With summer in full swing, Edmonton’s Folk Music Festival will be here before we know it.
Since 1980, the Edmonton Folk Fest has become a staple in the community, supporting folk music both locally and globally. The festival is a four-day, fun-filled, affordable experience which highlights incredible artists from around the world and puts a spotlight on local food and sales vendors.
This year marks the festival’s 46th anniversary.
Happening from Aug. 7 through 10 in Gallagher Park, the festival is jam-packed with artists, vendors, and more than enough excitement to go around.
Currently, four-day ticket sales are sold out, as well as individual one-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday. Individual tickets for Thursday and Friday are still available on the Edmonton Folk Festival’s frontgate website at $42 for youth, $56 for seniors, and beginning at $109 for adults. People aged 80 and over, or those under 11, enter for free.
The musical lineup this year was announced in May, featuring stand-out artists such as Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Richy Mitch and The Coal Miners, and The Roots, to name a few.
“Guests have come to expect a memorable performance on closing night, and we are certain they’ll get just that with Mt. Joy capping off this year’s Festival,” says Terry Wickham, a festival producer.
Main stage performances
The first Main Stage performance takes place at 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, featuring Aysanabee, a Canadian singer-songwriter. Another Canadian singer-songwriter, Serena Ryder, will follow him at 7:50 p.m. This Canadian legend is known for her hits like “Stompa” and “What I Wouldn’t Do.”
The Main Stage will be closing at 9:25 p.m. with a final performance by Rainbow Kitten Surprise, an incredible alternative-indie band from North Carolina.
On Friday night, the Main Stage performance opens with Stephen Wilson Jr. at 9:05 p.m. He comes from southern Indiana, bringing his solo country/Americana music to dazzle the stage. Grammy and Juno award-winning Allison Russell will take the stage afterward, closing off the night with her soulful tunes.
Saturday’s Main Stage is bustling with artists, with Las Cafeteras opening the stage at 2 p.m. with their electrifying Afro-Mexican beats. Taj Mahal will storm in at 6:44 p.m. to soothe with the blues. Later in the evening, Goldie Boutilier will enchant the audience with her vulnerable, cinematic artistry at 7:59 p.m. Danielle Ponder will be following at 9:07 p.m. with a soulful, distinct style inspired by hip-hop and R&B.
At the end of the night, the Roots will begin the final set at 10:30 p.m., showcasing their jazzy and eclectic take on classic hip-hop. The band is sure to be a concert worth checking out.
Sunday brings Jupiter and Okwes at 2 p.m., featuring the rhythms of Congo, followed by Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners at 6:50 p.m., showcasing their pure folk charm and sound. At 8:10 p.m., American-Australian singer-songwriter John Butler will make his way to the stage for a heartfelt performance.
Finally, the festival’s grand finale features the highly anticipated performance by Mt. Joy at 9:40 p.m. This final set will be one to never forget, filling the valley with incredible tunes.
Folk Festival is a genuine, heart-warming place to be in the summer under the sun. The people are warm and kind, and the community is unlike any other.
Take a trip to Gallagher Park this weekend, and it’ll be one you’ll never regret.
When: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, to Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025
Where: Gallagher Park — 9505 96th Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Time: Various times
Cost: $42+
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