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Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Local Flavour Music Venues, Performing Arts, Local Flavour [Edit]
10115 97A Avenue NWEdmonton, AB T5K 2T3
(780) 429-1899
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Touristy, Casual, Intimate
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Edmonton Folk Music Festival
13 reviews in English
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Review from Brennan W.
Edmonton, AB
9/8/2011
I've seen Ray Davies, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, and The John Mayall at the folk festivals. There's nothing more to say!
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Review from Tiffany P.
Edmonton, AB
9/28/2011
I don't agree with the staking down of tarps and then leaving for the duration of the day. If your there, your there, no need for the marking of one's space.
Children in the beer gardens was a huge disappointment.
Be prepared for huge lineups everywhere in the festival for food and drink. Huge lineup to get in the beer gardens, huge line to get tickets for beer, then another line to actually get beer.
Edward Sharp was awesome. -
Review from Heather T.
8/3/2011
I grew up most of my life in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada which is known to most as festival city. Summer is a buzz with festivals celebrating food, comedy, theatre, music, cars - you name it, Edmonton has it. Despite this plethora of festivals on offer, I have been to relatively few of them which made my trip to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival my first visit ever.
Normally the festival experience starts with colours. People come down for 6 in the morning where they are alloted a number and are grouped with 25 other people. Once the numbers are allocated, one group at a time are allowed to walk (not run or god forbid, skip) down the hill and place their tarp down in front of the main stage. This is then their spot for the the rest of the day.
For me the festival didn't start until well into the evening at stage 6. This is where workshops are on throughout the day. I, being a newbie to this folk festival, was confused why they would have a workshop on a dedicated stage. Were they going to teach us to sing? Should I have brought a guitar?
I soon found out how wrong I was. Workshops are where the festival brings together different artists who are performing throughout the weekend to basically jam. So we had the pleasure of seeing the group dubbed "Talkin' About My Generation" made up of The Waifs, Patrick Watson (without the rest of his group The Wooden Arms), Lucas Chaisson and Kate Reid, take to the stage.
After sampling the festival food (the Indian food stall was supurb) and watching the latern parade, we joined our friends on the hill by the main stage to catch a bit of Calexaco. I heard them back in May at ATP in Minehead. I wasn't overly impressed by them then but maybe the indoor Butlins venue wasn't the best to hear them in. Out under the stars, their Mexican inspired spread an air of romance over the hill and more than one person in our group commented on how cute the lead singer, Joey Burns, was.
Though I only caught a part of the day, as a first experience, I can see why this is such a popular festival. I'll be back tomorrow to catch the wonderful Sarah Harmer who I've been listening to for the past 9 years or so. Now that I've stuck my toe in, there's no going back. -
Review from Jacqueline S.
Edmonton, AB
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Edmonton Folk Fest is almost certainly the best deal in town for live music. The cost of a 4-day weekend pass (transferable or not) is on par with the price of a decent seat at a concert at Rexall. Add to that a consistently fantastic festival, and this is a music lover on a budget's dream come true.
Great music, great food, great atmosphere. Have a complaint or comment? The organizers encourage feedback and then actually do something about it! Plus the EFMF is far more environmentally friendly than some other big music festivals. Reusable plates and water bottles encouraged! -
Review from Jessie D.
7/9/2011
I went to this festival in 2009 before I was even into folk music at all, and I had a great time. I actually didn't have tickets ahead of time and they were completely sold out, so two people that were leaving slipped us their wristbands!
There is an artist for everyone here. Lots of strangeness, but that's what made it so great. There were also several tents selling handcrafted goods/art. Lots of food booths. Tons of friendly people, helpful volunteers, etc. Seating is basically up on a hill, so I would suggest bringing a blanket to sit on.
My favorite part was at the end of the night when everyone lit candles. So cool. Go with friends for the whole festival and you will have a great time, even if Folk music isn't your thing! -
Review from Aditya R.
When I was planning on moving here, I wondered what Edmonton would be like. Then someone told me that E-town's got a really awesome folk festival. Of course, a Kevin Smith fan mentioned how awesome a tradition the Oilers had. Then there was this off-comment from a friend who was obsessed with the girl from Lost and who knew that she's apparently from Sherwood Park. Of course, while driving across the Montana-BC border, the immigration officers assumed I was moving to Edmonton because I loved shopping and big malls.
I guess I like a bit of everything, but the folk festival for me is really something that's so non-stereotypical of the notion of Alberta or Edmonton that me, as a former outsider had. There's something about throwing your body against a sharp incline on the hill and watching some really talented musicians belting their best of the best. I'm not particularly into folk music, like collecting CDs and what not, but like most people in the crowd, I love some awesome live music. When it's live, I'm not that picky!
