About the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (VFMF) has been a cornerstone of Vancouver's cultural landscape for over four decades, celebrating the power of acoustic music and storytelling since 1978. Held annually in beautiful Jericho Beach Park, this three-day festival brings together folk musicians, storytellers, and music lovers from around the world for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
What makes the VFMF truly special is its commitment to authenticity and community. Unlike many large-scale music festivals, the folk festival maintains an intimate atmosphere where artists and audience members interact naturally, stories are shared between songs, and the focus remains on the raw emotional power of acoustic music and human connection.
The festival's unique "workshop" format allows artists to collaborate on stage, often meeting each other for the first time during their performance. This spontaneous approach creates magical musical moments that can only happen live, making each year's festival a truly unique experience.
2025 Festival Schedule & Highlights
Festival Dates: July 18-20, 2025
Location: Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver
Times: Friday 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Opening Night: Canadian Legends
Friday, July 18
Featured Artists: Buffy Sainte-Marie, The Tragically Hip's Gord Sinclair, Sarah Harmer
Celebrate Canada's rich folk heritage with performances by iconic artists who have shaped the nation's musical identity.
International Showcase
Saturday, July 19
Featured Artists: Celtic Thunder (Ireland), Tinariwen (Mali), Mercedes Sosa Tribute (Argentina)
Experience folk traditions from around the world with authentic performances by master musicians.
Next Generation Stage
Throughout the weekend
Featured Artists: Young Canadian artists and emerging international talent
Discover the future of folk music with performances by the most promising young artists from Canada and beyond.
Workshop Collaborations
All three days
Concept: Spontaneous musical partnerships
Watch magic happen as artists from different backgrounds collaborate in real-time, creating unique musical moments.
Featured Artists and Performers
Legendary Headliners
Buffy Sainte-Marie returns to Vancouver with her powerful blend of folk, rock, and Indigenous activism. Her career spanning over five decades continues to inspire new generations of musicians and activists.
Sarah Harmer brings her environmental advocacy and beautiful songwriting to the festival, performing songs from her critically acclaimed albums alongside new material focused on climate change and conservation.
The Celtic Thunder from Ireland presents traditional Irish folk music with contemporary arrangements, featuring world-class musicians on fiddle, bodhrán, and uilleann pipes.
International Voices
Tinariwen, the Grammy-winning Tuareg band from Mali, brings their desert blues to Vancouver's shores. Their hypnotic rhythms and traditional instruments offer a window into Saharan musical culture.
Mercedes Sosa Tribute honors the late Argentine folk legend with performances of her most beloved songs, presented by contemporary Latin American artists who continue her legacy of social consciousness through music.
Angus & Julia Stone from Australia present their intimate sibling harmonies and folk-pop compositions that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Rising Canadian Stars
Elisapie from Nunavut shares her Inuit heritage through contemporary folk music that bridges traditional throat singing with modern songwriting.
The Weather Station (Tamara Lindeman) presents her critically acclaimed environmental folk compositions that blend intimate storytelling with urgent climate themes.
Andy Shauf from Saskatchewan brings his narrative songwriting and multi-instrumental talents to create complex folk compositions that unfold like short stories.
The Workshop Experience
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival's workshop format is what truly sets it apart from other music festivals. Instead of traditional solo performances, artists are grouped together in themed workshops where they collaborate, share songs, and create spontaneous musical magic.
Song Swap Workshops
Artists take turns leading songs, with others joining in on harmonies, instrumental accompaniment, or percussion. These sessions often result in new arrangements of familiar songs and unexpected musical partnerships.
Cultural Exchange Workshops
Musicians from different countries and traditions share their cultural heritage through music, teaching each other traditional songs and instruments. These workshops celebrate the universal language of folk music.
Instrument-Focused Workshops
Master musicians demonstrate traditional and contemporary techniques on acoustic instruments including guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and world instruments. Audience members often learn about instrument history and construction.
Storytelling Workshops
Folk music and storytelling have always been intertwined. These workshops feature artists sharing the stories behind their songs, family traditions, and cultural histories that inspire their music.
Festival Atmosphere and Community
The Jericho Beach Setting
Jericho Beach Park provides one of the most beautiful festival settings in North America. With English Bay and the North Shore mountains as a backdrop, the natural amphitheater creates an intimate connection between performers and audience. The beach location allows for sunset concerts that transform the evening performances into magical experiences.
Family-Friendly Environment
The folk festival has always been a multigenerational celebration. Children's programming includes interactive workshops, instrument-making activities, and performances specifically designed for young audiences. Many festival-goers return year after year, creating a sense of extended family within the folk music community.
