We are so excited to see all of you at Birds Hill Park in just over a month! The 47th Winnipeg Folk Festival is finally happening and we really want you to come out to have a good time, help us to keep the park clean and enjoy an incredible weekend of music that we’ve waited so long for. It’s been challenging to get back on our feet again after two years without a festival and there is a lot that has changed in the world, but we’re doing our very best to bring you the music you’ve been missing in one of your favourite places!
New This Year
As we are getting back to the place we all love, we wanted to share some exciting changes at this year’s Festival:
- Sitewide Licensing
Folks can now enjoy beverages from the taverns anywhere on the festival site! This will reduce crowding while allowing people to watch their favourite artists on any stage. We are depending on everyone to help make this a success by properly disposing their beverage cups and enjoying their drinks responsibly. Please note that the Family Area is an alcohol-free zone. - Contactless Payments
Both taverns and the Festival Merch Store (formerly Festival Music Store) will now all take debit, credit and cash. Additionally, most food vendors and Hand-Made Village artisans will accept debit, credit, as well as cash. - Safer Spaces
We have a new Safer Spaces Policy in place and our trained Safety and Security Folk Volunteers (volunteers in blue vests) will be there to keep our community safe. There’s also a list of resources on our website and app to support you for any additional needs. - A New Night of Music on Thursday at Big Blue @ Night
This year’s lineup is one of the most diverse lineups we have had with a wide variety of musical styles and genres. We also have an additional night of programming on Thursday at Big Blue @ Night with Kurt Vile & The Violators and Weyes Blood.
Be Prepared
When we enter through the Festival gates next month it will be three years since we left. We want everyone to be prepared so here are some helpful tips for a smooth Festival weekend.
- Get Tickets and Park Passes in Advance
We hope everyone comes ready with everything they need – including tickets and park passes. Park passes can be purchased online at manitobaelicensing.ca and Festival tickets are available online through Front Gate Tickets or in person at our office (203-211 Bannatyne Avenue). Purchasing passes and tickets ahead of time will help reduce long lines and congestion at the Main Gate. - Pack Light
Only bring what’s needed to enjoy the Festival. This year Audience Services won’t be offering any bag check services at the Festival site. - Brush Up on Folk Tips
It’s been a while since we have come together to get our folk on! Keep an eye on our social media channels and turn on your app notifications for Folk Tips, and all up-to-date Festival information to get back into the groove. - Sustainability Support
We really need everyone’s help to keep the park clean this year. Please pick up after yourself when you leave your spot. Also, due to fewer resources, only three of our waste stations will have composting on site. Volunteers will still be available to assist in discarding any waste material into the proper bins and help you to make a positive environmental impact.
Volunteer Support
It takes a village to create a Festival – from our local vendors, sponsors, donors, and folkies to all the hardworking volunteers.
As you may know, we are still in need of volunteers so if you can, please consider supporting the Festival by signing up and donating your time to help us create the Festival experience this year. You’ll receive your entry into the Festival and meals over the weekend among other things and get to make a whole bunch of new friends!
The Winnipeg Folk Festival was built by volunteers and over the past 49 years, they have always come together to do what was needed and this year is no different. Our volunteers are a crucial part in what makes this Festival a magical and enjoyable experience, and we’d love to have you join us if you are willing.
It’s been a long three years – and a particularly tough spring for us all! So, when we all return home from July 7-10, we may need to ask for a bit of your patience as we (finally) present the 47th edition of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. We are excited to take this journey with you – this Festival was created by this kind and compassionate community, and we look forward to bringing us all back together for an incredible four days of music.
See you in July!
