Why Calgary Folk Fest 2025 Is One of the Best Summer Festivals in the City

Four days. Seven stages. 70+ artists. All the good vibes.

Prince’s Island Park becomes Calgary’s chillest, artsiest, music-iest hangout from July 24–27, 2025, and this year’s lineup is loaded with iconic acts, genre mashups, and up-and-coming names you’re about to start seeing everywhere.

Whether you’re a seasoned folkie or just looking for a laid-back weekend full of sunshine, music, and riverside hangs — Folk Fest 2025 is a must.


Who’s Playing?

This isn’t your grandma’s folk fest (but she’d probably still have a great time).

This year’s headliners include:

  • CAKE – Yes, that CAKE. (Short Skirt/Long Jacket is now a vibe and a TikTok trend.)

  • BADBADNOTGOOD – Cool, jazzy, experimental — basically the definition of modern alt-fusion.

  • Arrested Development – Because you deserve a little ’90s hip hop with your hummus wrap.

  • Sierra Ferrell – An absolute star-on-the-rise. Think country-folk with glitter and grit.

  • Los Lobos – Grammy-winning legends. ‘La Bamba’ and then some.

  • Steve Earle & Reckless Kelly – Americana icons with outlaw energy.

  • Ruby Waters – Raw, moody indie pop with a voice that sticks.

  • Moontricks – Banjo meets bass drops. You’ve never heard folk-tronica like this.

  • Ocie Elliott – If “music for golden hour” were a band. Ethereal, emotional, beautiful.

And that’s just a taste — the full lineup includes over 70 acts from around the globe, including artists from Congo, Quebec, California, and everywhere in between.

View Full Lineup →


Festival Vibes

What makes Folk Fest different? It’s not just concerts — it’s a whole experience.

  • 7 stages with live sets, surprise collabs, and genre-blending magic

  • Beer gardens, shaded spots, and perfect riverside lounging

  • Arts market with handmade goods, vintage, and festival finds

  • Local + global eats from curated food vendors

  • Family Zone with programming for the tiny folkies in your crew

  • Eco-forward waste-diversion programs and chill, community-first energy

There’s also a massive prize raffle with a chance to win a trip to see Oasis in London or Springsteen in Berlin. No big deal.


Don’t Sleep on This

Whether you’re dancing barefoot in the grass, discovering your new favourite artist at a side-stage set, or grabbing mini donuts between workshops — Folk Fest is Calgary summer at its best.

Tip: Tickets are cheaper if you buy before July 23 at 11:59 PM — snag yours now.


Event Details

Dates: July 24–27, 2025
Location: Prince’s Island Park
Tickets: On sale now (click here)
‍‍‍All ages welcome
Food + drink: Local vendors, licensed areas
Extras: Arts market, family zone, eco initiatives, prize raffles


TL;DR

Folk Fest is back and the lineup slaps. Come for the music, stay for the vibes.
July 24–27 @ Prince’s Island Park. We’ll see you on the grass.

Get tickets →

 

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Calgary Locale
Calgary Localehttp://calgarylocale.com
Calgary Locale curates the best of the city, from food and events to local spots worth checking out. Our team researches and updates every guide to help you make the most of life in Calgary. Have a tip or suggestion? Email us at hello@calgarylocale.com

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