Festival FAQ
New to the Festival or just need a refresher? Please read through our FAQ section.
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EFMF 2026
Gate and Music Hours at a Glance
- Thursday 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday 2-3 PM & 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday 2-3 PM and 7:00 PM to 11 PM
Music Side Stages
- Friday 5:45 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 3:00PM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 3:00PM to 7:00 PM
Stage 2 seating
Stage 2 is a temporary seating zone. Unattended tarps and chairs will be taken to Lost and Found.
Taxi Stand and Drop off/Pick up Changes
Taxi Service:
- There will no longer be a taxi stand at the Main Gate at the bottom of the hill. Taxis will only drop off and pick up patrons on 98 Avenue.
Drop-Offs:
- Main Gate (97 Avenue) - If you are getting dropped off or picked up by a rideshare such as Uber, or from a friend or family member, you must use the designated drop off points on 98 Avenue (bottom of the hill). There is no public access into the Cloverdale community beyond that point.
- Hilltop Gate (South) - LRT line and construction on Connors Road have changed drop off zones for the South Gate. Please cross at marked and controlled intersections only.
There are two patron drop off locations near the South Gate:
- 95 Avenue between 95 St and Connors Rd - South curb lane only.
- The other south side drop off is on 95 Avenue Eastbound in the parking lane just east of Connors Road.
- Please cross Connors Road at the 95 Avenue intersection only.
- Exceptions for vehicles displaying a Government issued Accessible Hangtag may enter the neighbourhood and be dropped off/picked up at the Main Gate.
Reusable Plate Program Changes
Reusable Plate Program
Since we started the program in 1996, we estimate that roughly 2,250,000 single use plates have been kept out of the landfill. We look forward to continuing to keep everyone well fed with delicious festival fare, while greatly reducing waste on site.
This year, we've reduced the deposit to $1. Be prepared to pay your $1 deposit when you buy your food from any of our vendors - your meal will be served on a reusable plate. When you're finished, return your plate to the Plate Return tent in the main vendor row, and get your $1 back! Plates will be washed and put back in rotation.
Plate Return Hours
Thursday - 4:30 pm - 10:15 pm
Friday - 4:30 pm - 11:15 pm
Saturday - 9:30 am - 11:15 pm
Sunday - 9:30 am - 10:15 pm
Please make sure to return your plate before the tent closes to get your loonie back!
There will still be compostable wares on site and we ask for your help keeping things tidy - please make sure your items go in the proper collection bins.
2026 50/50 Cash and Prizes Raffle
Nikamowin
Nikamowin (nee-gah-mow-in) in Cree means “song”. Once again Edmonton Folk Music Festival will come together with Edmonton’s Indigenous Arts Community to present First Nations, Metis and Inuit Artists. EFMF acknowledges we are on Treaty 6 traditional lands, the home of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux and Metis peoples. We are committed to growing our relationship with Indigenous artists and our community. We invite you to join us as we walk this journey of reconciliation together!
You'll find Nikamowin artists throughout the festival site, with gathering places in the Family Area.
Artists and schedule coming soon.
All Site License
The Festival has an All Site License
Purchase your beverages in the Bar Service Area, and take it with you anywhere on site if you like.
Tables and shade tents are set up in the area to relax and enjoy with firends, but there will be no fences to keep you there.
Anyone who appears under 25 will be asked for valid government issued photo ID prior to being served. Once verified, volunteers will secure a wristband on the patron. Identification checks will be provided at the Bar and Information Booth.
The bar is cash free and will accept credit and debit payments only.
Cash Light
The festival remains Cash Light.
The Music and Merch and Ticketing are cash light - this means we will accept cash at dedicated cash only lines, but prefer debit or credit. Food and market vendors will continue to take cash, debit, and credit card payments at their discretion. The Beer Garden will be card only.
There are no ATMs on site.
Bike Lock-up Area Expanded
The Bike lock-up area has expanded this year, with dedicated space for strollers and wagons if you'd like to check them as well!
Tickets & Hours
When are tickets available?
Tickets on sale June 6, 2026, at 10am.
Tickets are available online only at edmontonfolkfest.frontgatetickets.com.
Update: Tickets available for Thursday August 6 only.
Our Official Ticket Exchange is live and can be found here.
Where can we purchase tickets?
Tickets will be available online only at www.edmontonfolkfest.frongatetickets.com.
