Our Organization
The inaugural Winnipeg Folk Festival was held in 1974 in Birds Hill Provincial Park on Treaty 1 territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis, as a one-time celebration to mark Winnipeg’s 100th anniversary. It was a free event and attracted an estimated audience of 22,000 over the three-day weekend.
While our organization has grown considerably since then, the gathering in 1974 created a community and laid down important roots in Birds Hill Provincial Park that remain strong today.
Over four decades later, the organization has grown considerably but kept true to its important musical and community roots. The summer Festival’s cumulative attendance exceeds 70,000 annually and includes visitors and performers from across North America and around the world. There are nearly 2,900 dedicated volunteers who contribute well over 60,000 hours each year to create the magic that is the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
The organization has evolved from a one-weekend event in July to a year-round charitable, nonprofit arts organization with folk music at its heart, presenting dozens of concerts and events throughout the year and community support through outreach programs.
The Music
- Music for everyone! We have a little something for everyone with a range of roots, indie rock, singer-songwriters, electronic, country, Celtic, Americana and genres from around the globe. Many of the 75+ artists in our lineup are playing in Manitoba for the very first time!
- Folk music is passed down through families and communities. Although it has morphed and evolved through the generations the feeling is the same – it gives voice to the people who long for equality and justice through authentic and honest storytelling. We will continue to discover and evolve together.
- We have nine stages throughout the Festival site. During the day, these stages are home to concerts, workshops and family programming. In the evenings, Main Stage is where our headlining bands play while Big Blue @ Night has more alternative music to groove to.
- Daytime workshops are a huge part of the “discovery” aspect of Folk Fest, for Festivalgoers and artists alike. Workshops allow artists to jam with other artists they may have never had the opportunity to collaborate with and YOU get to discover new music as part of a one-time-only experience!
- Award-winning Family Festivities. The Chickadee Big Top is home to live children’s music and fun Friday through Sunday. Located right beside it is the Family Area with games, crafts, reading, face-painting, puppetry and more. Families spend quality time together here throughout the weekend. But please note that this is not a drop-off area for kids to be looked after by volunteers.
