FAQs

Have questions about tickets, refunds, camping, parking or anything else? Check out these frequently asked questions to get all of your answers!

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COVID-19

Do I have to be fully vaccinated to attend the 2022 Winnipeg Folk Festival?

Government-issued proof of full vaccination is required for all in-person shows, including the 2022 Winnipeg Folk Festival, in accordance with current public health orders and feedback from the overwhelming majority of our audience survey respondents.

We’re making the best decision possible to keep our community safe so we can get back to supporting the live music industry. We thank you for your understanding and for continuing to support the Winnipeg Folk Festival and our commitment to the community! 

Requirements are outlined on our Health & Safety page.

What is considered “fully vaccinated”?

We will require full vaccination as outlined on the Government of Manitoba website.

What do I need to enter the Winnipeg Folk Festival site?

To enter the Festival site Folkies 12 and over will require the following:

What safety protocols do you have in place for the 2022 Winnipeg Folk Festival?

In addition to an awesome programming lineup, we’ll have a full lineup of safety protocols in place at the Festival site:

Are masks mandatory on the Festival site?

A Festival mask mandate will be determined closer to the Festival date in following public health orders at that time.

For Canadians: How do I show proof of vaccination when I arrive?

Acceptable government-issued documentation is a physical or digital copy of a Manitoba Immunization Card or the federal Pan-Canadian Proof-of-Vaccination Certificate. Proof of vaccination needs to be accompanied by a photo ID. For children, a piece of school identification can be used in place of official government-issued photo ID.

For International Visitors: How do I show proof of vaccination when I arrive?

Please visit the Government of Canada website for more information. Government-issued proof of full vaccination from your local jurisdiction used to cross the border is accepted and needs to be accompanied by a photo ID. For children, a piece of school identification can be used in place of official government-issued photo ID.

What if I forget my proof of vaccination?

You will not be allowed into the Festival site or campgrounds without government-issued proof of full vaccination so please be prepared. 

What if I have a valid, official vaccine exemption?

Official proof of government-issued medical exemption documents will be accepted at the gate. To apply for medical exemption in Manitoba visit gov.mb.ca. Out-of-province or international government-issued medical exemptions must be submitted to the Winnipeg Folk Festival prior to the event for verification and approval. Please check back for updates as this process is still being developed.

What about folkies that are too young to receive the vaccine?

Children under 12 years of age will be admitted to the Festival with fully vaccinated parents or guardians.

What about folkies under 12?

Children under 12 years of age will be admitted to the Festival with fully vaccinated parents or guardians.

Can I show an antibodies test instead of full vaccination proof?

No, only government-issued proof of full vaccination will be accepted for entry.

Can I show a negative COVID test instead of full vaccination proof?

No, only government-issued proof of full vaccination will be accepted for entry.

Thanks for sharing how getting vaccinated can positively impact the recovery of the live music industry and elevate the experience - and safety - for everyone. Where do I go to get vaccinated?

For folkies living in Manitoba visit protectmb.ca or call 1-844-626-8222 to find a vaccination site near you. For all folkies outside of Manitoba please check your local, provincial or state websites to locate your nearest vaccination site.

Can I attend if I’m showing symptoms of COVID-19?

If you’re not feeling well please complete the Manitoba COVID-19 screening tool before arriving and do not attend the event if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

What is your refund policy on Festival tickets?

All ticket sales are final except in the situation of a full event cancellation by the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
 
Subject to the provisions below for an event cancellation, there are no exchanges or refunds once the tickets have been purchased. No exchange or refund will be issued if a festival performer is changed or if their performance is cancelled, rescheduled or delayed. If you cannot provide proof of full vaccination at the time of the Festival but previously purchased a ticket, a refund will not be issued.
 
In the event of a full event cancellation, the Winnipeg Folk Festival will offer refunds and will inform ticket buyers through its official website about procedures for obtaining a refund.

Can I purchase my Winnipeg Folk Festival tickets or concert tickets in the office at 203-211 Bannatyne Ave.?

At this time, our offices at 203-211 Bannatyne Avenue will remain closed to protect the safety of our staff and community so, for the time being all ticket purchases must be made online or by phone (1-888-512-7496) through Front Gate Tickets.

Do I have to be fully vaccinated to attend a Hear All Year concert?

Yes, per current public health orders. Our partnering venues have outlined COVID-19 policies for concert attendees. Please ensure these guidelines are met before purchasing tickets to any concerts presented by Winnipeg Folk Festival. Please see the specific event on our Concerts & Programs page for information on venue policy.

Thank you for understanding and for continuing to support live music!

What do I need to enter a concert venue?

