The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (VFMF) has returned to Jericho Beach Friday for its 48th year.
This year, the festival boasts three separate stages, featuring 32 performances and 12 artist workshops.
Artistic Director Fiona Black says it’s a chance to build community during challenging times.
“I think it’s a real touchstone. For a lot of Vancouverites, it’s part of our identity. You go there to see friends that you haven’t seen maybe for almost a year. It’s a comfort. It’s just needed in today’s world,” said Black.
She says it’s not a festival of massive headliners but rather a place to discover new artists.
“We’re never going to be Coachella. We are of the people. I’m really proud of the quality of artists that we’re able to get, and the talent in the world that want to come to our festival. We’ve been around long enough that we’ve developed a great reputation, and there’s no more beautiful site than Jericho Beach Park.”
In 2023, the VFMF was temporarily cancelled due to rising costs associated with putting it on. The festival returned after a fundraising drive and a grant from the provincial government.
Black says rising costs continue to put a strain on the event but says the festival is still thriving.
“Even in these really incredibly weird and challenging economic times that we’re in right now. We never know when another tariff will be slapped on us. But we have a really good team. This is my third edition. I feel like I’m getting stronger and getting to know the festival better and better every year.”
Gates open to the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Performances continue from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
A complete lineup can be found on the festival’s website.
