ANNUAL EVENT

Walk into the Vancouver Folk Music Festival grounds at Jericho Beach Park, and you’ll feel the shift immediately. It’s a Vancouver event where the air smells like ocean salt and roasting coffee. A mix of sounds, from acoustic folk to global rhythms and indie soul, drifts from different directions. People settle on blankets across the wide green lawns, surrounded by views of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains. The vibe is slow and relaxed, with families moving easily between stages.

As you wander, a voice holding two notes at once catches your ear, low and buzzing underneath, thin and whistling on top. A fiddle slips in, skipping lightly across the melody as a sitar joins with warm, ringing notes. You follow the music and find something unexpected.

In front of you is a workshop stage, where artists from different genres, countries, and traditions are brought together to create new music on the spot. You watch the performers listen to each other carefully, responding with their instruments, weaving their sounds together. No one knows where the song is going, and it takes shape before your eyes.

Since 1978, this spirit of discovery has defined the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, one of the longest-running major events in Vancouver. Around every corner, another stage offers you the chance to discover a new artist or a new sound.

Beyond one genre

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival’s lineup reaches far beyond a single sound. Folk, roots, blues, indie, traditional music, and global influences share the same four stages across the weekend.

World-class artists, not just big names

The festival is known for showcasing artists for their exceptional musicianship, not just their fame. Past lineups have included Ani DiFranco, Feist, and K'naan.

Your next favourite artist

Alongside established names, you'll find emerging performers, Indigenous artists, and musicians keeping traditions alive. Today's discovery can become tomorrow's headline act. You can also discover local and Indigenous makers selling handcrafted goods.

Embrace creativity at Little Folks Village

Bring the family for interactive and creative activities, like arts and crafts, musical workshops, circus performances, and storytelling.

Food chosen with care

Food vendors are selected for quality and a commitment to local, ethically sourced ingredients, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival takes place at Jericho Beach Park, a waterfront green space in West Point Grey, just west of Kitsilano. The festival spreads across the open lawns, with stages, food vendors, artisan stalls, and family activities woven into the landscape.

The festival's Main Stage sits closest to the water, with views across the bay toward the North Shore Mountains and passing sailboats. Arrive early to enjoy the park, or stay through the evening performances to watch the sunset over the water.

If you want to explore beyond the festival grounds, Jericho Beach Park is linked to Locarno Beach and Spanish Banks by a scenic waterfront path. It's an easy way to take a quiet walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Kitsilano's cafés, restaurants, pubs, and shops on West 4th Avenue are just a short walk away.

Purchase early for the best price: Buy the Holiday Rate, ending at midnight on December 31, for the lowest cost of the season. Prices increase in stages as the festival approaches. Check the festival’s site for current ticket prices and contact boxoffice@thefestival.bc.ca with any questions.

Save with a weekend pass: If you plan to attend more than one day, a weekend pass is better value than buying single-day tickets separately.

Know your ticket category: Reduced rates apply to youth, students and seniors. Visit the festival’s site for details and eligibility requirements. Children ages 12 and under are free with a paying, accompanying adult

Accessibility companion policy: Guests who self-identify as having accessibility needs may purchase a regular-price ticket and bring one companion free of charge. Companions are required to register at the Access Gate when they arrive.

Volunteer to earn a pass: Support the festival and receive a weekend pass plus other perks in exchange for volunteering.

Know the fine print: All ticket sales are final, with no refunds, and the festival runs rain or shine.

By car, taxi or rideshare: Enter Jericho Beach Park into your navigation app.

By bike: The festival is located on the Seaside Greenway bike path, which connects to the city’s famous Seawall. You will find a secure, attended bike valet area on-site. There is also a Mobi Bike Share station located nearby. Use Vancouver's interactive cycling map to plan your route.

By transit: Use the TransLink Planner to catch the #4 Bus (Powell/Downtown/UBC). Get off at West 4th Avenue and Alma Street, and then enjoy a 5-10 minute walk to the entrance.

By Handydart: The festival provides a dedicated drop-off and pick-up point for Handydart passengers at the Access Gate. Booking in advance with Translink is required at 778-452-2860. You can book your trip up to seven days in advance.

Accessible arrival: There is a dedicated drop-off area near the entrance. Limited accessible parking is available in the festival’s Service Lot. This is located at the end of Point Grey Road, reached via Wallace Street. Remember to display your accessible parking permit to avoid being towed.

Parking: The main public parking lot is located at the Jericho Beach Park entrance off Point Grey Road. If this fills up, additional parking is available in nearby lots along West 4th Avenue and Discovery Street. Check all signs carefully to avoid resident only zones and potential towing.

Paying for parking: Many parking locations throughout Vancouver accept credit cards and mobile apps rather than cash. Some pay stations may accept debit but this is not guaranteed.

Arrive early: Come early to find a good spot on the grass before the crowd settles in, especially if you want a clear view of the Main Stage for the evening sets. Check the festival's information page for this year's gate times.

What to wear: The festival runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather forecast and evening temperatures. Bring layers, as waterfront areas get chilly after the sun goes down. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

What to bring: Pack a blanket or low-back chair (no taller than 28 inches.) Single-use cups or bottles aren’t sold on site so bring your own bottled water. Refill stations are available throughout the grounds. You may also want to pack food, sunscreen, bug spray, a portable charger for your phone, a light jacket or sweater, and a flashlight if you’re staying till the end.

What not to bring: Leave tall chairs, tents, and umbrellas at home as they can block other people’s view. The site is smoke-free and alcohol-free, and barbecues and open fires are not permitted. Pets aren't allowed either, with the exception of service animals.

Leave your cash at home: The festival is completely cashless. Bring debit, major credit cards, or a device with Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Pace yourself: With four stages running at once, you won't catch everything. Pick one or two must-see artists, then let the music pull you to a different stage as you wander. The performances you discover by accident are often the ones you remember.

Wristbands and re-entry: You will receive a wristband in exchange for your ticket. You may come and go from the site as many times as you like as long as you keep your wristband on the entire time.

Join the Folk Fest Dance: If you see regulars moving their arms and legs independently without rhythm, just off to the side so they're not blocking anyone's view, that’s your invitation to join in the fun.