Health & Safety

We all look forward to these four days in July, so of course it’s important to stay safe and look out for each other. We want your Folk Fest experience to be as wonderful as you’ve been imagining all year!

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Vaccination Policy

Winnipeg Folk Festival is ready to get back to celebrating people and music. With our concert series now in full swing and the 2022 Festival on the horizon we are more excited than ever to bring music back to our community. It’s crucial that we support artists who have been so innovative, continuing to reach fans with the hopes of one day returning to in-person shows. In returning to live music venues, and soon, Birds Hill Park, we are dedicated to keeping our folkies, volunteers, staff, and our community safe. 

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!

These requirements reflect the information we have right now. We know public health orders, mandates and recommendations are subject to change. We are prepared to adapt to best and most safely serve our Folk Fest community:

  • Government-issued proof of full vaccination (two doses plus two weeks) is required for Winnipeg Folk Festival events in the form of a physical or digital copy of a Manitoba Immunization Card, the federal Pan-Canadian Proof-of-Vaccination Certificate or, for international attendees, local government-issued documentation used to enter Canada, for all staff, volunteers, artists, mentors, guests, patrons, and other participants that are eligible for vaccination that are 12 years of age or older. 
  • Children under 12 years of age do not require government-issued proof of full vaccination but must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian who is over the age of 18.
  • Manitoba residents with government approved medical exemptions may present their Manitoba Immunization Card for entry. 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.
  • Winnipeg Folk Festival will not store or share any health information beyond verification for the purpose of the project.
  • Winnipeg Folk Festival will not tolerate anyone who insults, harasses, or otherwise interferes with others on the basis of vaccination status or a similar matter.
  • All other safety protocols including masks and distancing must be followed regardless of vaccination status.

COVID-19 FAQ

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”?

“Full vaccination” means 14 days or more following the final dose of a World Health Organization (WHO) recognized vaccine against COVID-19.

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

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

  • Official government-issued proof of full vaccination
  • Valid matching government-issued photo identification
  • A mask
  • Event ticket or Festival wristband or another official accreditation
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:

  • Government-issued proof of full vaccination for attendees 12 and over
  • Increased physical distancing
  • Enhanced cleaning
  • Cashless payment options
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.

Safety

Keeping Folks Safe
Safety & Security Volunteers (blue vests)

Safety and security volunteers are identified by blue vests and are available to help campers stay safe while having a good time. If you need assistance or are with someone who needs assistance, flag down a safety volunteer (in blue vests) and they will help you. 

 

Law Enforcement

Folk Fest is a wonderfully expressive, inclusive, and interactive environment that can sometimes feel like an escape from the real world, but the Festival Campground and all other areas of the Winnipeg Folk Festival are subject to provincial and federal laws. The Winnipeg Folk Festival does not promote or condone the use of illegal drugs, excessive drinking or underage drinking. The Winnipeg Folk Festival works with law enforcement officers to patrol the Festival and all campgrounds.

It is not our mission to police your lifestyle or inhibit self-expression. Law enforcement officers at the Festival are simply fulfilling the same function as the police in any community – helping to ensure safe homes and safe communities! Please respect the valuable work that they do to keep everyone in our Festival community safe.

Bad Weather & Emergency Info

We have a plan for dealing with emergencies, including nasty weather. If a situation occurs, please listen to the instructions from our incredible team of safety volunteers (in blue vests) and listen to the announcements from our stages. 

Come prepared for Mother Nature’s many gifts including sun-filled days and cooler evenings. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, rain gear, a flashlight and something to sit on and stay out of the bush to avoid poison ivy.

Follow us on Twitter (@winnipegfolk), Facebook (facebook.com/winnipegfolk) and Instagram (winnipegfolkfestival) for up-to-date and accurate weather and Festival information.

First Aid & Wellness

The Festival has two First Aid & Wellness tents - one on the Festival site located by Bur Oak stage and another in the Festival Campground. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t get to the First Aid tent, flag down a safety volunteer (in a blue vest). They will help get the assistance you need.

Lost Children

It’s a big Festival with much fun, excitement – and sometimes distraction. If you and your child get separated, a safety volunteer (in a blue vest) will help you. If you find a lost child, please escort them to a safety volunteer. 

Children will receive a paper wristband when they get to the Festival. Sharpies will be available at the two Audience Services tents, located by the Main Gate Box Office and in the Festival Village, will write your phone number on their wristband. 

We encourage everyone to stop by the Festival Tower each day and take a picture of their group. That way you’ll have a visual record of exactly what they look like that day. We have a great system in place that ensures a speedy reconnection of families, but one of the things that always seems to throw people is when we ask, “what are they wearing?” Memory is often the first thing to go when we’re nervous and not thinking clearly.