Due to current public health orders, our partnering venues have outlined COVID-19 policies for concert attendees. Please ensure these guidelines are met before purchasing tickets to any concerts presented by Winnipeg Folk Festival. Please see the specific event on our Concerts & Programs page for information on venue policy.

Thank you for understanding and for continuing to support live music!

Are staff required to be vaccinated?

Yes. Government-issued proof of full vaccination for all attendees, volunteers, artists and staff aged 12 and older. As a non-profit arts organization we recognize the importance of a vaccination for a stable return to live music. We are also following current public health orders and listening to feedback from the overwhelming majority of our audience survey respondents.

Are volunteers required to be vaccinated?

Yes. Government-issued proof of full vaccination for all attendees, volunteers, artists, and staff aged 12 and older. As a non-profit arts organization we recognize the importance of a vaccination for a stable return to live music. We are also following current public health orders and listening to feedback from the overwhelming majority of our audience survey respondents.

Tickets

How does the new tiered ticketing process work?
  • Tier 1 - A set number of tickets go on sale and are available at this price until sold out. 
  • Tier 2 - When Tier 1 tickets are sold out, tickets at this price point become available. 
  • Tier 3 - When Tier 2 tickets are sold out, tickets at this price point become available. 

As always, the earlier you buy, the more you save.

Why are you changing the ticketing process?

Ticketing in this way will allow us to better manage Festival revenues and audience sizes to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.  

How much are tickets?

Tickets are offered at Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 ticket prices. Be sure to act fast and save! See our ticket pricing for details.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available online at frontgatetickets.com. 

Our office at 203-211 Bannatyne is still closed to the public due to COVID-19 so all ticket purchases must be made online.

How many tickets can I buy?

Four tickets per person and one RV/trailer permit, if you need one.

Will there be tickets available at the gate?

Due to new COVID protocols we will not be selling tickets in person at the gate, buy them online before you head to the park.

Tickets are available online at frontgatetickets.com. 

Our office at 203-211 Bannatyne is still closed to the public due to COVID-19 so all ticket purchases must be made online.

When is the Early Bird deadline this year?

Our ticketing processes have changed! Moving forward, we will be selling tickets through a tiered ticketing system based on a preset quantity of tickets available per tier rather than the date-based structure of early bird/advance/gate pricing. So be sure to act fast and save!

  • Tier 1 - A set number of tickets go on sale and are available at this price until sold out. 
  • Tier 2 - When Tier 1 tickets are sold out, tickets at this price point become available. 
  • Tier 3 - When Tier 2 tickets are sold out, tickets at this price point become available. 
Why do RVs/trailers need to purchase a separate permit ticket for the Festival’s campgrounds?

We want to ensure that everyone who comes to our campgrounds with an RV/trailer has a place to park it. The $25.00 permit ticket is valid only with a Festival or Quiet Campground ticket and only one RV/trailer permit ticket is required per RV/trailer (not per person). RV/trailer permit tickets are exchanged upon arrival for an RV/trailer permit.

Why does my ticket cost what it does? What about funding and sponsors?

The Winnipeg Folk Festival typically receives less than 10% of revenues from government funding. This means over 90% of the revenues needed each year come from earned revenue – ticket sales and sponsorship support.

Why does the Festival Campground cost more than the Quiet Campground?

It takes significantly more infrastructure and resources to create the Festival Campground. The price of the Festival Campground reflects the additional services and infrastructure we’ve invested in to improve and increase lighting, electricity and first aid. The Festival Campground also requires more security to ensure the safety and well-being of its community. 

Is a single day ticket valid for any day?

No. Day tickets are valid only for the day you specify at time of purchase and they cannot be exchanged for a different day.

Do children get in free?

Yes! Children 12 and under are free.

Do you offer a seniors’ discount?

Yes, to those 65 years of age or greater. View prices for Youth/Senior tickets on our Tickets page.

What if I change my plans? Can I get a refund?

Sorry, there are no refunds or exchanges.

Can I get a refund?

All ticket sales are final except in the situation of a full event cancellation by the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
 
Subject to the provisions below for an event cancellation, there are no exchanges or refunds once the tickets have been purchased. No exchange or refund will be issued if a festival performer is changed or if their performance is cancelled, rescheduled or delayed. If you cannot provide proof of full vaccination at the time of the Festival but previously purchased a ticket, a refund will not be issued.
 
In the event of a full event cancellation, the Winnipeg Folk Festival will offer refunds and will inform ticket buyers through its official website about procedures for obtaining a refund.

I requested my tickets be mailed to me and I didn’t get them.

If you didn’t receive your tickets, please contact Front Gate Tickets Customer Service at Front Gate Tickets Help Desk.