After June 6, tickets can also be purchased in-person at our Ticket Office (10115 97A Avenue NW - Main Floor).
Check out our ticket page for more info.
How much are tickets?
Pricing can be found on our Ticket page here.
80 and over / 11 and under are free.
Is there a resale or exchange site?
The Official Ticket Exchange is live, available here.
Keep an eye on our Ticket Info page for updated info.
Do I need a wristband? How do I get one?
Yes, you need a wristband. Your ticket will be scanned at the gate, and exchanged for a wristband that will be secured to your wrist. Please bring your picture ID for proof of age.
In the line up for gate entry, your ticket will be exchanged for a wristband by a Public Gate volunteer, as quickly as possible. During peak times, this process may take longer. Please be considerate of the effort our volunteers are making to expedite your visit.
Personal Passes (4-Day passes) are exchanged for one wristband for the whole 4 days. Please do not remove this band until the festival is over.
Single Day tickets are exchanged for single-day wristbands for the day indicated on the ticket.
Wristbands that have been removed, lost, or tampered with are considered VOID and can not be replaced.
Wristbands are non-exchangeable and non-transferable.
Your wristband allows you to come and go from the festival and must be worn at all times.
Want to get your wristband early and speed up the entry process? Pre-banding is available for 4-Day personal passes and Thursday tickets only from August 3 -5 at the festival office. Check out the PRE-BANDING hours at our Ticket office on the Ticket Info page for more details.
If you are pre-banded, you must still join the general line-up for admission, however you won't be stopped to exchange your ticket for a wristband at the gate.
Ticket Office Hours
Ticket Office Hours 2026
Pre-Festival Ticket Office (10115 - 97a Ave - Main Floor) hours:
Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm (up to and including) Monday, Aug 3
Tuesday/Wednesday, Aug 4/5: 10 am - 7 pm
PRE-BANDING* (10115 - 97a Ave - Main Floor):
Monday, Aug 3: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Aug 4: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, Aug 5: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
*For Personal Pass and Thursday single day ticket holders ONLY.
If you are pre-banded, you must still join the general line-up for admission, however you won't be stopped to exchange your ticket for a wristband at the gate.
For more information and detailed instructions, please visit the Pre-Banding section at the bottom of our Ticket Info page.
The (onsite) Festival Box Office (East of the main gate on 97 Ave) opens on Thursday, August 6.
Festival Box Office Hours (during the festival):
Thursday: 12:00pm (noon) - 10:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm (noon) - 10:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Onsite Box Office Hours
The onsite Box Office is located east of the main gate on 97 Ave. The hours during the festival are:
Thursday 12:00pm (noon) to 10:00pm
Friday 12:00pm (noon) to 10:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday 9:00am to 10:00pm
Ticket Refund Policy
All ticket sales are final. We do not offer refunds.
In the event of a sell out, a ticket exchange platform will be confirmed for patrons to use.
Check out our Ticket Page for details.
Is there re-entry to the festival site?
Your wristband allows re-entry to the festival. Do not remove your wristband if you wish to re-enter.
Wristbands are VOID if removed and are not replaceable.
When will I receive my tickets?
Electronic tickets (digital print passes; DPP) will be delivered on July 23, 2026, to the email associated with your Front Gate Tickets account.
If you have multiple tickets, you will receive one email with multiple PDF attachments (1 for each ticket, up to 10 tickets). If you have purchased more than 10 tickets, you will receive multiple emails.
If you require a physical ticket, call our Ticket Office at 780-429-1999 to arrange to pick up a printed ticket.
I can't find my ticket/can't locate my order
Go to edmontonfolkfest.frontgatetickets.com.
Select the Sign In button, and sign-in to your account. If you logged in through Facebook during your purchase, log-in through Facebook.
Find and select Your Account on the menu bar, then Order History. Locate the order you would like to view, select View Order Detail.
For help, please call our ticket office 780-429-1999 in advance of the Festival.
During the Festival you can stop by our Festival Box Office (just east of the Main Gate at the bottom of the hill).
If you have purchased your ticket from a third party, we will not be able to replace it.
Getting to the Festival
Accessibility Services
For more information on accessibility at the festival, click here.
ACCESSIBILITY CREW
The Accessibility Volunteer Crew is available to help patrons and their attendants around the site, monitor and assist patrons in accessible areas, and provide general festival information.
Volunteers from the Accessibility Crew can be easily identified by their blue volunteer t-shirts with ACCESSIBILITY written across the back.
