Festival FAQ

New to the Festival or just need a refresher? Please read through our FAQ section!

 

After the Festival

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is always the weekend following the August long weekend.

2024 - August 8 - 11

2025 - August 7 - 10

2026 - August 6 - 9

Look for the big balloons at the Information Tent!

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 25 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. 

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to keep up to date with all things EFMF!

Subscribe to our newsletter here.

For information regarding other attractions in Edmonton, visit exploreedmonton.com

Whether you're an artist, vendor, sponsor or volunteer, check out our info about how to get involved!

Gate Entry

2023 Main Stage hours:

  • Thursday 6:40 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM
  • Saturday 2-3 PM & 6:50 PM to 12:00 AM
  • Sunday 2-3 PM and 7:00 PM to 11 PM

Side stages 

  • Friday 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 3:00PM to 6:50 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 in July. Program books are available to purchase at the festival. For schedule and festival news and updates, be sure to download our App - available now on Google Play and the App Store.

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 Entrance

Festival patrons have two options to gain entrance to the Festival site:

1. Regular Gate (General Admission):

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: Optional, for those with strong seating preferences.

Locations: East Lottery: Stage 1 (93St &  97Ave) West Lottery: Bike Lock-up (west of 96A St and 96Ave); use bike path south of 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

  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.
  • Please be patient while the draw happens; expect up to an hour for this process

 

Lottery Rules:

  • Patrons who wish to participate in the lottery MUST have a festival ticket or wristband, Government ID for proof of age (for youth or senior tickets), or volunteer badge to receive a lottery tag
  • To participate in the lottery, you must stay in the lottery corral until the draw is completed.
    • If you leave before the draw before your lottery tag is drawn, you will be asked to return the colour tag you were given.
  • One lottery tag for one person, and one tarp only.
  • If your friend has a different place in the lottery, 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

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.
    • See our “Gate Entry” 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.
  • 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 mask for congested and high traffic areas
  • Hand sanitizer
  • High-backed, or regular-legged lawnchairs. 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
  • Glass containers or bottles
  • Weapons and sharp instruments
  • Professional photo, video or audio recording equipment

Note: Bag checks in effect.

Getting to the Festival

ACCESSIBILITY CREW

The Accessibility crew is available upon request when you arrive at the front gates.
The Accessibility crew can answer questions, provide you with assistance and give you information about:
• a designated listening area for people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues,
• program schedules in Braille and large print,
• assistive-listening systems for the hard of hearing.

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.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
• Limited Parking is available near the main gate (93 & 94 Streets, between 98 & 97 Avenues) for vehicles marked with official accessible parking signs.
• Access crew volunteers are stationed at the main gate.
• People who use wheelchairs may listen to the artists in designated listening areas at the Main Stage, Stages 1, 6 and 7.
• 96 Avenue is available for those with limited mobility requiring paved access to the west side of the festival grounds. Please speak with one of our Access volunteers for details.
• In the event of inclement weather, volunteers will assist people off the site or to sheltered areas as quickly and safely as possible.

HEARING
For festival folkies who require enhanced hearing services, there are:
• magnetic induction loops at all stages, and
• loop system receivers are available at the main stage and at all session stages, for those with no hearing aid or no T-switch. Receivers can be picked up and returned at the Information Tent. The magnetic induction loop system consists of an antenna placed beneath the sod in a 25-square-foot area in front of the stage.
• If you use a hearing aid equipped with a T-switch (telecoil), simply switch your aid to the “T” position.
• Then 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 have any questions about hearing access, contact an Access crew volunteer through the Information Tent.
FM receivers and accessories will be available at the Information Booth. A credit card or driver’s license is required as a deposit.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED
If you have a visual impairment, please visit the Information Booth to request a workshop schedule in Braille or large print.

Park and Ride:  From the University of Alberta

Valid in STADIUM and WINDSOR car parks August 10 - 13 from 6am to 12am each day.

All day rate $5

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.

Bus pick up – South East corner of the Butterdome (87 Ave and approx. 114 St).

Bus fare – 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 note: bus drivers do not carry change.

Buses run every 20 minutes during the Festival. Hours of operation are:

Thursday  3:30 PM- Close
Friday       3:30 PM – Close
Saturday  8:30 AM – Close
Sunday    8:30 AM – Close

Please visit the ETS Personal Service and Events website here for more info.