Help! I lost my tickets!

If you have lost your tickets, please contact Front Gate Tickets Customer Service at Front Gate Tickets Help Desk.

Do children need a camping ticket?

Children 12 and under get in for free and don’t need a camping ticket. Youth 13-17 need a youth camping ticket. Please keep in mind that anyone under 18 needs to camp with an adult.

How do I purchase a ticket with camping?

Quiet Campground tickets and Festival Campground tickets are combined with the 4-day ticket into one single ticket – if you want to camp, you need to purchase a 4-day ticket that includes camping.

I've purchased a 4-day ticket without camping, can I add camping?

Yes! If you've purchased a 4-day ticket but wish to camp you can get an upgrade and just pay the difference ($40 for Quiet Camping and $80 for Festival Camping)! All you have to contact Front Gate Tickets at Front Gate Tickets Help Desk.

Can I remove my wristband?

Wristbands must be worn at all times and shown for entry into Folk Fest campgrounds and the Festival site. Wristbands are non-transferable and non-exchangeable. If your wristband is removed or tampered with, it cannot be replaced, and you will not be allowed entry.

If wristband removal is required for work purposes or if it’s too tight, please visit the Problem Solving line at the Main Gate Box Office.

Camping

Can I camp without buying a 4-day ticket?

 Sorry, camping is only sold combined with a 4-day ticket. 

Can I visit the campground with a 4-day ticket?

Sorry, only people who are camping can enter the campgrounds. Your wristband will grant you entrance only to the campground in which you are camping; for example, you can’t visit your friends in the Festival Campground if you are camping in the Quiet Campground.

Can I visit the Festival Campground with Quiet Campground ticket?

Sorry, due to safety reasons only those with a valid Festival Campground wristband can enter the Festival Campground.

What makes the Quiet Campground different from the Festival Campground?

Quiet camping is a bit further away from the Festival site and offers a great experience with plenty of shade, shelters with running water and flush toilets. It’s a quiet environment to ensure a good night’s sleep. There is a free shuttle to the Festival site every 30 minutes. Thousands of festivalgoers camp there every year – and they love it! Quiet Campground Box Office will open at 8:00 AM on Wednesday morning.

Can I camp with an RV/trailer?

Yes, we offer unserviced RV/trailer camping in a specific area in both of our campgrounds. Due to the popularity of the RV/trailer camping sections, you must purchase an RV/trailer permit in advance to ensure you will get a spot when you arrive. 

Why does the Festival Campground cost more than the Quiet Campground?

It takes significantly more infrastructure and resources to create the Festival Campground. The price of the Festival Campground reflects the additional services and infrastructure we’ve invested in to improve and increase lighting, electricity, first aid and offer food vendors. The Festival Campground also requires more security to ensure the safety and well-being of its community. 

Why doesn’t the Festival let more people into the Festival Campground?

The capacity of the Festival Campground is established in consultation with the RCMP and Birds Hill Provincial Park. It is capped to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone. 

I’m a volunteer – where do I get more info about camping?

Please contact our office at (204) 231-0096 or email volunteer@winnipegfolkfestival.ca.

What amenities are available in the Festival Campground?

Amenities in the Festival Campground include an area for food vendors, RV/trailer camping, Enviro Headquarters, a campground store, Campground Central, First Aid and Wellness, water taps throughout, cold showers, washrooms, accessible camping, a garbage and recycling depot and a bus service to the Festival site. Check out this map before you get to the Festival Campground.

2019 Festival Camping Map

(Click image to enlarge)

What amenities are available in the Quiet Campground?

Amenities in the Quiet Campground include serviced picnic shelters, modern washrooms, RV/trailer camping, safety services and a bus service to the Festival site. Check out this map before you get to the Quiet Campground. 

(Click image to enlarge)

Parking

Can I park overnight?

Overnight parking is available for campers only and only in the campground parking lot.

Do I need a park pass to enter Birds Hill Provincial Park?

Yes, you will need to purchase a provincial park pass in addition to your Festival ticket. Passes are available online at manitobaelicensing.ca or at the Birds Hill Park Campground Office. Daily passes are also available at the Birds Hill Provincial Park West gate.

What time can I enter the park on Wednesday morning?

The West Gate, accessible from Hwy 59, opens at 7:00 AM on Wednesday. The Festival Campground and Quiet Campground box offices open at 8:00 AM on Wednesday morning. For more details about campground arrivals on Wednesday morning visit the Festival Campground or Quiet Campground pages.

Can I line up on Hwy 59 before the gate opens on Wednesday?