In the event of inclement weather, accessibility crew volunteers will assist people off the site or to sheltered areas as quickly and safely as possible.
TICKET POLICY FOR AIDES
All people regardless of age who require the assistance of a personal aide, will be admitted with one ticket for the party of two concerned.
HEARING
For festival folkies who require enhanced hearing services, there are magnetic induction loops at all stages. The magnetic induction loop system consists of an antenna placed beneath the sod in a 25-square-foot area in front of the stage. Areas in range of the induction loop will be marked with induction loop signage.
If you use a hearing aid equipped with a T-switch (telecoil):
- Switch your hearing aid to the “T” position.
- Sit within 12 feet of the blue hearing-access signs located in the centre of each looped area.
- Your hearing aid will act as a receiver; no other equipment is required.
If you do not have a hearing aid or do not have a T-switch:
- FM receivers and accessories will be available at the Information Booth. A credit card or driver’s license is required as a deposit.
If you have any questions about hearing access, contact an Access crew volunteer through the Information Tent.
VISUALLY IMPAIRED
If you have a visual impairment, please visit the Information Booth to request a workshop schedule in Braille or large print.
Park & Ride 2026
We no longer have bussed Park & Ride available, however we have secured reduced rate parking available in WINDSOR and CORBETT HALL (LOT L) car parks at the University of Alberta from August 6 - 9 each day.
Park: WINDSOR and CORBETT HALL (LOT L) car parks at the University of Alberta. All day rate $6.00
Note your license plate number before leaving your vehicle. Purchase parking from the parking dispenser and select full daily parking. You can print the receipt, but it does not have to be displayed on the dash.
Ride: There will be no dedicated bussed Park & Ride available. The University Transit Hub has many options to get to the festival.
Capital/Metro Line LRT: Catch the LRT at University Station or Health Sciences/Jubilee Station - transfer downtown at Churchill Station to the Valley Line LRT (above ground station) to Muttart Station or Strathearn Station. Or catch the LRT from anywhere on a city line and connect to the Valley line.
Bus: Catch a bus at the University Transit Centre to Gallagher Park. Suggested routes can be found here and here.
Regular ETS fares apply. Children 12 years and under are free. Exact cash, ETS passes, tickets and transfers are valid for payment.
Also accepted: Strathcona County and St. Albert transit passes.
Please visit the ETS Personal Service and Events website here for more info.
ETS
Getting to Edmonton Folk Festival on ETS There are several ways to get to the Edmonton Folk Festival by bus and LRT. Routes from all parts of the city provide service to the Valley Line LRT, which stops near Gallagher Park at Muttart and Strathearn stops.
Visit ETS to learn about the ETS Arc 3-day or 5-day pass.
Routes With Stops near Gallagher Park
● Valley Line LRT - Use the Valley Line LRT for easy access to the Folk Festival grounds.You can transfer to the Valley Line at Churchill Station from the Capital or Metro LRT lines. You can also transfer to the Valley Line at Mill Woods or Davies Transit Centre, or Bonnie Doon stop.
Park & Ride
ETS operates free Park & Ride lots around the city that provide convenient access to downtown. Davies Transit Centre provides easy access to Gallagher Park using the Valley Line LRT.
● Belvedere Station
○ Use Capital Line LRT and transfer to Valley Line LRT at Churchill Station
● Clareview Station
○ Use Capital Line LRT and transfer to the Valley Line LRT at Churchill station
● Davies Transit Centre
○ Use Valley Line LRT
● Eaux Claires Transit Centre
○ Use Route 9 and transfer to the Valley Line LRT at the 102 Street Stop.
● Lewis Farms Transit Centre (note: limited parking due to Valley Line West construction)
○ Use Route 4 and transfer to the Capital Line LRT at South Campus/FortEdmonton Park Station, then transfer to the Valley Line LRT at Churchill Station.
○ Route 900X and transfer to the Capital Line LRT then the Valley Line LRT
● Stadium Station
○ Use Capital Line LRT and transfer to Valley Line LRT at Churchill Station
ETS Notices:
1.Due to an AC/DC concert at Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday, August
9, parking will be unavailable.
- Friday, August 7: Buses run every 7 to 8 minutes from 8 p.m. to the end of service.
- Saturday, August 8: Buses run every 7 to 8 minutes from the start of service until 7 p.m., then every 10 minutes until the end of service.