Edmonton Transit information, including trip planner, can be found at https://www.edmonton.ca/edmonton-transit-system-ets.aspx 

Regular ETS fares apply.

Frequency has been increased on routes 73A and 73B to accommodate festival patrons - connecting downtown with stops on 98 Ave and Connors Road.

Please visit the ETS Personal Service and Events website here for more info. Regular ETS fares apply.

The Valley Line Southeast LRT which connects Mill Woods to Downtown Edmonton won't be in operation for passengers for the Festival this year, however TransEd may still be testing trains on the tracks. Because of this trains could be approaching from either direction. Valley Line trains are quiet - for your safety never shortcut or jaywalk across the tracks. To cross safely, use a crosswalk and wait for the walk light to indicate that it is safe to cross.

For more information about the Valley Line Southeast and how to interact with it please visit the: Passenger and Public Safety Page on the TransEd website. 

We look forward to the Muttart and Strathearn stations being fully operational for next year's festival, and will keep you updated as we learn more.

Funicular hours are extended during the festival for those heading back downtown.

The festival is held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in beautiful Gallagher Park » See Map

There is NO ON-SITE PARKING. Use Park & Ride, Edmonton Transit, walk, or bike. Please note that there are enforced parking restrictions in the area of Cloverdale, Strathearn, and Bonnie Doon. 

Taxi Service: Taxis drop patrons outside the main gate on arrival. On departure, service is much faster if you go to the taxi stand on 97 Ave, no need to call a taxi.

Drop-offs:

  • Main Gate - 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 Ave. (bottom of the hill). There is no public access into the Cloverdale community beyond that point. 
  • South Gate (top of hill) - LRT line and construction on Connors Road have changed drop off zones for the South Gate. Please cross at marked and. controlled intersections only as LRT testing is ongoing. There are two patron drop off locations near the South Gate:
    • 95 Avenue between 95 St and Conner's Rd - South curb lane only. 
    • The other south side drop off is on 95 Ave Eastbound in the parking lane just east of Connors Road. Please cross Connors Road at the 95 Avenue intersection only.

Download Edmonton Taxi's app for ease of booking a cab wherever you are!

If you are riding an e-scooter or e-bike to the festival, 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 South 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.

Cycling to the festival? Cycle down and check your bike at the free, supervised lock-up. Don't forget your lock!

If you're coming from the West, please note that Groat Rd will be close from 107 Ave to RIver Valley Road from August 10 - 13. Please use other routes.

Bike Lock-up Hours of Service

Thursday 1:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Friday      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.

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.

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.

Park and ride, taxi,  and Edmonton Transit information can be found in this FAQ section.

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.

The Bennett Centre:  The Bennet Centre will be closed in 2023. For more information please visit bennettcentre.epsb.ca .

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.

At the Festival

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.

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.

50/50 Cash Draw
-One draw for half of the cash proceeds. Winner can win up to $499,995.00.

EARLY BIRD PRIZES:

Flights for Two to San Francisco
-Travel voucher for airfare from Edmonton International Airport for non-stop, round-trip travel to San
-Francisco via Air Canada (some restrictions apply).
Donated by the Edmonton International Airport. Value of $2500.00

Silver Tarp Package
-Two full VIP backstage passes for the 2024 Edmonton Folk Music Festival
-Daily second placement of their tarp at the Main Stage
-Two Edmonton Folk Music Festival chairs
Package Valued at $1340.00

MAIN DRAW:

2nd Prize: Acoustic Music Shop Guitar Package
- Larrivée 0-40 Rosewood Sunburst Special guitar featuring a solid Sitka Spruce top, solid Indian Rosewood
back and sides, and Mahogany neck with Ebony headplate, fingerboard and bridge.
-Hard-shell case
-2 months of guitar lessons
Provided by Acoustic Music Shop. Prize Valued at $3449.99. 

1st Prize: Ticketmaster Entertainment Prize! Tickets for Four to: One Edmonton Oilers 2023/24 Regular Season Home
Game and the Doobie Brothers 50 th Anniversary Tour at Rogers Place.
- Loge Table (4 tickets)
-1 Parking Pass
Donated by Ticketmaster Canada. Valued at $3500.00.

