Whether you’re a seasoned devotee or a first-time attendee of Calgary Folk Fest, there’s one truth all Calgarians know: that last weekend of July at Prince’s Island Park is magic. While the lineup is always stacked with incredible musical talent that stretches beyond the titular genre of folk, the real magic lies with the food, the art, the talks, and the joy of community.
“The Calgary Folk Music Festival is more than just great music: it’s a full-on summer experience,” said Jeff Storey, Folk Fest staff and long-time arts supporter. “Whether you’re soaking up the sun, learning something new, or just looking to unwind and explore, there’s something for everyone on the island we call home.”
Here are five ways to enhance your Folk Fest experience this year and check off your entire summer bucket list in the process.
SNACK TO THE SOUNDTRACK
How about some cheesy empanadas while listening to the Latin street rhythms of Empanadas Ilegales? Folk Fest is as much about delicious food as sonic discovery. This year, double down on both by munching on warm, crispy treats or summery fresh bites while discovering a new favourite band and enjoying an old one, if you’re so inclined. Walk down the food aisle and take a chance on some inspired pairings: barbecue and fried chicken while soaking in bluegrass and Americana. Fresh lemonade and churros while basking in a soul-rock or flamenco-filled session. It will hit differently!
Long-time Folk Festers know there’s nothing quite like catching a show at National Stage 4 during golden hour, especially after a full day on your feet. Find that perfect spot with a view of the Calgary skyline, settle into your festival chair or picnic blanket, and level up the moment: grab milk from the Dairy Farmers’ Milk Bar and cookies from the Community Natural Foods Bodega. If you’re volunteering, bring a container filled with one of the legendary volunteer meals (if you know, you know!). Then, cozy up with your treats and the blankets of sound coming from the stage, because now you are home.
MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR
If the babies in headphones lounging on tarps didn’t tip you off, Folk Fest is extremely family friendly. The Family Zone is where future “tarpies” and mini-passholders can dive into crafts, games, and other kid-approved activities while their cool, folky parents soak up the vibes. And let’s face it: the parents deserve a break every now and then. At Folk Fest, kids under 13 are free, physically and financially!
DISCOVER LOCAL CREATIVITY
Stroll through shaded pathways between sets and explore the Folk Fest Art Market. It’s the perfect spot to find handcrafted jewellery, visual art, textiles, and more — each piece made by independent artists. Can’t get that last act out of your head? Pick up their vinyl or a t-shirt at the merch tent.
We love retail therapy that directly supports artists, and Folk Fest curates an incredible yearly selection. You might even find your new favourite piece of art and music in the same afternoon.
If the heat is starting to take its toll, drop by a Routine Natural Beauty “Freshen-Up” station and sample natural deodorant and other self-care goodies to smell great while you fest it up.
LISTEN AND LEARN
Need a break from dancing? Recharge at the Altitude Communications Talk Tent, where artists and locals share stories from the road, their creative process, and the cultural currents behind their work. If inside-baseball is your thing, this is your festival home base. Conversations flow naturally under the breezy shade of the tent, offering juicy nuggets of wisdom and stories you’ll retell at your next dinner party.
“OFFICE HOURS” AT THE BEER GARDENS
Enjoying alcoholic beverages (responsibly) anywhere on-site is an objectively awesome change to Folk Fest’s recent operations. But the legend of the Big Rock Beer Gardens is still going. If you remember sharing sangria under a tree sheltering you from a light drizzle, or snagging a quick pint before the main stage set in the heat of summer, you know that space is special.
Today, the spirit lives on, and you haven’t truly Folk Fested unless you’ve held “office hours” at the Beer Gardens. Plant yourself at a table and invite friends and coworkers from every part of your life to check in, catch up, and map out stage-hopping plans over mini donuts. The central location of the gardens means you can softly hear music from every stage, which adds a special ambiance. This is what community looks like.