- Sunday, August 9: Buses run every 7 to 8 minutes until 10 a.m.
Locations of all LRT replacement bus stops are listed at edmonton.ca/TransitAlerts.
Valley Line Southeast trains are not affected by this work. During the closure, Metro Line trains will be extended to Century Park Station instead of turning around at Health Sciences/Jubilee Station.
Planning a Trip
There are several ways to plan a trip using ETS:
● The trip planner on edmonton.ca/Transit
● Route brochures for current ETS bus routes can be found at edmonton.ca/RouteBrochures. LRT schedule information can also be found online.
*Please note: routes and schedules are subject to change without notice
Funicular hours are extended during the festival for those heading back downtown.
Regular ETS fares apply. For information about fares, please visit edmonton.ca/fares.
Taxi / Uber / Drop-Offs
The festival is held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in beautiful Gallagher Park » See Map
There is NO ON-SITE PARKING OR VEHICLE ACCESS. Please use Edmonton transit, taxi, rideshare service, bike, or walk.
Please note that there are enforced parking restrictions in the area of Cloverdale, Strathearn, and Bonnie Doon.
Taxi Service:
- There will no longer be a taxi stand at the Main Gate at the bottom of the hill. Taxis will only drop off and pick up patrons on 98 Avenue.
Drop-Offs:
- Main Gate (97 Avenue) - If you are getting dropped off or picked up by a rideshare such as Uber, or from a friend or family member, you must use the designated drop off points on 98 Avenue (bottom of the hill). There is no public access into the Cloverdale community beyond that point.
- Hilltop Gate (South) - LRT line and construction on Connors Road have changed drop off zones for the South Gate. Please cross at marked and controlled intersections only.
There are two patron drop off locations near the South Gate:
- 95 Avenue between 95 St and Connors Rd - South curb lane only.
- The other south side drop off is on 95 Avenue Eastbound in the parking lane just east of Connors Road.
- Please cross Connors Road at the 95 Avenue intersection only.
- Exceptions for vehicles displaying a Government issued Accessible Hangtag may enter the neighbourhood and be dropped off/picked up at the Main Gate.
E-Scooters and E-Bikes
If you are riding an e-scooter or e-bike to the festival, please ride in bike lanes whenever possible in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
E-Scooters and E-Bikes are not permitted on the festival site. Geo-fencing and parking controls will be in effect. Parking areas will be marked at the top of Connors Hill at 95 Ave for the Hilltop Gate, and on the corner of 98 Ave and 95 St for the Main Gate.
Please note: personal e-scooters can use the bike lock up, but rentals cannot. Thank you!
Trail and park closures and rehabilitation projects may impact your route to the festival. Visit https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/trailpark-cautions-closures for current notices.
Bike Lock-up
Cycling to the festival? Cycle down and check your bike at the free, supervised lock-up. Don't forget your lock!
Bike Lock-up Hours of Service
Thursday 1:30 PM – 11:30 PMFriday 1:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Sunday 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Rental e-scooters and bikes are not able to use the bike lock up, but personal ones can.
The lock-up has dedicated space for strollers and wagons if you'd like to check them as well!
Bike lock up is located behind the Muttart Conservatory. No supervised overnight bike parking, and no parking for motor bikes.
Please do not lock your bike in the park or surrounding community.
Trail and park closures and rehabilitation projects may impact your route to the festival. Visit https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/trailpark-cautions-closures for current notices.
Parking
There is no parking available in the Cloverdale, Strathearn or Bonnie Doon Neighbourhoods.
If you are a resident of these communities, please contact your Community League for information about resident parking.
Where Can I Stay? Accommodations/Camping
Hotels: Edmonton has many hotels located downtown, a short distance from the festival. Contact your travel agent or head to Explore Edmonton for some excellent recommendations.
HI Edmonton is offering a 10% discount for festival attendees. Reference "Folk Festival" in the comment section when making reservation at https://hihostels.ca/en/destinations/hi-edmonton
Please let me know when the information is posted live on your site.
Camping: As we are located in Central Edmonton, there is no on-site camping. Camping is available at Rainbow Valley Campground, located near Whitemud Creek.
Gate Entry
When is the Music On?
Main Stage hours :
- Thursday 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday 2-3 PM & 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday 2-3 PM and 7:00 PM to 11 PM
Side stages
- Friday 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 3:00PM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 3:00PM to 7:00 PM
How do I know what’s on when? Full schedule will be available by early July. Program books are available to purchase at the festival. For schedule and festival news and updates, be sure to download our App - available as of May 28 on Google Play and the App Store.
