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The Vancouver Folk Music Festival has unveiled its 2026 line-up, with a mix of iconic veteran acts (the U.K.’s Billy Bragg), international breakout artists (Australia’s Hazlett) and local stalwarts (Paul Pigat’s Cousin Harley) headed to Jericho Beach from July 17-19.
If there’s a theme to this year’s lineup, it’s that folk is a term that contains multitudes. Bragg—who breathed new punkish life into the genre in the ’80s with songs like “Waiting for the Great Leap Forward”—will be joined by Brazilian funk/hip-hop/soul mashup artist Bia Ferreira, whose politically charged songs tackle homophobia and racism while also uplifting progressive voices.
Video of Bia Ferreira – A Conta Vai Chegar (Clipe Oficial)
International artists also making the pilgrimage to one of Vancouver’s longest-running festivals include Joshua Burnside (North Ireland), Maruja Limón (Spain), Sauljaljui (Taiwan), Sahra Halgan (Africa), Brìghde Chaimbeul (Scotland), Tina Dico (Denmark), and Yagody (Ukraine).
Proving that not everyone Stateside is a MAGA hat-wearing, intolerant, transphobic warmonger, standout American artists start with gothic Americana storyteller Anna Tivel and alt-country blues alchemist Valerie June. Proving that we’re all still capable of getting along at a time when a certain orange tyrant is making that difficult, audiences can also look forward to the Canada/U.S. collaboration Ruby Singh and the Future Ancestors featuring Arthur Flowers.
Locally, in addition to the old-timey Cousin Harley, Vancouver indie sensation Haley Blais will be on hand to represent the West Coast, along with trippy Latin American mixmasters Empanadas Ilegales.
The Canadian contingent for this year’s folk fest will also include Quebec’s La Déferlance, Alberta’s Brianna Lizotte, British Columbia’s Ruby Waters, and Ontario’s Aysanabee, Slocan Ramblers, and Kazdoura.
Video of Haley Blais – Survivor’s Guilt (Official Video)
“Whatever folk music means to you, we have something that will appeal to everyone,” Vancouver Folk Music Festival artistic director Fiona Black said in a release. “During the day we have three stages to visit and at night our main stage comes alive where everyone gathers to dance in one of Vancouver’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.”
As always, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival will also include an on-site artisanal market, food trucks, workshops, and one of the most beautiful concert settings in the world.
“This year’s artists are an incredible collection of unique acts of diverse cultures, styles and genres that promise many interesting mashups on our collaborative stages,” Black said. “Get ready for Vancouver’s most passionately curated festival that is all about spreading love and positive musical vibes.”
Early Bird weekend passes and tickets are now on sale, with additional fest information to be announced in the weeks to come.
When: July 17-19
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Tickets: Go here.