Each summer, thousands gather at Jericho Beach Park for the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, an annual celebration of folk and roots music that has become one of the city’s most beloved cultural traditions. Now in its 48th year, the Festival is internationally recognized for its eclectic lineup, collaborative performances, and welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. More than a music event, it’s a space where creativity, connection, and culture come alive.
Since its founding in 1978, the Festival has evolved from a small city-sponsored event in Stanley Park to a cornerstone of B.C.’s cultural landscape. Run by the not-for-profit Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society since 1979, it has remained grounded in its community-based roots while expanding its reach to artists and audiences around the world. In its early days, the organization even operated its own record label, Festival Records, helping foster the careers of emerging musicians.
The Festival is a space where generations of families gather to discover music, dance in the grass, take part in workshops, enjoy local food, and experience the collaborative magic that defines the weekend. It’s also a place where core values—artistic excellence, environmental stewardship, social justice, and reconciliation—are lived out in tangible ways, from inclusive programming to meaningful engagement with local Indigenous communities.
Now in its 48th edition, the Festival remains one of Vancouver’s most cherished and acclaimed events, consistently recognized by locals as the “Best Local Music Festival” in publications like The Georgia Straight and The Westender. With over 40 acts from around the globe taking the stage this year (13 of which are from British Columbia) the Vancouver Folk Music Festival continues its commitment to showcasing bold new talent alongside celebrated artists and puts on more than a weekend of good music: it’s a joyful expression of shared values, storytelling, and the transformative power of community.
To gain insight into the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, BC Creates spoke with Artistic Director Fiona Black about how the event continues to evolve: honouring tradition, embracing change, and fostering connection through music.
Q&A with Fiona Black
What was your first experience with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, either as a guest, artist, or behind the scenes?
My first experience at VFMF was as an attendee sometime back in the 90s. What struck me was the feeling of being welcomed into this unique community of long time volunteers, patrons and artists. I was particularly enamoured by the workshops which were always unpredictable in a positive context in that you were witnessing something very spontaneous and in the moment.
How do you define “folk” in today’s musical and cultural landscape—and has that definition evolved for you since stepping into this role?
‘Folk’ is a very broad term in today’s musical and cultural landscape. As long as the music has some connection to tradition, then I classify it as ‘folk’ or as I prefer to call it ‘global’ music. In today’s global world, there is a lot of fusion happening where a band will be made up of various members from different places and thereby different traditions. It’s keeping ‘folk’ music evolving with the boundaries opening up in new and surprising ways. Also, because of globalization, many far flung nations are very influenced by western/modern styles which get mixed with the more traditional music. Africa is a rich musical nation with a multitude of traditions. In recent times, Afro-futurism has become a popular style mixing tradition with modern electronic and rock music. A good example of this mix is exemplified by Les Mamans du Congo X Rrobin coming to VFMF this year.
What goes into the process of selecting artists from such a wide range of genres and geographies? How do you ensure representation and diversity while maintaining a cohesive experience?
I travel a lot to conferences and festivals where I have the opportunity to see artist showcases and performances. Also, I have a big network of colleagues in the music business that I connect with constantly. We all keep our ears close to the ground! There are always so many wonderful and innovative talented artists to discover. The challenge is only picking the number of artists that you have space for, we are spoiled for artist riches. Top of mind for my curation is achieving a balanced, diverse and compelling line-up of artists. VFMF’s mandate is to showcase a diverse array of extraordinary artists, plus to foster an equitable, accessible and inclusive environment that welcomes all members of the festival community. My artistic choices are based on the quality of artists, first and foremost, and then achieving the right mix and balance.
Jericho Beach has become synonymous with the festival. How does the physical setting influence the vibe, programming, or overall spirit of the event?
Iy̓ál̓mexw / ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the world with the mix of beach, mountains and cityscape making it one of Vancouver’s most iconic sites. With almost the festival’s entire history tied to this site, it is certainly a major attraction for attending our festival. Our long-time attendees (and we have many!) have decades of memories and experiences tied to this place. It’s an essential touchstone for the festival community and a strong incentive for attracting new audience members.
The festival is known for its intergenerational appeal. How do you continue to honour long-time traditions while engaging newer or younger audiences?