Special Draw: Golden Tarp Prize Package
-Two full VIP backstage passes for the 2024 Edmonton Folk Music Festival
-Daily first placement of their tarp at the Main Stage
-Two Edmonton Folk Music Festival chairs
-Four night’s accommodation at the festival’s host hotel, The Westin Edmonton during the 2024 EFMF
Festival weekend (Thursday through Sunday nights). Includes daily breakfast for two, and parking for one car.
Hotel, breakfast and parking courtesy of The Westin Edmonton. Package Valued at $2996.00

Grand Prize: 50/50 Cash Draw
-One prize for half of all raffle ticket sales, up to $499,995.00

AGLC Raffle Licence #641173

Dancing areas are marked beside each stage.

Our full roster of food vendors can be found here 

You can download our App for vendor menus and locations.

Throughout the Festival Site:

Water stations can be found throughout the site to refill your bottles.

Food vendors offer a variety of canned beverages.

In the Beer Gardens:

From Big Rock:

Traditional Ale | English Style Brown Ale

Grasshopper | Wheat Ale

Rhinestone Cowboy | Lagered Ale

Nebula | NEIPA

Hazy Pale Ale | Non-Alcohoic

Rock Creek Apple Cider

Also on the menu: 

Mike’s Hard Tea Lemon

NUTRL Vodka Soda Lime

Tempo Gin Smash Mango Peach

Masi Wines: Massi Valpolicella Bonacosta & Masi Lugana

Non – Alcoholic Product - Hazy Pale Ale

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. 

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   

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.

Look for the big balloons! Our volunteers have all of the information to help you enjoy the festival.

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.

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!

Compostable cutlery and containers are used by food vendors. They can be placed in bins for sorting. 

Compostable Plate Program - The Festival and Vendors will be using compostable products only. Please help us by ensuring all compostables are disposed of in the proper bins.

Reduction of single use plastics - we continue to move in this direction, and this year will not have plastic bottled water or beverages available. 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!

The Board of Directors has adopted a dynamic pandemic policy that will remain subject to change, as dictated by the pandemic, on an as needed basis. Details can be found in the Health and Safety page here.

Alberta Health Service Covid-19 information can be found here

Tickets & Hours

Tickets on sale June 3, 2023, at 10am.

Tickets are available online only at edmontonfolkfest.frontgatetickets.com.

Purchase tickets online at www.frongatetickets.com.

Check out our ticket page for more info.

Ticket prices can be found here. 

We have partnered with Lyte to provide patrons an opportunity to exchange tickets. Missed out on tickets? Join the official waitlist and receive first access to tickets as they become available. Plans changed? Return your tickets to Lyte and they'll find a home for them when a buyer is found.

Cut off times for each day are as follows:

4-day passes: Thursday, Aug 10 at 4:30 pm MDT
Thursday tickets: Thursday, Aug 10 at 4:30 pm MDT
Friday tickets: Friday, Aug 11 at 4:30 pm MDT
Saturday tickets: Saturday, Aug 12 at 9:30 am MDT
Sunday tickets: Sunday, Aug 13 at 9:30 am MDT

I am looking to return my tickets:

You can return your tickets on the exchange.

Lyte will make you an offer on the spot. Lyte’s mission is to ensure the next fan in line gets to go at a fair and marketable price. You will be paid within 1 business day after the event to your PayPal account.

I am looking to request a ticket that is sold out:

Once Lyte gets a ticket you requested from another fan, you will be charged exactly what Lyte quoted you. No hidden fees.

View or cancel your request at any time before it is filled.

Tickets will be emailed to you by Frontgate Tickets.

I want to understand Lyte pricing:

Lyte’s prices are always lower than third-party websites. The Festival negotiated with Lyte to ensure that ticket prices remain as close to original purchase prices as possible. By using the Fan Ticket Exchange, you are helping us in our fight against unscrupulous resellers.

What is the Fan Exchange?

The Fan Ticket Exchange, powered by Lyte, is a place where you can return or request tickets once a certain ticket type sells out. Check out Lyte for more details. 

What is the difference between Lyte’s Fan Ticket Exchange and the secondary market sites I’m used to?

Unlike traditional secondary market sites, Lyte has been granted a direct integration with select primary ticketing companies, ensuring a seamless and safe/secure transaction that is designed to protect the integrity of your ticket as a buyer or seller.

How does the Exchange issue tickets?

When your request is filled, you get a new ticket emailed to you by Frontgate,our primary ticket issuer. All tickets purchased from the Exchange are newly issued and backed by us so you don’t have to worry about any issues at the gate.

When will I know if I have tickets on the Fan Ticket Exchange?

