What’s New in 2022 – Edmonton Folk Music Festival August 10 – 13, 2023

• Nikamowin (nee-gah-mow-in) in Cree means “song”. This year the Edmonton Folk Music Festival came together with the Edmonton’s Indigenous Arts Community to present First Nations, Metis and Inuit Artists. EFMF acknowledges we are on Treaty 6 traditional lands, the home of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux and Metis peoples. We are committed to growing our relationship with Indigenous artists and our community. We invite you to join us as we walk this journey of reconciliation together! You’ll find Nikawomin artists throughout the festival site, with gathering places in the Family Area and to the East of Main Stage.
• The festival is going cash lite – The Music and Merch tent will accept cash at dedicated cash only lines, but prefer debit or credit cards. The Beer Garden will be debit and credit card only, and Program Book and Candle sales will remain cash only. ATMs will be available on site for anyone who needs them.
• 50/50 Cash Raffle is online only – but our fabulous Raffle Crew will still be out and about to help you access ticket sales. Look for the running 50/50 total on the big screens at the festival! Our winnings include a great selection of prizes and the 50/50 cash draw. Buy your tickets now!
• All site licensing – you will still purchase your beverages in the Beer Garden, but can take it with you anywhere on site if you like. Don’t worry, we’ll still have tables and shade set up, but there will be no fences to keep you there. Anyone who appears under 25 will be asked for valid government issued photo ID prior to being served. Once verified, volunteers will secure a wristband on the patron. Identification checks will be provided at the Bar and Information Booth.
• Reduction of single use plastics – we continue to move in this direction, and this year will not have plastic bottled water or beverages available. Vendors will have aluminum water and canned beverages only. We’ll have extra water fill stations – make sure to bring your own refillable water bottle!
• Our Reusable Plate program will be on hold this year – to reduce high touch/cash transactions for everyone’s safety, we will not be offering reusable plates this year. Our vendors and our festival will be using approved compostables only. This will mean an increase in compostables on site and we ask for your help keeping things tidy – please make sure your items go in the proper collection bins.
• We are a mask friendly festival and support everyone’s choice to keep themselves and their fellow folkies safe this year. We encourage and support your decision to protect yourselves and each other by getting vaccinated with all boosters available, masking in indoor areas where distancing is not possible, washing hands and sanitizing regularly, and testing yourself at least twice during the festival days if available to you. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be available throughout the site. Please be prepared and bring your own mask and sanitizer to the festival. For more information on our health and safety guidelines and COVID-19 precautions, please visit edmontonfolkfest.org/festival-info/health-safety
• The family area will look a little different this year as well, with a hold on bouncy castles to reduce high traffic and touch points. Facepainting will be available with extra precautions.
• This year our physical swap board has been made digital with the help of Lyte! Through this platform you can safely and securely return or request tickets to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. If you want to return your tickets, take the steps on the website at edmontonfolkfest.lyte.com to set up the exchange. If you’re looking to find tickets, head to the website and fill out a request form. When and if your order is fulfilled, the tickets will be transferred into your name and your account will be charged.
• Personal Pass Pre-banding will be available at our Ticket Office (10115 97A Avenue) starting August 1. Come by from 10-5 (10-7 on Aug 2 & 3) and get your wristband put on to speed up festival entry – you must still join the general line-up for admission, however you won’t be stopped to exchange your ticket for a wristband at the gate. Wristbands must not be removed or tampered with. Lost wristbands can not be replaced

Our line up and schedule is always subject to change, and we encourage you to follow us on socials and download our app to stay up to date.

Current updates:

Unfortunately, due to an injury, Ian Noe’s upcoming performance at The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is cancelled.

Buffy Saint-Marie is unable to attend the festival this year.

William Prince will open the festival on Thursday August 4.

We are delighted to welcome Kiely Connell to the festival. A Nashville transplant with rustbelt roots, Kiely’s incomparable voice, and her poetic storytelling truly make her an Americana artist to watch.