Get Ready for the Calgary Folk Fest 2025

Get Ready for the Calgary Folk Fest 2025

It’s that time of year again—Calgary Folk Music Festival is returning to Prince’s Island Park from July 24–27, 2025. If you’ve ever attended a rock festival like Coachella, you know the high-energy atmosphere can be thrilling but also exhausting—dense crowds, heat, and long lines. Folk fests, however, offer similar excitement in a more relaxed setting: think picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and sharing a cool breeze as soulful melodies fill the air. Calgary Folk Fest delivers just that—an inclusive, four-day celebration of music and community where discovery is the main attraction.

A Festival That Embraces Discovery and Connection

Rather than headlining superstars only, Calgary Folk Fest brings together over 70 artists on multiple stages, spanning everything from folk to funk, global rhythms to fresh hip-hop. Rooted in a spirit of collaboration, artists frequently join one another for spontaneous on-stage jams—moments that turn first-time discoveries into lifelong favorites. Beyond the music, you’ll find food vendors serving local eats, an arts and crafts market, a dedicated family zone, and communal spaces where festivalgoers of all ages can connect.

Calgary Folk Fest 2025 Lineup Highlights

This year’s roster is packed with both international acts and notable Alberta talent. Here are a few performances you won’t want to miss:

• BADBADNOTGOOD (July 25): Known for their genre-bending jazz, hip-hop, and soul fusion, this Toronto trio will bring instrumental flair to the ATB Main Stage
• CAKE (July 27): The California rockers return with their signature sardonic lyrics and eclectic sound—expect horn-laced arrangements and anthems like “The Distance.”
• Los Lobos (July 26): This Grammy-winning band will merge chicano rock, Tex-Mex, and traditional Latin sounds in a high-energy set that bridges generations.
• Michael Kiwanuka (July 24): The British soul singer-songwriter, acclaimed for his warm vocals and introspective folk-inspired tunes, takes the spotlight on opening night.
• Sierra Ferrell (July 24): Blending bluegrass, country, and jazz, Ferrell’s soaring voice and vibrant stage presence make her a standout on the ATB Main Stage.
• Steve Earle & Reckless Kelly (July 26): Expect gritty Americana from Earle paired with Reckless Kelly’s Texas-infused rock—an authentic roots-music experience.
• Patrick Watson (July 25): This Montreal-based singer-songwriter delivers atmospheric indie-folk works that captivate audiences with profound lyricism and lush arrangements.
• Ruby Waters (July 25): The Nova Scotian pop-folk artist brings heartfelt songwriting and soulful vocals to the National Stage.

Locals also shine in 2025’s lineup. Alberta artists like Aladean Kheroufi, Cedric Lightning, the Dust Collectors, and Katie Tupper spotlight the province’s diverse musical roots. Whether you’re a folk purist or eager to explore new sounds, Calgary Folk Fest’s inclusive programming ensures every corner of Prince’s Island Park is alive with discovery.

Why Calgary Folk Fest is Unlike Any Other

Folk fests offer more than scheduled concerts. Expect “song circles,” where artists and attendees gather informally under trees for surprise collaborations and singalongs. Family Zone areas feature interactive workshops—think instrument demos, children’s storytelling, and craft stations—making the festival as kid-friendly as it is adult-enriching. Food trucks from across Calgary serve everything from farm-to-table vegetarian tacos to Korean-Mexican fusion delights, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

The atmosphere at Festival Hall is equally vibrant. Here, you’ll find late-night “folk-fever” sessions—impromptu gatherings where artists and fans swap songs until the early hours. And if you want to take a memento home, the Arts Market offers handcrafted goods from local artisans: pottery, jewelry, apparel, and more.

Your Comfortable Basecamp: Best Western Premier Freeport Inn Calgary Airport

Heading to Folk Fest means planning more than just a playlist—you’ll want a comfortable place to rest after long days in the sun. Booking a room at Best Western Premier Freeport Inn Calgary Airport puts you mere minutes from Prince’s Island Park. You’ll avoid downtown parking headaches and morning rush-hour delays. After the final act, return to spacious rooms with premium bedding, unwind in the indoor pool or hot tub, and wake up refreshed to grab coffee before heading back to the festival grounds.

As one of Calgary’s most convenient Calgary airport hotels, we also offer:

• 24-hour complimentary shuttle service—perfect for catching a quick ride to Folk Fest or returning after late-night song circles.
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi—so you can map out your schedule and connect with friends.
• On-site Liberty Resto-Lounge—grab a bite of pub-style comfort food before you head out for the day.
• Complimentary parking—ideal if you’re driving in from elsewhere.

How to Make the Most of Your Festival Weekend

1. Plan Your Schedule Early: Download the official Calgary Folk Fest app to build your custom itinerary—artists often play overlapping sets, so decide in advance which stages matter most.
2. Pack Smart: Bring a reusable water bottle (free refill stations are scattered throughout Prince’s Island Park), a sun hat, and sunscreen. Evenings can be cool—pack a light sweater for late-night jams.
3. Arrive Before Doors Open: Gates open at 4 p.m. each day. Arriving early lets you stake out prime lawn or bench seating spots and sample food trucks without lines.
4. Explore Family Zone: If you have little ones (or just love interactive workshops), budget time for the Family Zone. It’s open late afternoon into early evening, with crafts, instrument demos, and kid-friendly performances.
5. Stay Hydrated and Snack Up: Calgary’s July heat can surprise you. Between sips of water, try local vendors’ chilled lemonades or iced teas to stay refreshed.

Book Now and Secure Your Spot

With a lineup this compelling, Calgary Folk Fest 2025 will sell out quickly. Early-bird weekend passes and single-day tickets are available now—grab yours on the official Calgary Folk Music Festival site.

And don’t forget to reserve your room at Best Western Premier Freeport Inn Calgary Airport. Our central location, modern amenities, and shuttle service make us the ideal home base for your Folk Fest adventure. Book today to secure the best rates and ensure you don’t miss a single note of one of Canada’s flagship folk celebrations.

See you at Prince’s Island Park this July. Get ready to discover, connect, and make memories at Calgary Folk Fest 2025!