
From the rhythms of Tanzania, Congo, Morocco, South Africa and Ireland to the voices of PEI, Newfoundland, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, the 2025 Folk Festival roster is an open invitation to expand your musical universe — no passport required.
Expect powerful performances from Tanzania’s Zawose Queens and Congo’s genre-blending Les Mamans du Congo x Rrobin, to Bab L’ Bluz — a psychedelic Franco-Moroccan rock band fusing Gnawa traditions with electric grit.
Indie folk makes a strong showing with Margaret Glaspy, The Milk Carton Kids, Ocie Elliott and Watchhouse, all performing on the evening Main Stage.
Canadian talent will shine just as brightly, with Indigenous composer and cellist Cris Derksen, local rock n’ roll icon Rich Hope and B.C.’s African Chamber Music Ensemble, an innovative musical initiative that reimagines African traditions through a classical lens.
There are more than 40 solo artists and bands slated to perform this year, with an incredible lineup of international and homegrown talent. You can view this year’s full line-up HERE.
Not just a concert — it's an experience
Now in its 48th year, VFMF has earned its place as a must-do on Vancouver’s summer calendar — and it’s not just because of the music.
This year’s fest will feature a wide array of food trucks with cuisine as diverse as the concert line-up, plus a curated artisan market featuring handmade goods and local treasures. There will also be long-standing folk fest traditions, including collaborative artist workshops, family-friendly zones with dedicated children’s programming and of course, sunset sing-alongs in front of one of the most beautiful ocean views Vancouver has to offer.
Perfect for first-timers and lifers
Thinking about dipping your toes into the festival scene? This is your moment. With easy access by transit, convenient day and weekend passes to choose from and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Vancouver Folk Music Festival is the ultimate first festival for music lovers of any age. Seasoned fans will find plenty to love, too, because once you’ve seen music under a setting sun at Jericho Beach, it’s hard not to come back.
Ready for some folk? We’ve partnered with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival to give one lucky reader four weekend passes (worth $1,000!) so you and your crew can experience the joy firsthand. Early Bird weekend passes and single-day tickets are on sale now! You can book tickets through the VFMF website or contact the Festival Box Office at 604.602.9798, ext. 302, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or email [email protected]. Buy early to get the best pricing and secure your spot at one of the city’s most iconic and inclusive summer events.
To learn more, visit https://thefestival.bc.ca.