Sustainable Practices
Environmental consciousness is deeply embedded in folk culture, and the festival reflects these values through comprehensive sustainability initiatives. From renewable energy sources to zero-waste goals, the festival demonstrates that large-scale events can minimize their environmental impact.
Community Partnerships
Local Indigenous communities play an important role in the festival, with welcome ceremonies, traditional performances, and educational workshops that honor the first peoples of this land. These partnerships create meaningful cultural exchange and learning opportunities.
Food, Craft Vendors, and Market
Artisan Food Vendors
The festival marketplace features local food vendors specializing in organic, locally-sourced ingredients. From traditional Canadian dishes to international cuisine, the food options reflect the same values of authenticity and quality that define the musical programming.
Handmade Craft Market
Local artisans showcase handmade instruments, jewelry, clothing, and artwork inspired by folk traditions. Many vendors are also musicians who display their crafts between performances, creating connections between music and traditional arts.
Instrument Vendors and Repairs
Acoustic instrument specialists offer sales, repairs, and consultations throughout the festival. These vendors often provide emergency repairs for performing artists and educational demonstrations for visitors interested in learning about instrument construction.
Fair Trade and Ethical Shopping
Vendor selection prioritizes businesses that align with folk music's values of social consciousness and ethical practices. Many vendors donate portions of their proceeds to environmental and social justice causes.
Getting There and Festival Tips
Transportation Options
Public transit is the recommended way to reach Jericho Beach. The #4 bus provides direct service from downtown Vancouver. Cycling is popular, with secure bike parking available. Limited parking requires advance planning.
What to Bring
Bring blankets or low-back chairs for comfortable seating on the grass. Sun protection, layers for evening cool-downs, and reusable water bottles are essential. Cash is preferred for vendor purchases.
Weather Considerations
July weather is generally warm and dry, but Vancouver weather can be unpredictable. Rain gear and warm layers for evening are recommended. The festival continues in light rain but may pause for severe weather.
Food and Drink Policies
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Alcohol sales are available on-site, and no outside alcohol is permitted. Special dietary needs are accommodated by multiple vendors.
Educational Programs and Workshops
School Music Programs
The festival partners with local schools to bring folk musicians into classrooms throughout the year. These programs introduce students to traditional music from various cultures while emphasizing the importance of storytelling and cultural preservation.
Adult Learning Workshops
Weekend workshops before and after the festival offer instruction for adult learners in guitar, banjo, fiddle, and other folk instruments. These sessions are taught by festival artists and provide personalized instruction in small group settings.
Songwriting Circles
Aspiring songwriters can participate in guided sessions with established artists, learning about melody, lyrics, and the craft of storytelling through song. These intimate workshops often result in collaborative compositions.
Cultural Heritage Projects
The festival supports ongoing documentation projects that preserve traditional songs, stories, and musical techniques from various cultural communities in British Columbia and beyond.
The Role of Folk Music in Modern Culture
Folk music continues to evolve while maintaining its core values of authenticity, storytelling, and community connection. In our digital age, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival provides a crucial space for acoustic music and human-scale experiences that counter the overwhelming pace of modern life.
Contemporary folk artists address current issues including climate change, social justice, and cultural preservation through their music. The festival serves as a platform for these important conversations, demonstrating that traditional art forms remain relevant and powerful tools for social commentary and change.
The festival's commitment to showcasing Indigenous artists and traditions helps preserve and celebrate the original folk music of this land, creating opportunities for cultural education and reconciliation through music.
Festival History and Evolution
Founded in 1978 by a group of Vancouver music enthusiasts, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival began as a small gathering of local musicians and has grown into one of North America's most respected folk festivals. The event has consistently maintained its commitment to acoustic music and community values while expanding its international reach.
Over the decades, the festival has presented legendary performers including Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and countless other folk luminaries. These performances have become part of Vancouver's cultural history and have inspired generations of local musicians.
The festival's non-profit status ensures that its mission remains focused on music and community rather than commercial interests. This commitment to artistic integrity has earned the respect of musicians worldwide and established Vancouver as an important stop on the international folk music circuit.
A Celebration of Human Stories
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2025 represents more than just a musical event—it's a celebration of human stories, cultural traditions, and the power of acoustic music to bring people together. In an increasingly disconnected world, the festival offers a reminder of our shared humanity through the universal language of song.
Whether you're drawn to traditional ballads, contemporary folk compositions, or the spontaneous magic of musical collaboration, the festival provides an authentic experience that nourishes the soul and connects you with a community of music lovers who value artistry, integrity, and the simple pleasure of gathering to share songs under the open sky.