VFMF is truly for all ages from 0-100 years. I honour our long-time attendees with booking familiar artists for them and also new artists that align with their tastes. There’s never been a better time to be in the ‘folk’ business with the popularity of indie folk artists. Billy Strings, a blue–grass artist, is selling out arenas and attracting lots of young people to give just one example of many. We are blessed with this particular time in history to have young and old people’s tastes somewhat aligned. For last year’s festival, there was a conscious effort to bring more indie folk acts to the festival and it worked well to attract younger audience members. 18% of our audience in 2024 were 1st time attendees. We are building on the momentum from last year and have booked several acts this year targeted at younger demographics such as Ocie Elliott, Watchhouse, The Milk Carton Kids, The Heavy Heavy, Teke Teke, Elisapie, Margaret Glaspy, etc. These acts all qualify under the ‘folk’ umbrella and I believe will be well received by our audiences no matter their age. In addition, we have an area we call the Little Folks Village‘lil folks’, specially programmed for families with young children. It has a mix of performances, games and interactive activities all weekend long for families looking to introduce their kids to this great Vancouver tradition. To make it affordable, kids 12 and under recieveget free admission with an attending adult.
What are you personally most excited about in this year’s lineup or programming? Any surprises or hidden gems audiences should look out for?
It’s like asking to pick my favourite child! Ye Vagabonds from Ireland are the first band I booked and I’ve been listening to them all year and can’t’ wait to see them live. I’m thrilled with all the African bands we managed to confirm. It’s pretty tricky to navigate immigration in today’s world. Also, as I’m of Scottish heritage, I’m excitedthrilled forwith our three3-pack of Scottish bands – VFMF faves, Shooglenifty and debuts for Kris Drever and the Langan Band. Lastly, I’m always so proud to showcase our phenomenal local acts and this year is no exception with Haram, Locarno, Rich Hope, Krystle dos Santos, to name a few. There are lots of hidden gems which makes VFMF a festival of artist discovery. How fun to see an artist make their debut here and be an early adopter for their career. You will always remember the first time you saw that special artist.
What’s your vision for the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in the coming years?
That’s a big question! We, the board and staff, are working hard to make our festival sustainable without compromising our vision and legacy. The ever-shifting global landscape is very challenging and increasing costs are a real threat. We are diversifying our revenue sources as best we can and feeling positive about our progress. We are building back from the pandemic and our near demise and have the most committed staff and board that I’ve had the privilege to work with. Our hope is to continue to gather in Jericho Beach for our annual festival for years to come as well as work towards creating opportunities to bring artists to our city throughout the year and continuing the work of expanding the careers of our festival artists. VFMF could well be an incubator for bringing artists in to collaborate with local artists for unique musical exchanges.
Lastly, what do you ultimately hope people take away from their experience at the festival—emotionally, culturally, or communally?
At the very least, I hope folks open their ears and hearts to discover some new bands and expand their musical tastes and horizons. It always makes me happy to see the community come together and witness friend and family reunions and feel the anticipation and excitement for the artists coming. When I get to be a fly on the wall in a line-up at the food court and overhear conversations about artist discoveries and feel the positive buzz of the event, that’s pretty magic and gratifying for me. I hope it’s a catharsis for attendees who are craving connection with community and artists and they get to leave their worries and concerns at the gate and just be present and enjoy the gifts of this festival. I hope everyone appreciates that this is a safe place to gather for everyone, families, women, and marginalized people. Everyone is welcome and appreciated. I hope new attendees leave with a new awareness of all that our festival offers. Beyond enjoying all the great music, I hope they make new acquaintances and feel a sense of belonging in our wonderful and unique community.
B.C. Performers at the 2025 Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Here are the 13 performers from British Columbia taking the stage at Vancouver Folk Music Festival this year:
African Chamber Music Ensemble
Jane Siberry with Rebecca Jenkins (B.C./O.N.)
Krystle Dos Santos and Orchard Sky
On the Beach: Neil Young Reimagined
Speeding West (B.C./U.S.)
Learn more about the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, discover this year’s schedule and purchase tickets on their website. Stay tuned for updates from the 48th Festival on their Instagram page.
