5 Reasons to Attend the Vancouver Folk Festival (July 13 – 15, 2018)

Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2014

Image courtesy of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Tickets are still on sale for the 41st annual Vancouver Folk Festival–the city’s “Best Local Music Festival” as rated by Georgia Straight Newspaper readers (five years in a row!).

The concert takes place over three days from July 13 – 15 and draws over 30,000 enthusiastic attendees to the beautiful Jericho Beach Park. The event is a unique mix of music and culture of more than 40 international, national, and local acts.

Need even more reasons on why you should be checking out the festival? We’ve got five great ones below…

Vancouver Folk Festival 2018

Image courtesy of the Vancouver Folk Festival

The Venue

There really is no better setting than oceanfront at Jericho Beach Park. The Folk Music Festival takes over a huge grassy field right next to the beach that offers amazing views, stunning sunsets, and a sea breeze to cool you down after an energetic dancing session. There are also stages set back into the forest, so if you need some shade, you can chill out and listen to the music under a green canopy.

The location is also at the end of a great bike route along the water, so it’s a great idea to cruise to the festival on two wheels. There’s tons of bike parking available (car parking, not so much).

Vancouver Folk Festival 2018

Image courtesy of the Vancouver Folk Festival

The Vibe

Unlike a few of the other popular festivals in Vancouver and in nearby cities, Folk Fest has a much more laid-back vibe. Picture hippies swaying to the music of bongo drums, rather than teenagers frantically dancing to EDM.

Not to say that Folk Fest doesn’t get a little crazy. There’s been a few dance parties that have erupted to some of the more lively bands! But, thanks to the spread out venue and the chilled out vibe, the festival is definitely easier to take than some.

Vancouver Folk Fest 2018

Image courtesy of Boredinvancouver.com

The Market

The Artisan Market and Folk Bazaar at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival is one of the best markets in Vancouver – hands down. The market is open to the public, so you won’t have to pay for admission if you’re just interested in doing a little shopping.

Clothing, accessories (including jewellery, hats, bags, belts, guitar straps, and even magic wands!), houseware items, toys and, well, pretty much anything else you can think of can be found among the over 160 booths in this market.

folk festival vancouver

Image courtesy of Dine Out Vancouver Festival | Facebook.com

The Food

The food options at the Folk Fest are unparalleled by any other music festival! There is a huge list of participating vendors that are ready to fulfill your every craving.

There are hamburgers, dim sum, tacos, salads, bbq chicken, hippie snacks, and so much more… You definitely won’t be starved for choice at this festival!

vancouver folk festival 2018

Image courtesy of Vancouver Folk Festival

The Bands

Okay, I’ll admit it – most of the bands in the lineup for the Folk Fest I’ve never heard of before. But, that’s the beauty of festivals – there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon your new favourite band!

The variety of the music performances at the festival is outstanding – there truly is something for everyone. There are five stages spread out across the venue, so you can wander freely throughout and follow your ears to something that may be interesting.

What’s your favourite thing about the Vancouver Folk Music Festival? Let us know in the comment section below!

Vancouver Folk Music Festival Quick Details

Dates: Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 15

Times: 10am – 9pm

Location: Jericho Beach, Kitsilano

Website: www.thefestival.bc.ca

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