The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (VFMF)—which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year—occupies a firmly established place in Vancouver’s music scene. The three-day event offers a deep sense of community, bringing folk-music enthusiasts together in the beautifully situated Jericho Beach Park.
This year’s lineup included artists from around the world alongside local artists. During the day, musicians presented solo concerts and collaborative sessions on three smaller stages located around the park. At night, select artists performed on the main stage, drawing the biggest crowds.
Luke Wallace at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Photo: Chase Sincere
Those attending VFMF are offered not only a carefully curated musical experience but also a community-oriented and environmentally conscious event. The festival featured workshops, an artisan market, children’s activities, and was lined with a diverse selection of food trucks. At each trash and recycling area, there was a volunteer who helped sort your items into the proper bins, including collecting reusable cups offered at the beverage garden.
Over the course of three days (July 17–19), I witnessed the community come together. Whether it was wearing witch and wizard hats sold at the market, sitting on shared picnic blankets, or dancing with one another on the lawn, VFMF gave its community something to look forward to and unite over.
Highlights
**Note: I was not able to attend every concert at VFMF, and therefore, this is not a comprehensive list of standout performances.
Aysanabee at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Photo: Chase Sincere
Aysanabee
After winning two 2026 JUNO Awards, Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee was my most anticipated performer at this year’s festival. He was the first to take the evening’s main stage, joined by backing vocalist Kyla Charter, keyboardist Konstantine (Dean) Aivaliotis, guitarist Adam Hanney, and drummer Mile Gibbons.
The singer set the tone for the weekend, balancing thoughtful lyricism with technical skill. I was most blown away by his finger-picking, which was fast-moving and precise. As for his vocal ability, Aysanabee offered a rich tone that was as clear as a recording. The crowd was drawn to sway through his set, lulled into a place of comfort.
Ruby Waters
Ontario-born indie artist Ruby Waters ended day two at VFMF. Waters was, perhaps, one of the most naturally charismatic artists that I saw on the main stage. She seemed comfortable in the setting and engaged well with the crowd. Her strongest vocal performance came during a cover of Rihanna’s Love on the Brain, in which she hit angelic high notes with ease.
Ruby Waters at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Photo: Rory Cooney
BIM (Benin International Music)
My favourite performance of the weekend was delivered in the festival’s final hours. The band from Benin (West Africa) delivered incredible energy. Though I was seated farther back, I felt immediately drawn in by the rhythms from the percussion.
BIM celebrates their country’s vibrant musical heritage, blending rock, rap, and traditional voodoo rhythms. They took time to pause and share some of their country’s values and traditions that influenced the songs, hoping to foster connection with the audience.
There was no comparable performance in terms of joy and dynamism. Most people were brought to their feet to dance and wave their arms as the performance seemed to fly by, each song flowing into the next captivating moment.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the night, the crowd and many of the performers came together to sing three songs. The final song, Bob Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind, echoed throughout the park as we made our way into the night’s inky setting. It is these intimate moments of togetherness that truly define an event like VFMF. With its 50th anniversary right around the corner, this year’s festival showcases how these artistic events cultivate camaraderie in the city.