No, sorry. It is very dangerous to be parked only a few feet away from highway traffic. Your safety and well-being throughout Folk Fest is a priority for us and this includes when you are on your way in. Please cooperate with us and the RCMP on this one and plan to arrive when we are ready to welcome you at 7:00 AM. That’s when the gate opens, no earlier.

Why can’t you let us line up inside the park?

We do – starting at 7:00 AM. It will take anywhere from four to six hours to get everyone parked and through our box office from that point on a Wednesday morning. That’s plenty of time for cars to be in a lineup!

How will the RCMP enforce it?

We, along with the RCMP and Birds Hill Provincial Park are asking for everyone’s cooperation with this. We hope that you all understand that we have everyone’s best interest at heart in managing the arrival of thousands of campers this way.

Can I line up on Hwy 206?

No. There will be “No Stopping” signs along Hwy 206, as well. The East Gate does not open until after 10:30 AM, once the lineup of vehicles from the West Gate is off Festival Drive. If you are arriving Wednesday morning, use the West Gate.

Festival East Parking seems so far away. Why would I want to park there?

It's no further away than previous years! Once you park, take the pedestrian-only corridor along the south side of the lot (near the trees, next to the fire lane) that extends all the way to the Festival Gate.

The main advantage of parking in Festival East Parking is a quicker departure at the end of the day as you won’t have to stop for patrons using our crosswalk headed to the Festival Campground and you’ll be on PR206 in short order. 

For more information on parking visit our Transportation page.

Festival West Parking is so much closer. Why wouldn’t I want to park there?

It is closer, that much is true. However, at the end of the night the line of traffic from this lot headed west along Festival Drive will have to stop at a crosswalk regularly to allow other Festival patrons (up to 6,000 of them) to cross the road and head home to the Festival Campground.

Also, the speed limit (which is enforced) is 60kph through the park, which slows down the traffic flow headed that way. 

For more information on parking visit our Transportation page.

I want to drop someone off at the Festival Gate because _______. How do I do that?

If you need to drop off a person with mobility issues, or because you aren’t parking and staying yourself, etc., then please enter Birds Hill Park by the West Gate. When you enter Festival West Parking, drive down the road you entered on until you get almost to the end and turn right down the second last parking lane. Continue all the way down to the end of the parking area. There is no designated drop off area (we’re working on this for the future), but this lane is as close to the Festival Gate as you can get.

While it is possible to get to this area from the East Gate/PR206 it is significantly easier if you enter Birds Hill Park from the West Gate/PTH 59.

For more information on parking visit our Transportation page.

I camp at the Provincial Campground/Quiet Campground and drive each day to and from the Festival. Where do I park?

As you come in from the west, please park in Festival West Parking. When you leave at the end of the night, you’ll follow the flow of traffic smoothly when leaving the Festival and end up in the right place.

An even better idea is to take the Festival Shuttle, our free bus service that runs regularly between these campgrounds and the Festival site. Let us chauffer you!

For more information on parking visit our Transportation page.

How long should I expect it to take to leave either parking lot?

Leaving any major event with close to 16,000 attendees takes time, especially when most arrive by personal vehicle. We can’t judge how long it will take you to get to your vehicle (people walk different speeds, park in different places), but once you pull out of your parking spot, we plan to have you out and on your way in less than an hour, similar to any major event in the city.

For more information on parking visit our Transportation page.

What’s the system for getting cars from the parking lanes out of the parking lots?

The traffic crews will be moving vehicles, in groups of 15, from each lane in rotation. This allows traffic to flow smoothly and not jam up because of excessive merging attempts.

Because of this rotation there will be times when your lane isn’t moving and others are, but know we are doing the lanes in rotation, and it’ll be your turn again very soon. Moving from lane to lane will not get you out any quicker.

For more information on parking visit our Transportation page.

Do you have charging stations for electric cars?

Unfortunately, we do not currently offer electric car charging stations in our parking lots.

The Folk Fest Express

Where do I catch the bus?

Leaving the city: Northbound Memorial between St. Mary and Portage beside the Hudson's Bay Company

Leaving the Festival site: To get home at the end of the day, catch the bus at the stop on Festival Drive, across the street from the west parking lot. Use the crosswalk to access the bus stop.

For more information on The Folk Fest Express visit our Transportation page. 

Where can I find the bus schedule?

You can view the full bus schedule on our Transportation page once it becomes available.

How long does the bus ride take?

It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the Festival site.

Are strollers, wagons and bags allowed on the bus?

Yes! They can be left in the bus aisles, as long as they are secure.

Can I bring my bike on the bus?

Sorry, but bicycles are not allowed on buses. And, unfortunately, exterior bike racks are not approved for use by buses on the highway.