When do the Gates Open?
There are two entry gates:
- Main Gate/North Gate/Bottom of Hill - 94th St & 97th Ave.
- South Gate/Top of the Hill - Corner of Connors Road & Cloverdale Hill Road
Box Office is located beside the Main Gate.
Gate Opening times (General Admission):
Thursday 4:30 PM
Friday 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM
Sunday 9:30 AM
Arrive at North Gate at 94St and 97Ave or South Gate at corner of Cloverdale Road and Connors Road. Please arrive no earlier than 1 hour prior to gate opening. Have your ticket or e-ticket ready to exchange for wristband. Festival volunteers will be attending the lineup to help exchange for wristbands before you get to the gate.
Please respect community residents by sticking to sidewalks and minimizing noise.
For information about the Gate Lottery Lineup procedure for a earlier seating selection, please click on the Gate Lottery Process tab below.
Gate Lottery
The festival is general admission. While there are no bad seats on the hill, some folks have a preferred way to enter the site.
Festival patrons have two options to gain entrance to the Festival: Regular Gate (General Admission), and Lottery for earlier seating selection. The lottery is optional, and the entrance order is subject to the lottery draw.
Gate Entrance
The festival is general admission. While there are no bad seats on the hill, some folks have a preferred way to enter the site.
Festival patrons have two options to gain entrance to the Festival.
1. Regular Gate (General Admission): Enters the site to place their tarps after all lottery participants are admitted.
Locations: North Gate (94 St and 97 Ave), South Gate (corner of Cloverdale Road and Connors Road)
Opening Times: 4:30PM (Thursday and Friday) 9:30AM (Saturday and Sunday).
Please arrive no earlier than 1 hour prior to gate opening and respect community residents by minimizing noise and not walking on their property.
2. Lottery for earlier seating selection: Those who participate in the lottery are the first to place their tarps each day. Participation is optional, preferred spots are not guaranteed, and entrance order is subject to the lottery draw.
Locations:
East Lottery: Outside Festival grounds near Stage 1 (93St & 97Ave)
West Lottery: Outside festival grounds near Stage 6 (96A St and 96 Ave) and south of the Muttart Conservatory (the pyramids).
There is no public parking in the neighbourhood or at the Muttart for the lottery.
Gate lottery timing:
Thursday/Friday | Saturday/Sunday | |
Corral open, lottery tickets handed out | 2:00-2:30 | 7:00-7:30 |
Lottery draw starts, patrons leave corral and line up in the order lottery tags were drawn | 2:30-3:30 | 7:30-8:30 |
Lottery lineup escorted onto festival site | 4:00 | 9:00 |
Notes:
- Out of respect for the festival’s neighbours, please do not arrive early for the lottery. Everyone who arrives between 2:00-2:30 Thurs/Fri and 7:00-7:30 Sat/Sun will get a lottery tag. There is no need to arrive early.
- Please be patient while the draw happens; expect up to an hour for this process
- You may not have time to leave the line-up area between leaving the corral and entering the Festival site. Bring everything you need to place your tarp with you to the lottery.
Lottery Rules:
- Patrons who wish to participate in the lottery MUST have a festival ticket, wristband, or access badge to receive a lottery tag. If you have an e-ticket, you can either bring a printout or have it visible on your phone.
- If you are a senior over 80 (no ticket needed), or have a Senior, Youth, or U-25 ticket, you may be asked for Government ID for proof of age
- To participate in the lottery, you must stay in the lottery corral until your lottery tag is drawn.
- If you leave before the draw before your lottery tag is drawn, you will be asked to return your lottery tag on your way out. You cannot leave before your lottery tag is drawn without returning the lottery tag to the volunteers at the corral exit.
- Each person can receive only one lottery tag, and can lay down only one tarp.
- If you are with a group trying to place more than one tarp in front of Main Stage, you will need to make sure that at least one person participates in the lottery for each tarp you need.
- If your friend has a different lottery tag and ends up in a different place in the line, they cannot enter with you, and must wait their turn.
- Participants will be escorted at a walking pace in groups of 30 from entry gates to the seating area. To ensure everyone’s safety, there will be no rushing or running.
- Please be considerate of our volunteers and of the community; abuse will not be tolerated.
