FAQs
It's your one shot at a little old-time acoustic bliss in a 21st-century life engulfed by buttons.
For one weekend a year, our city gets to pull on its tri-coloured knit caps, lock arms with the oilsands exec sitting next to you, and river dance under the moonlight for a few hours.Stephen Hunt, Calgary Herald)
When is the next Calgary Folk Music Festival?
The 2012 Festival runs July 26-29 (Thursday - Sunday).
Where is it held?
The Festival occurs on Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary, Alberta on the Bow River. The main gates are at the east side of the island at Eau Claire Market. Here's a map of the Island.
Who's playing this year?
The 2012 line up will be announced in April. We have started our Leak of the Week, announcing one festival artist each Monday.
Our 2011 line up is here.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for 2012 will go on sale April 26.
How do I volunteer?
The application for volunteering will be open March 1, 2012. See our Volunteer page for more information.
How can I become a sponsor and help the festival grow?
We have a wide range of ways that you can help the Festival . To learn more about our demographics and mutual benefits of sponsorship, download our Sponsor's Guide at the links below or visit our Supporters Page.
"Your Festival really is a magnificent event. I had an excellent time and returned to Ottawa in an inspired state!"
Chris White Artistic Director, Ottawa Folk Festival
What are your policies for disabled and senior seating and access?
We provided covered seating for disabled and seniors. If you need assistance reaching the festival site, please either arrive at the East Gate (no vehicle access) or drive to the West Gate (see map), where we will signal a golf cart to transport you to the seating area. Chairs are provided for your comfort. Patrons needing a caregiver must still purchase a ticket, but the caregiver is admitted free.
Can I bring a camera to the Festival and take photos?
Festival patrons are welcome to take amateur photos. However, it is important that you respect other audience members and the artists by using discretion while shooting and photos must be for personal use only. If an artist has requested that no photos be taken of them, security or media volunteers may alert you.
Detachable lens cameras will not be permitted onsite. All other non-professional cameras will be permitted.
Can I use video or audio recording devices?
No, due to artist copyright issues.
Can my pet dog, ferret or cat accompany me to the Festival?
No. With up to 12,000 people daily at the Festival, there just isn’t room for the little (or big) critters. Please leave them at home! Service dogs are the only exception.
How do I apply to play at the Festival?
The deadline for the 2012 festival was December 15. For more info see our guidelines
I'd like to sell my art/jewellery/etc. How do I apply?
The application process for 2012 runs Febuary 1- April 30. See the vendor information page for details.
How do I apply to be a Food Vendor?
The application process for 2012 runs Febuary 1- April 30. See the vendor information page for details.
What do you mean by "festival chairs"? Can't I bring my lawnchair to sit in?
Festival Chair is the designation we give to chairs with legs shorter than 8 inches. Basically, if you can roll a basketball under it, it's too high! We have this rule so that all patrons have an equal opportunity to view the stage without interference. We will be selling these chairs in the festival merchandise area. If you are unable to sit in a low chair due to medical concerns, we do have a covered area to the side of the stage with standard chairs. However, you will still not be permitted to bring a standard chair through the gate. They are provided for you.
May I refund my ticket?
Sorry, but tickets are non-refundable. The festival runs rain or shine, and we really mean it! Treat your tickets like CASH.
When will I know when my favorite artists are playing?
We announce our line up in early April. Scheduling of the 6 daytime stages and sessions will be available in June. Again, this site is your best bet for up to the minute details. Also, we encourage you to buy tickets not just to go see one act, but to experience a full day or weekend of music. It's what the Festival is all about!
What is a session?
The sessions are the most exciting aspect of the Festival. During the day on Saturday and Sunday, 6 side stages operate in tandem, showcasing a variety of musicians placed together with the intention of making some magic! Each stage has a particular theme or concept, such as punk folk roots, bluegrass jams, world music techno -you get the idea- and brings together a diverse group of talent for some once-in-a-lifetime performances. The hardest choice is deciding which ones to see.
Still have an unanswered question? Drop us a line at info@calgaryfolkfest.com, call (403) 233-0904, or come by our office at 414 Memorial Dr NE.
