We know many of you have been waiting with hopeful hearts and clean hands to hear if the Calgary Folk Music Festival will go ahead as planned this summer, July 23 - 26, 2020. The pandemic paused the presentation of the live music that fuels our diverse community. So, with heavy hearts, we need to share that we have to cancel the 41st annual Festival on Prince's Island Park due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19. We know it is tough news for our folk family. We care deeply about our community and everyone’s health, safety and well being. We support all public health efforts to return to normal and to be able to safely gather again.

We are grateful to our huge, beautiful community and entire ecosystem: The audience, sponsors, donors and funders, creative artists, our large, dedicated volunteer core, suppliers and local businesses, food vendors and artisans.

For 41 years, the Calgary Folk Music Festival has been Calgary’s live music and cultural soul; a vital summer soundtrack for our city and visitors. 53,000 people come together every summer to be part of the inspiring and unique folk community at Prince’s Island Park to sing, dance, laugh and revel in magical concerts and collaborations by icons and upstarts from around the corner and the globe.

While the summer festival is our marquee event, we are a year-round organization that is committed to bringing audiences and artists together to create exceptional cultural experiences as soon as we are able.

We know it’s a challenging time for many folks. As a charitable arts organization in these uncertain times, we want to offer our sincere gratitude for your ongoing support of the Calgary Folk Music Festival.

If you have already purchased a ticket for the 2020 festival, you may request a full refund, or if you are in the position to do so, you may choose to donate your ticket to Calgary Folk Music Festival. The refund/donation form is now closed but you can email hello@calgaryfolkfest.com if you have questions or concerns.

In the meantime, stay connected with us through our social media channels and website. We’re working on exciting digital programming for you to enjoy in the coming months and are exploring ways to engage our audience over the next year. Most of all, we look forward to sharing a joyful festival on our beloved Prince's Island home in July 2021.

— The staff and board of the Calgary Folk Music Festival.

--

FAQs

What happens to my ticket?

If you have already purchased a ticket for the 2020 festival, you may request a full refund, or if you are in the position to do so, you may choose to donate your ticket to Calgary Folk Music Festival. We will provide a charitable tax receipt for your generous contribution.

If you are not in the position to donate the full amount but do still want to offer support, you can make a donation here.

We know that many of you have reached out about deferring your ticket to 2021, and we sincerely appreciate your care and effort. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold your ticket for 2021 at this time.

The form is now closed but you can email hello@calgaryfolkfest.com with questions or concerns. This situation is unprecedented, and due to the volume of anticipated responses, please allow us 30 days from submission to complete your request. If you do not respond, your ticket will be automatically refunded to you once the form closes.

What happens to the lineup?

Many of the artists booked at the 2020 festival will perform instead at the 2021 festival. We hope to be able to let you know very soon if the seven already announced 2020 artists will join us in July 2021.

I’m a volunteer! What do I do?

Existing volunteers have been notified about the 2020 CFMF via the volunteer newsletter. We will continue to send intermittent newsletters that will include general information and updates. All newsletters are available on our volunteer page here.

We will also continue to post general information, community resources and updates via our @CFMFvolunteers Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

We will reach out to all volunteers in 2021 with volunteer program updates and opportunities. Crew placements will be held over from the 2019 Festival.

If you have any specific questions, you can email the Volunteer Services Department at vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com.

How can I help support the Calgary Folk Music Festival?

Calgary Folk Music Festival is a non-profit, charitable arts organization. We need your support to bring music back to Prince’s Island in 2021. Please make a contribution if you are able.

What about my raffle ticket?

We will still hold the draw as scheduled on June 18. The winner will be announced on our website and on socials.

As to the prizes pertaining to the Calgary Folk Fest - Golden Tarp, 4 nights at the Westin hotel and 2 guest badges with elevated access — the winner will be able to redeem this portion of the prize package for our 2021 festival.

The additional prizes as part of the package will be available to the winner this year:

Luna Blue $50 gift certificate

Cheese for a Year from Springbank Cheese Co Marda Loop

Silk Road Spice Merchant $50 In-Store Gift Card and Best Sellers Gift Set ($44.99 value)

2 x Resonance Circle memberships from NMC ($1000 value)

Big Rock gift pack

Golden Festival experience (to be redeemed 2021) - 2 x guest badges to CFMF, 4 x nights at the Westin, Golden Tarp

TBD: Swizzlesticks 2 x Moroccan massages

TBD: Dinner and bubbly for 4 at Gorilla Whale

All other inquiries

If you are a vendor and have questions regarding your application and samples, please reach out to vendors@calgaryfolkfest.com

If you are a volunteer and have questions for our Volunteer Services team, please reach out to vsupport@calgaryfolkfest.com

If you have an upcoming rental at Festival Hall, or are inquiring about renting the space, please reach out to our Hall Rentals Manager at jordan@calgaryfolkfest.com

If you have received a donation with tickets for the 2020 Festival, or have received tickets through a charitable event or auction, please email chelsea@calgaryfolkfest.com