I went once this year and it was on Friday. Got a couple of the smaller stage acts. Could arrive only past six p.m. since I was working through the day. The music is great and goes so well with the warm weather and the beautiful sights of downtown Edmonton and the river valley. I had the opportunity to listen to Noah and the Whale, Taj Mahal Trio and Lissie. They were all wonderful. Noah+Whale were very professional with their Belle & Sebastian style. I however enjoyed the music of Lissie quite a bit. Very earthy and from what I can tell prairie bound, country-inspired music. The best though was the Taj Mahal trio. It's an odd name, but I've heard of them in the context of Folk festivals quite a few times. They started off with some awesome bluesy blues and towards the end, climbed up the Appalachians towards some terrific, homely blue-grass music. An experienced lot who really knew what they were doing!
The festival food is soo good. I wish all those stalls would open up at the SUB on campus. That would be terrific. Who needs Subway, anyway? Lovely festival; even if you're not into folk festivals please do yourself a favor and attend it once at least. Beware of mosquitoes and dragonflies.Listed in: Yelpathon
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Review from Stephie L.
Edmonton, AB
3/9/2011
Do you like music? DO you listen to music? Do you like live music? Do you like hot dogs and coffee? This is the place for you.
I am a huge fan of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. It always gives me a warm feeling to have everyone gather around and camp themselves on a spot at river valley ski hill just to listen to the many artists that have travelled from far and wide to come here every summer for this event to play for us.
Everyone at the folk festival is always so friendly, so warm, and so welcoming. There are different stages but I usually plant myself right smack up top in the middle of the hill in front of the main stage. There are different food stands and coffee and drink stands as well at the bottom for you to visit and I believe I remember a couple souvenier stands.
At night, is when this place really comes alive. One of the most beautiful things i've ever witness was when Loreena Mckinnet was here for an evening and everyone on the hill had brought out their cell phones and their lighters and were swaying back and forth and dancing to the music. It's a fun and great time in the morning but also a magical time in the evening.
I'd go every summer if I could, but the tickets sell out real quick. -
Review from Francesca K.
Edmonton, AB
4/15/2010
The Folk Fest is an annual summer festival that boasts good music and good times. My family has been going since I was in the womb and it has always lived up to its reputation.
This festival features artists young and old, known and obscure, folky and indie. The tickets can be a little pricey, but it is well worth it!
The food at the folk fest is also awesome. My personal favourite is the elephant ears - deep fried dough covered in Cinnamon and sugar that are the size of an elephants ears. Besides the sweets, they also have other festival favourites like BBQ, green onion cakes, pizza etc. Beer gardens are also open so you can enjoy yourself some ice cold beer.
The Folk Fest is an Edmonton favourite. Be sure not to miss this years festival! -
Review from Linda S.
Despite the lack of shade, the lack of seating in the Beer Tent (it's usually pretty crowded), and the occasional mudfest should the weather be rainy, this is by far the best long weekend event of the year in Edmonton. The volunteers, the performers, the artists in the crafts tent, the board, and the audience all know it -- this is a world-class event.
Yes, you have to either take the bus or ride your bike or get someone to drive you there. Yes, you have to buy your tickets on June 1st at 10am or risk not getting them. Yes, the food and water can be over-priced (so bring your own!). Yes, there's hardly any shade.
The ski hill is a natural amphitheatre, the organization of the festival is top-notch, the mood/culture of those who attend is kind, responsible, kid-friendly, trustworthy, fun, and just darned wonderful. If you live in Edmonton, if you have ever lived in Edmonton, you will see many people you know at the Festival. It's like a reunion -- plus, you'll make new friends, too, if only your tarp neighbours.
Tip for getting a tarp location of your choice on the weekend: show up at 7am sharp (not early!) in order to get your coloured/numbered slip of paper (which also has an artist's name) and group up with friends in order to get the largest number and most diverse group of slips so that when one of the colours/artists gets called out as the first group of 25 people who gets to line up, you or your group representative (hopefully with long legs for the speed walking - no running!) gets to line up early/close to the front of the line. Doesn't make sense? Just show up at 7am with a bunch of friends who are going. If you don't know anyone else who's going, maybe go anyhow and make friends in the corral (that's where you wait from 7am to 7:30am while the colours get handed out) and see if they'll group up with you. Don't bring your dog -- it gets crowded in the corral. You can leave after 7:30am and return anytime, so long as you have some way of contacting the long-legged person who placed your tarp. What did we do before cell phones? *smile*
There's a Safeway in Bonnie Doon -- you can pick up food and beverages (in plastic containers only) there should you wish.
