The Calgary Folk Music Festival is one of Canada's flagship, trailblazing music festivals held annually since 1980 at the beautiful Prince's Island Park in Calgary, Alberta. Broad, cutting-edge programming boasts 70 artists from near and far who perform on seven stages in concerts and collaborative sessions. A genre-bending affair, it cleverly unites diverse roots, blues, funk, pop world and indie sounds from around the globe.
While on our Island village, revel in activities for the whole family, explore our handmade arts market, delight in global cuisines, participate in spoken word, comedy and dance in the Talk Tent and relax in our tree-shaded Big Rock Brewery beer garden. You can also wander with your beverage thanks to all-site licensing!
The Calgary Folk Music Festival's diverse and inclusive community comprises friends and family. Please respect your fellow folk!
Through our ongoing work with community organizations, Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA) and Sagesse, we have developed and implemented a Safer Spaces policy. We are committed to providing a harassment-free space for everyone, regardless sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, physical appearance, age, language, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, or otherwise.
Review our Safer Spaces policy.
The Festival is held in a beautiful, treed outdoor urban park that evolves into a 12,000 person daily village which includes all the amenities you require - food, beverages, water refilling stations and clean port-a-potties. Seating is on the grass on your own blankets and short chairs. Folks stake their claim in the mainstage field when they arrive and use that as their home base. From there, they wander to the seven different stages, family zone and Talk Tent to enjoy programming and activities. Seating, standing and dancing is flexible at all the stages. And there’s plenty of shade and areas on the site to relax and take a break!
Upon entering the site, you’re given a wristband, so feel free come and go.
Come as you are! The festival can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, but the most important thing to bring is a friend! Some folkies come prepared with all kinds of goodies, others simply show up. Boots, birks or barefoot, all are welcome at the gates!
Here's some optional items for those who want to get a little extra out of their Folk Fest experience.
Festival patrons are encouraged to take cellular devices, point-and-shoot, film and instant film photos throughout the event. Be sure to tag us at your leisure! However, attendees are asked to leave DSLR, mirrorless, zoom lenses and any full-frame or crop sensor digital cameras at home.
As per the ticketing agreement, only approved photographers and videographers are permitted to take professional quality images. The Festival reserves the right to determine what photography and photographs are deemed professional, and may ask you to remove your photos from any public-facing social media platforms, websites and publications at our discretion.
The Calgary Folk Music Festival volunteer photo and video team will be working hard all weekend long capturing the event. Check out our Flickr page, and follow us across all social channels @calgaryfolkfest.
CFMF boasts one of Calgary’s most dynamic food vendor markets meeting the full spectrum of dietary considerations. Plus, you’re more than welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the island! Outside alcohol is not permitted, worry not! CFMF is a fully licensed festival across the grounds, and patrons who are 18+ (ID required) can purchase a variety of alcoholic beverages from both Big Rock Bar areas, as well as the Eau Claire Distillery Outpost.
Patrons are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, with free water stations throughout the island! Stay hydrated, folkies.
Prince’s Island Park is in the downtown core, just north of the former site of Eau Claire Market, with lots of parking lots available in the area. Be sure to check the City of Calgary parking guide for updates.
The Calgary Folk Music Festival boasts an expansive bike parking area on Prince's Island Park, across the Jaipur Bridge and to the East. You can't miss it! Bike down the Bow River pathway and lock up with ease.
Located off the Bow River pathway and linked by three bridges to Eau Claire and downtown Calgary plus a north bridge to Memorial Drive, you can hoof it to the fest from just about anywhere.
The nearest bus stop to Prince's Island Park is Eb 2 Av SW @ 3 St SW - a 7 min walk to Prince’s Island. The nearest light rail station to Prince's Island Park in Calgary is Nb Sunnyside C-train Station. Prince’s Island Park is 12 min walk away.
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320 4 Ave SW
From
$171 - $181
Stretch out in their beautifully designed guest rooms, featuring thoughtful amenities and the famous Westin Heavenly Bed. It’s downtown, right by Prince’s Island Park and downtown river pathways. It’s a pet friendly hotel with an indoor pool, fitness centre and features the Essence restaurant and Keg Steakhouse.
Book now635 Confluence Way S.E.
From
$179 - $199
Alt Hotel Calgary East Village is located just steps from the Bow River and all of the area’s amenities and attractions, including Prince’s Island Park. It features boldly designed rooms in a state-of-the-art structure, outfitted with eco-friendly technologies. Free wifi, a 24-hour gym and the Chix Egg Shop are other features. Take in the energy of a completely revitalized neighbourhood, just minutes from downtown.
Book now610 4 Ave SW
From
$179 - $229
A short walk to Prince’s Island Park, discover your urban sanctuary in this spacious and fully stocked All Suite hotel in their rooms and suites, offering a relaxed retreat for family and corporate travelers in search of an extended stay experience. All rooms feature fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal, along with free wi-fi, TOTO® Washlets, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, coffee machines and our signature triple-sheeted beds. These high-quality amenities are signature features of APA Hotel in Japan and unique to APA’s urban-style hotel concept. They have pet-friendly versions of all room types!
Book now525 5 Ave. SW
From
$159
Their sleek, contemporary design reflects the new modern Courtyard style, setting the stage for an exceptional stay. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Calgary's downtown, mere moments from Eau Claire Market and the serene Prince's Island Park, they offer a sleek, contemporary design in an unparalleled location. Step into our expansive fitness centre, where a wealth of cardio and fitness equipment, along with free weights, await to invigorate your wellness journey.
Use the booking link below or call Marriott reservations 1-800-321-2211 or 403-300-6650 on or before July 10 and identify yourself as part of the Calgary Folk Music Festival - Patrons Room Block staying at Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown at 525 5th Avenue SW.