The rumours are true, The Winnipeg Folk Fest is one of the best folk festivals in the country. And when we say folk fest we don’t mean sit on a blanket in the park type of folk fest, we mean dance areas, beer gardens and a loose definition of folk as a genre, which means there is a fun dance party at the more intimate stages and at the main stage every day and night. Not only does this go on for four whole days featuring music, camping, arts and delicious food, but the festival boasts a strong representation of Winnipeg making it the best festival of the year to travel to Manitoba for. Don’t believe us? Check out the video from last year’s festival below.

Last year this festival brought 75 bands and artists from 11 different countries to perform including Ryan Adams, Sam Roberts Band and The Head And The Heart. This year’s line-up will be announced in March so stay tuned as there are sure to be some bands and singer/songwriters you won’t want to miss.

Photo: Travis Ross Photo: Buio Assis

Best of all, this festival takes place just outside of Winnipeg so most people stay for the weekend. And you know what that means? A tent city that creates a completely different vibe than any folk fest you have been to in an urban setting. The campgrounds have after-hour parties and pre-festival group jams in the morning sun with the beautiful prairie sky as the backdrop.

Photo: Chris Bakon Photo: Jenn Kostesky Photo: Chris Bakon

Everything You Need To Know To Go

When is it:

The Winnipeg Folk Fest is back this summer, July 6-9, 2017.

How much does it cost:

Early bird festival passes with festival camping cost CA$274.00 each. If that is too much for you, there are options without camping or one-day passes. Check it out here.

How to get tickets:

Early bird tickets are on sale now at winnipegfolkfestival.ca.

How to get there:

The festival is located in Birds Hill Provincial Park, 35 minutes northeast of Winnipeg. For those without a vehicle, the Winnipeg Folk Fest organizes a Folk Fest Express buses to Birds Hill Park from a few different pickup locations in downtown Winnipeg. Find out more information here.

Who to see:

The 2017 Winnipeg Folk Fest performers will be announced in March! Stay tuned.

Where to stay:

The festival campground is the place to be if you want to experience the Winnipeg Folk Fest to its full potential. Bring a tent, some sunscreen and a big group of friends and get ready to have some fun as this campsite is like another city that pops up for four days.