Bring lots of sunscreen, reapply it often over all exposed skin! Wear a long-sleeved shirt, wear a hat. Bring layers to put on over your base layer in the evening, because it gets really cold. Some folks wear toques, really. Bring a book or a craft. Bring a comfy chair that isn't high -- look at the website that will give you guidelines re: how tall a chair can be. If you're part of a big family, bring a tent and set it up at the top of the hill -- there's a great culture of tent-dwellers at the Folk Fest and they all lookout for each other. Your kids can nap while you continue to watch the performances, plus there's a tonne of room (well, relatively) up there. Expect to be crowded if you prefer your tarp location to be close to the main stage.
Buy at least one raffle ticket.
Volunteer at least one year -- the folks who volunteer are *so* much fun, plus they get to go to the nightly parties that happen when the folk fest ends -- which is where the performers go to keep on playing ... plus, you get your meals for free and usually a pretty cool t-shirt.
Bring two tarps at the approved size (see the website!) -- wrap the top one's edge under the bottom one when hammering in your tent pegs -- use it to cover your possessions to keep them safe from a sudden downpour, or yourself, should you be on the tarp. I remember a great afternoon concert by Blue Rodeo when it was raining HARD and there were about ten of us puppy piling under a tarp.
Bring a flag and a ski pole -- attach the flag (or very visible object of your choice) to said ski pole -- and plant it beside your tarp. This is how you find your tarp, and what you tell your friends to look for when they're trying to find your tarp.
And finally, be prepared to get really tired if you attend the whole thing. I usually take the following Monday off from work; I'm lucky to be able to do so. Have fun! -
Review from Paula K.
10/24/2008
I have only been to the Folk Festival once, but an longing to go again. Four days of folk and World music is enough to get this music fan excited. I remember bouncing back and forth between the various stages, watching different performers in a variety of styles. I munched on a veggie hot dog and checked out the handmade crafts for sale. I walked all the way to the top of the hill and looked out at the sea of people and tarps. The vibe is really peaceful and full of community.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
10/23/2008 1 photo
When I first moved to Edmonton, the Folk Fest was the first of Edmonton's big summer events I attended. I was so impressed! For four days the community came together to sit on a hill, rain or shine, eat kettle popcorn and green onion cakes, and take in some of the best folk music in the world. It's an event for the young and old, a blue tarp oasis of hat-capped heads, umbrellas and smiles. Even those who chose to imbibe in spirits drink responsibly. It's chill event and makes for one of the laziest and most satisfying weekends of the year. In fact, whether or not you like the performance line-up a weekend pass is worth it. And they sell out fast - months before the actual event. So buy early.
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Review from Sara M.
Edmonton, AB
8/14/2009 1 photo
I attended Edmonton Folkfest this year for the first time as well and I was really impressed. I didn't realize how many different stages and acts there would actually be. The best part of folkfest though is not the music, it is the vibe... Everyone is relaxed and happy to be there, not like at other music festivals where the crowd can be restless, anxious and sometimes angry. I really enjoyed the community atmosphere and couldn't believe how many kids were there having a great time. The organization is excellent. The only drawback is it is a little tough to get there since you can't park anywhere near the park.
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Review from Robin S.
Edmonton, AB
10/27/2008
This year was my first time attending the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and I was blown away by how much it actually lives up to its considerable hype. Located outdoors on the Edmonton Ski Club hill, the Folk Fest entertains thousands of music fans of all ages & walks of life (although a good portion were of the fishing-hat and sandals weekend hippie variety). The main stage dominated the evenings, presenting acts like Chris Isaak and Hawksley Workman, while a number of smaller stages showcase "workshops" throughout the daytime - these are where you get to see a few different artists brought together on the same stage under a theme and anything can happen, from simple tradeoffs from song to song to serious jamming and banter between the players. These feel really intimate and offer a good opportunity to check out a number of different artists. The Folk Fest isn't strictly for folk music persay. As mentioned above, there are artists who play pop and soul music, as well as country artists, bluegrass musicians, and rock 'n roll bands. If you're bringing kids, there's a large supervised play area packed with bouncy castles and the like, as well as a children's stage. For all your merchandise needs, there's a huge tent where all the artists' product can be picked up. There is also a craft tent and a ton of food booths, selling everything from tacos on fresh corn tortillas to green onion cakes to kebabs. There are a couple of city buses that stop near the hill, but I took the special chartered bus, which left fairly often from outside the Butterdome and dropped festival-goers off at the bottom of the hill. Your ETS transfer won't work; you'll be expected to shell out another $2.50. I learned this the hard way. Since this is a total hippie fest, it differs from other events of this nature in that you're actually allowed to bring in your own water and snacks, thus saving you from being price-gouged by the merchants on site. Folk Fest is definitely worth checking out, even if you're a skeptic like I was in the beginning. Even among the artists, it's got a reputation as one of the best festivals in Canada. But please, take my advice: bring sunscreen. Lots and lots and lots of sunscreen, because every sliver of shade disappears after about 11 a.m. And a hat, and sunglasses.
Listed in: Festival City
