The 45th annual Calgary Folk Music Festival kicks off next week, and you know we’re beyond jazzed to hit the island this year to celebrate.
With programming featuring 70+ artists across seven stages, this is one of Calgary’s can’t-miss summer music festivals.
Not just folk music is a feature of this year’s lineup, though. With representation across musical genres including funk, blues, country and hip-hop, there’s something for everyone at this year’s event.
What to expect
The Calgary Folk Music Festival will play host to a number of international artists bringing unique sounds from across the globe. Collaborative sessions will also see musicians mingling together on stage in unexpected combinations.
Here are a few of the visiting international acts we’re most excited to see. Don’t miss your chance to catch this diverse lineup in action from July 24 to 27 at Prince’s Island Park.
The L.A.-based musician was recently handpicked by Canada’s own Neil Young as a guest opener for his Coastal Tour — with confirmation like that from one of this country’s most legendary songwriters, you know you’ll be in for a good show.
With blues-derived, catchy guitar riffs and a Muddy Waters-inspired sound, this’ll be one show that’s sure to put the stomp in your step.
Recommended listening:
“45 Jukebox”; Let All Who Will
This U.K. group of talented musicians have some serious, long-standing cred. They were the first British band to play New York’s Apollo Theatre and opened up for the Al Green stadium tour.
After hanging it up in 1974, their Caribbean and African jazz-influenced sounds caught the ear of hip-hop connoisseurs in the ‘90s. Their beats have been sampled by the likes of De La Soul, Wu-Tang Clan, MF Doom and more.
Their 2025 album Renascene picks up where things left off, delivering hip-hop’s modern groove to a whole new generation. Cymande’s show is bound to bring a healthy blend of hip-hop heads and jazz lovers together at the ATB Main Stage.
Recommended listening:
“Brothers On The Slide”; Promised Heights
“Chasing An Empty Dream”; Renascence
There’s nothing better than dancing your heart out under the warm glow of sunset at Prince’s Island Park. LA LOM will bring the perfect vibes for this very thing.
Inspired by their hometown of L.A., LA LOM met as teenagers and earned their musical chops as a house band at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Their extensive repertoire has given them a distinct Latin sound crafted from Colombian cumbia, Mexican bolero, Peruvian chicha and ‘60s soul surf traditions.
Recommended listening:
“Ooo Baby Baby”; La Lom
Harmonic sing-alongs and foot stomps will be a prominent feature of this Scottish trio’s show at the ATB Main Stage on Saturday night.
The Langan Band draw from their roots to craft what they call “high energy acoustic dance music.” Fiddles, guitar and double bass prevail with percussion provided by rhythmic strumming. You’ll want to dance barefoot in the grass during this traditional folk set inspired by Eastern European traditions.
Recommended listening:
“Auld Jimmy”; Bones of Contention
“Leg of Lamb”; Plight o’ Sheep
This Mexican composer, percussionist, DJ and producer is described as a “rising star of the Latin wave.” Her music is a kaleidoscope of colour, bringing together Latin rhythms, Afrobeat and dancehall influences in an enveloping tapestry of sound.
Prepare to be enchanted by Pahua Friday night at the National stage. And don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.
Recommended listening:
La Cura; La Cura
Gritar; Habita
Denmark’s VÍÍK bring representation from Sweden and Norway together under one project, creating a flurry of sound that is firmly rooted in Scandinavian folk tradition.
Frontwoman Elisabeth Vik’s powerful voice is backed by a whirl of violin, mandolin, accordion and drums. VÍÍK has quickly become a mainstay in the Nordic folk scene and at the annual Roskilde Festival. They’ll bring their northern traditions to Calgary on Thursday and Saturday night at the National stage.
Recommended listening:
Hjemme; Alle barn skal sove; SAGT
The action starts this Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Prince’s Island Park. We can’t wait!
When: July 24 to 27, 2025
Where: Prince’s Island Park — 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW, Calgary
Cost: Adults $108 to 264; Students/Seniors: $74 to $191; Kids under 12: Free
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Curiocity Staff
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