Are your busses accessible?

All buses offered through the free Winnipeg Transit service from the city to the Festival site are accessible.

When does the last bus leave at the end of the night? I don’t want to miss any of the Main Stage performance.

The last bus departs Birds Hill Provincial Park after the Main Stage ends; however, if you need to connect to another bus downtown, check Winnipeg Transit schedules because you may need to leave on an earlier departure.

Festival Operations

What's the Main Stage tarp shuffle all about?

If you’re keen to get a front-row seat, arrive at 10:00 AM for gate opening and get into the designated lineup to receive a ticket to participate in the tarp shuffle. The tarp shuffle will allow you to claim your spot for the evening at Main Stage. Maximum tarp size is 8’ by 10’.

Can I check my bag?

We are no longer offering bag check at Audience Services. Bring only what you’ll need for the day and leave the rest at home, at your campsite or in your vehicle.  

How do I become a volunteer?

Volunteering with the Winnipeg Folk Fest is a rewarding experience and a great way to support the Festival! You need to fill out an application form when they open on our Volunteer page. 

How can my company become a sponsor?

Winnipeg Folk Festival is a showcase for first-class sponsorship experiences. The Festival offers unique opportunities for sponsors to create and deliver and customized marketing activities. Visit our Sponsors page to learn more and to get in touch with our sponsorship department. 

How can I perform at Folk Fest?

Every year we program more than 70 artists from around the world – approximately 40% Canadian (with 8-10 from Manitoba), 40% from the US, with the rest from outside North America. Applications open annually in the fall on our Lineup page so please check there for updates.

How do I become a food vendor?

We love great food and are proud to offer festivalgoers a delicious variety of ethical and sustainable food choices. Approximately 25 vendors are selected each year. Applications open annually in the fall on our Food Vendors page so please check there for updates. 

How do I sell my art in the Hand-Made Village?

The Hand-Made Village celebrates the long-standing history that arts and crafts share with folk music festivals. Applications open annually in the fall on our Hand-Made Village page so please check there for updates. 

How do I participate in the Prairie Outdoor Exhibition?

The Prairie Outdoor Exhibition is a sprawling outdoor gallery in Birds Hill Provincial Park held during Folk Fest. Applications open annually in the fall on our Prairie Outdoor Exhibition page so please check there for updates. 

Is there a height restriction on chairs at the festival?

Yes. Please bring chairs that are no higher than two feet from the ground, so you don't block the view of your fellow folkies. If you do have a taller chair, you should move to the side or back of the audience.

What are tarp markers?

Many folks bring homemade decorated sticks to stake in the ground so they can find their tarp easier at Main Stage. They're welcome in the seating area, so long as you keep size in mind when you're making them. You wouldn't want to block the view of the people sitting behind you! 

The music is so good! Where can I dance?

The Main Stage dancing areas are behind the sound booth at centre field and to the far right when facing the stage. For the last band’s set on Main Stage, people may stand up and move to the front of the stage. Please respect people’s space and be mindful of their belongings and tarps.

You can dance to the right of any daytime stage. Big Blue @ Night is dancing zone - no tarps, please!

Help! I lost an item at the festival. What should I do?

Items that are found on the Festival grounds are kept at Audience Services located in the Festival Village. Items found in the campgrounds are kept at Campground Central.

After the Festival, items are sorted and brought back to the Winnipeg Folk Festival office, located at 203-211 Bannatyne Avenue. At this point, some are discarded.

YES, we keep

  • Electronics
  • Jewellery
  • Intact tents
  • Intact chairs
  • Kids toys
  • Keys and wallets
  • Personal/government-issued documents
  • Glasses and eyewear
  • High-quality, intact apparel

NO, we don’t keep

  • Food/beverages
  • Food containers
  • Water bottles
  • Undergarments
  • Damaged chairs, tarps and camping gear

Due to the high volume of items found, we require approximately one week to inventory all items. If you have lost an item on the YES, we keep list and did not visit Audience Services during the Festival, or did the item wasn’t found at that time, please contact the office at (204) 231-0096 or info@winnipegfolkfestival.ca

 

Can I bring my pet to the festival?

No. Only service animals are allowed on the site and in the Festival and Quiet Campgrounds. 

Where can I find the Festival map?

Right here! And also throughout the Festival site or in our app. 

(Click image to enlarge)

Can I bring my professional camera to take photos?

Professional photography equipment, defined as any camera with a detachable lens, monopods, tripods, etc. is prohibited. Small digital cameras, of a size that can fit in your pocket, are permitted on the Festival site. Access personnel at the Main Gate have final say on whether a camera is professional or not.