Seating - tarps, chairs
Seating
We’re outdoors in a natural amphitheatre! Seating isn’t provided. Here’s what to do:
- Bring a tarp as your base – These can be up to 8X10 feet OR 2.5 X 3 meters in size. Use tarp pegs that aren’t sharp, and ensure you use a mallet to pound them all the way into the ground. Tarps larger than the allowed size will be asked to be folded down by security volunteers. Please use only the space you need for the members of your party, and keep all of your belongings (including collapsed strollers and wagons) on your tarp.
- See our “Gate Lottery” tab for more info about placing your tarp on the Main Stage hill each day. Remember tarps aren’t allowed at session stages.
- Tarp markers – Many people bring home-made decorated sticks/objects, or decorate their tarps to help friends and family find them on the hill (eg. rubber chicken on a stick). Make sure you keep size in mind – don’t block anyone’s view!
- Chairs – Bring a low back, low legged chair. These may be no higher than 26 inches off the ground, with legs/seats no higher than 8 inches from the ground. Security volunteers will ask for low chairs to be folded down. Chairs may be used at the Main Stage and Session Stages.
- Tents and lean-tos – These are to be used for shade and rest purposes only, and must be low profile and pop up in nature. Tents may only be placed past the crest of the hill/top of the hill so they do not interfere with patron site lines. They may have no larger than a 2.5X3 meter footprint, and cannot be more than 1.5 meters tall. Tents must be secured to the ground, and be removed each day.
Stage 2 is a temporary seating zone. Unattended tarps and chairs will be taken to Lost and Found.
What should I bring with me?
- Layered clothing
- Rain gear
- Comfortable footwear
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Something to sit on… like a tarp! (Max. size 8'x10')
- Low-backed, low-legged chair. The maximum chair height allowed on the festival site is: back no higher than 26 inches off the ground, legs/seat no higher than 8 inches off the ground. If you need one, we sell them in our Music and Merch tent on site!
- Snacks & beverages – no alcohol or glass containers
- Your tickets (on your mobile phone, or printed)
- A portable phone charger
- A mask for congested and high traffic areas
- Hand sanitizer
What should I leave at home?
- High-backed, or regular-legged lawn chairs. The maximum chair height allowed on the festival site is: back no higher than 26 inches off the ground, legs/seat no higher than 8 inches off the ground
- Pets of any kind
- Alcohol or illegal drugs
- Cannabis infused items - cannabis consumption is allowed in our consumption/smoking area only
- Glass containers or bottles
- Weapons and sharp instruments
- Professional photo, video or audio recording equipment. Cameras with detachable lenses are not permitted.
Note: Bag checks in effect.
At the Festival
Folk Fest-iquette
Folk Fest-iquette – Be a good neighbour!
Each day 25 000 people come together annually at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in Gallagher Park to take in some of the world's best folk music, and to have a good time. Whether catching up with friend in the Beer Garden, getting in line for a green onion cake, or taking in a performance on the hill, we want to ensure everyone is having an amazing festival experience. Here's how you can contribute:
Everyone is welcome and valued - We encourage all people at the festival to participate in a vision of inclusivity. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, religious belief, ability, colour, or other personal characteristics, we want everyone at the festival to feel safe, welcome and valued
Respect - Contribute to the discussion, share ideas, and express yourself. But please be respectful of those around you, and make sure your good time isn't coming at the expense of others. Activities (verbal or physical) causing harm to others will not be tolerated. Our Safer SPaces Policy can be found HERE.
Get to know your Festival community – We’re all here because we love music! Get to know those around you and use friendly discussion to solve tarp disputes or other issues.
Patron Responsibilities
- Wear your wristband at all times.
- Dance in marked areas at the east or west side of the mainstage (or at session stages), and take in person or phone conversations away from the music. Respect peoples’ space!
- Leave prohibited items at home – bags and items are subject to search by gate volunteers. Check out our “What to bring!” tab for more info.
- Only smoke in marked areas. This includes tobacco, cannabis and vaping products (see the Festival Map).
- Leave the way you came – take your tarps, chairs and any other items with you at the end of the day. Dispose of compostables, recycling and waste in the appropriate bins.
View our Safer Spaces Policy here
2026 Cash and Prizes Raffle
Where can I dance?
Dancing areas are marked beside each stage.
What can I eat?
Our full roster of food vendors can be found here in June.
Download our App for vendor menus and locations.
