By Elke Porter | WBN News Kitsilano | July 14, 2025
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If you've been to Jericho or Spanish Banks lately, you might have seen the tents being set up everywhere. This massive preparation is to welcome the 48th Vancouver Folk Music Festival, happening July 18-20, 2025, at ʔəy̓alməxʷ/Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park. Experience global sounds, homegrown stars, and three days of music by the beach at this ultimate summer weekend escape — where musical borders dissolve and the beach becomes the backdrop for the best in contemporary folk music.

Star-Studded Lineup

The festival features 32 performances and 12 collaborative artist workshops across three days. Highlights include Bab L' Bluz, Elisapie, The Heavy Heavy, The Milk Carton Kids, Ocie Elliott, Ruthie Foster and Watchhouse. Other notable performers include Speeding West (a bi-coastal quartet melding country, rockabilly, and jazz), Sue Foley (renowned for intricate acoustic guitar picking), Montreal-based Japanese psych-rock group TEKE::TEKE, Scotland's Shooglenifty (revitalizing Scottish folk with Celtic tunes and electronic beats), and the pan-European Rumbaristas mixing Latin-American rumba with Balkan melodies. It's a chance to reconnect with artists you know and love, and discover fresh sounds that might just become your new favorites.

Ticket Information

Weekend passes are priced at $250 for adults, with discounts for seniors ($220), students and youth ($165). Single-day tickets and Saturday/Sunday evening tickets are also available. Youth under 13 receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased at https://thefestival.tickit.ca/events/26801. Annual membership in the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society is only $35, allowing you to vote at the Annual General Meeting and support the festival's future.

Festival Experience

More than just a music festival, VFMF is a community celebration filled with dancing, storytelling, food, artisan markets, and the stunning natural beauty of the beachside location. The Artisan Market & Community Village creates a social hub, while the Little Folks Village caters to families. Various food and drink options are available throughout the grounds.

Important note: You must bring your own water bottle to the site - no single-use cups or bottles will be available for purchase. For evening Main Stage performances, you can enjoy the music dancing, standing, sitting, or reclining on blankets, or lounging in low chairs (maximum 28 inches high including legs up to 4 inches).

Beach Access and Setup

The extensive tent setup you're seeing will transform Jericho Beach into a musical wonderland. While the beach will be partially occupied by festival infrastructure, organizers work to maintain some public access areas. The setup typically takes about a week, with teardown completed shortly after the festival ends.

What's New This Year

The 2025 edition promises to be "one of its most dynamic yet," featuring enhanced accessibility and an expanded focus on Indigenous recognition, beginning each evening with a traditional Musqueam welcome. The festival continues evolving while maintaining its reputation as Vancouver's premier seaside music celebration, blending established traditions with fresh artistic voices.

TAGS: #Vancouver Folk Fest #VFMF 2025 #Jericho Beach #Folk Music #Vancouver Events #Beach Festival #WBN News Kitsilano #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.

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