If you ended up missing the Vancouver Folk Festival this past weekend, let us be the ones to tell you that you NEED to lock in the ultimate summer weekend in your calendar now for 2026!
I know your summer is probably already feeling busy, so if you ended up missing the Vancouver Folk Festival this past weekend, let us be the ones to tell you that you NEED to lock it into your calendar now for 2026!
This past weekend, Outlet Vancouver hit the festival grounds for the 48th Annual Vancouver Folk Festival at Jericho Beach Park to enjoy the beloved three-day celebration once again brought together music lovers, families, and free spirits. With tons of artists from around the world, a laid-back crowd, stunning natural scenery, and some of the best festival eats and artisinal shops in town, the vibes were nothing short of magical.
Unlike the chaos and crowds you might find at larger music festivals, the Vancouver Folk Fest is a breath of fresh air. Literally. Nestled between the ocean and the mountains, Jericho Beach Park provides a breezy, beautiful setting that feels more like a weekend picnic with friends than a music event. Attendees sprawled out across the grass on blankets or reclined in low-back chairs, chatting, snacking, and soaking in the sounds.
The festival grounds invite you to slow down and just enjoy the moment. You could wander from one stage to the next at your own pace. It’s peaceful, it’s welcoming, and most importantly - it’s fun.
We also recommend biking to the festival is you can! They had free bike parking available but of course, regular parking was limited.
Of course, the live music is the main draw and it did not disappoint. The lineup this year was diverse and global. Whether you came for well-known headliners or to discover new talent, each performance felt like its own little discovery.
But what really makes Folk Fest special is everything in between. A bustling artisan marketplace offered locally-made goods, from handcrafted jewelry to boho fashion and festival art. There was a thoughtful blend of diverse vendors, global crafts, and sustainable goods to browse between sets.
Another highlight? The food trucks. This year’s selection was top-tier, featuring local favourites that any Vancouverite would recognize. Vegan, gluten-free, or carnivore - there was something for every kind of craving. You could grab a fresh scoop of ice cream, a fancy plant based health bowl, or a gourmet grilled cheese and lemonade and head right back to your spot in the sun.
And if the music wasn’t enough of a treat, the beach views were. There were even people just outside of the festival grounds relaxing on the beach and enjoying the faint music in the background. With the sun setting behind the mountains and sailboats drifting by, Jericho Beach gave festival-goers front-row seats to some of the most beautiful scenery Vancouver has to offer.
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a community-driven, soul-soothing, genre-bending event that captures the essence of summer on the West Coast. It’s inclusive, inspiring, and full of heart. Whether you're a folk music fanatic or not, the experience is unforgettable.
If you missed it this year, make it a priority next summer. This is one Vancouver tradition you’ll want to be a part of.
Find more information on this festival HERE.
Are you going to check it our next year after reading this review? Join the conversation on social media @OutletVancouver!
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