What can I drink?
Throughout the Festival Site:
Water stations can be found throughout the site to refill your bottles.
Thank you to Earth Water, our supplier of all canned water. Earth Water's aluminum bottles are great for refills!
Food vendors offer a variety of canned beverages.
Bar menu coming soon!
Shopping
The Music and Merch Tent is located east of the main stage. You'll find Performer and Festival merchandise. T-shirts, CDs, LPs, water bottles, mugs,chairs, and much more are available for purchase.
The festival Artisan Market features a delightful mix of festival favourites and amazing new artists. You'll find jewellery, clothing, accessories, musical instruments, home decor, and one of a kind art. All of the work in our Artisan Market is handmade and unique, ready for you to take home with you.
Family Fun Area
Folk Fest is Edmonton’s best summer weekend for people of all ages, but especially for the kids! We have a variety of activities run by volunteers who are having just as much fun as your kids are. Come on over and play, jump, craft, run, sing, and be kids with us! Make sure to drop by to leave your ‘mark’ on our giant mural!
Family Area hours:
Games: Saturday & Sunday ............10:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Crafts: Saturday & Sunday .............10:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Facepainting - located Northeast of Stage 7
Thursday 4:30 PM — 9:30 PM
Friday 4:30 PM — 9:30 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM — 8:30 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM — 6:00 PM
Location: The Family Area is located across the field from Stage 7
Lost & Found
During the festival:
- Drop off or claim lost and found items at the Information Tent (look for the big balloons)
Following the festival:
- Contact the Edmonton Folk Music Festival Administration Office to claim or inquire about your lost items. It can take a few days for all items to be returned from site, so check again.
Inquiries can be made by phone at 780.466.0597 or by email lostandfound@edmontonfolkfest.org
ALL lost & found items need to be claimed within 2 weeks of the festival. After that time, any remaining unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
Info Booth
Look for the big balloons! Our volunteers have all of the information to help you enjoy the festival.
Maps & Navigation
This year's Festival Site Map, along with maps indicating accessibility Services and paths of travel, and ways to get to the festival, can be found on our Getting Here page.
First Aid/Safety
First Aid is located north west of main stage along 95 Street.
The First Aid tent is staffed with health care professionals.
The First Aid tent does not supply items such as sunscreen and insect repellant.
Sustainability
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is committed to minimizing the festival's impact on the environment.
Recycling bins are distributed across the site - look for waste diversion stations, and look for our Green Team for help and information.
- returnables such as pop cans can be placed in the blue receptacles.
- general waste receptacles can receive all other waste materials - materials are sorted for recycling and composting.
Bring your own reusable cup/cutlery or buy them at the Music & Merch tent.
Compostable beer cups provided in the beer garden - thank you to Big Rock! Look for cup stackers at the waste collection bins to put your used cups in.
Compostable cutlery and containers are used by food vendors. They can be placed in green bins for composting
Reusable Plate Program - Patrons should be prepared to pay a $1 deposit when buying food from any of our vendors - your meal will be served on a reusable plate. When you're finished, return your plate to the Plate Return tent in the main vendor row, and get your $1 back! Plates will be washed and put back in rotation. Please note: the Plate Return tent closes at 11:00 each night - please make sure to return your plate by that time to get your Loonie back!
There will still be compostable wares on site and we ask for your help keeping things tidy - please make sure your items go in the proper collection bins.
Reduction of single use plastics - plastic bottled water and beverages will not be available for sale on site. Vendors will have aluminum water and canned beverages only. We'll have extra water fill stations - make sure to bring your own refillable water bottle!
After the Festival
When is the Festival?
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is always the weekend following the August long weekend.
2026 - August 6 - 9
2027 - August 5 - 8
2028 - August 10 - 13
Where can I find news about the Festival?
What else can I do in Edmonton & Alberta?
For information regarding other attractions in Edmonton, visit exploreedmonton.com
How can I participate in next year's festival?
Whether you're an artist, vendor, sponsor or volunteer, check out our info about how to get involved!
Lost & Found
Look for the big balloons at the Information Tent to find Lost & Found on site!
During the festival:
- Lost children or adults can be taken to the Information Tent.
- Drop off or claim lost and found items at the Information Tent.
Following the festival:
Items will be held for at the festival office until August 24 after which time all items will be donated to charity. After the festival, please email lostandfound@edmontonfolkfest.org to let us know if you're looking for a lost item.