Wait time depends on availability. Hang in there! Lyte has been able to fill up to 98% of requests for other big events. Ticket returns pick up closer to the event. That’s when the line really starts moving.

Why can’t I return my ticket before the ticket type I’m trying to return is sold out?

Tickets for days that are not sold out are still available to purchase through https://edmontonfolkfest.frontgatetickets.com/

I have a question/issue with the Fan Ticket Exchange that is not answered here.

Lyte’s customer support is standing by for you. Learn more about Lyte here. Contact them here and they will get right back to you.

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival can not be responsible for tickets after they have been exchanged through Lyte, but we can try to help if you have problems! Please contact our Ticket Office at tickets@edmontonfolkfest.org and we’ll work with you and Lyte to help resolve any issues.

Yes, you need a wristband. Your ticket will be scanned at the gate, and you will be given a wristband upon entry. Please bring your picture ID for proof of age.

In the gate lineup, volunteers exchange tickets for wristbands 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 are non-exchangeable and non-transferable.

Your wristband allows you to come and go from the festival and must be worn at all times. Wristbands must not be removed or tampered with. Lost or removed wristbands can not be replaced. 

To get your wristband early and speed up the entry process, check out the PRE-BANDING hours at our Ticket office on the Ticket Info page.

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. 

Pre-Festival Ticket Office (10115 - 97a Ave - Main Floor) hours:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm (up to and including) Monday, Aug 7

Tuesday/Wednesday, Aug 8/9: 10am - 7pm

Pre-banding for Personal Pass holders will take place Monday, Aug 7 (10am - 5pm), and 10am - 7pm on Tuesday, Aug 8 and Wednesday, August 9. For more info, on pre-branding click here. 

The onsite Festival Box Office (East of the main gate on 97 Ave) opens on Thursday, August 10.

Festival Box Office Hours (during the festival): 

Thursday: 12pm (noon) - 10pm

Friday: 12pm (noon) - 11pm

Saturday: 9am - 11pm

Sunday: 9am - 10pm 

The onsite Box Office is located east of the main gate on 97 Ave. The hours during the festival are: 

Thursday 12 pm (noon) to 10pm

Friday 12 pm (noon) to 10 pm

Saturday 9 am to 10 pm

Sunday 9 am to 10 pm 

We do not offer refunds or exchanges.

In the event of a sell out however, we are working on a ticket exchange platform for patrons to use.

Check out our Ticket Page for details.

Your wristband allows re-entry to the festival.  Do not remove your wristband if you wish to re-enter.

Electronic tickets will be sent to you on July 27, 2023 to the email associated with your Frontgate account. If you have multiple tickets, you will receive one email with multiple PDF attachments (1 for each ticket).

If you need a physical ticket, call the Ticket Office at 780-429-1999 to arrange. 

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 YourAccount 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 in advance of the Festival 780-429-1999, or during the Festival you can stop by our Festival Box Office (just beside the North/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.

EFMF 2023

Gates:
Thursday 4:30 pm to 11 pm
Friday 4:30 pm to midnight
Saturday 9:30 am to midnight
Sunday 9:30 am to 11 pm
 
Music Main Stage
  • Thursday 6:40 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM
  • Saturday 2-3 PM & 6:50 PM to 12:00 AM
  • Sunday 2-3 PM and 7:00 PM to 11 PM

Music Side Stages 

  • Friday 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 3:00PM to 6:50 PM
  • Sunday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 3:00PM to 7:00 PM

After a very successful all site licence in 2022, we will be all site again in 2023!

Some changes and improvements will be made in the layout and line ups in the Bar Service Area.

You will still purchase your beverages in the Bar Service Area, but can take it with you anywhere on site if you like. Don't worry, we'll still have tables and shade set up, 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.

We continue to move in the direction of eliminating single use plastics on site, and will not have plastic bottled water or beverages available. 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!

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.

After great consideration, and the success of moving to compostables in 2022, our Reusable Plate program is officially retired. 

Our vendors and our festival will be using approved compostables only. This will mean an increase in compostables on site and we ask for your help keeping things tidy - please make sure your items go in the proper collection bins. 

We are a mask friendly festival and support everyone's choice to keep themselves and their fellow folkies safe this year. We encourage and support your decision to protect yourselves and each other by getting vaccinated with all boosters available, masking in indoor areas where distancing is not possible, washing hands and sanitizing regularly, and testing yourself at least twice during the festival days if available to you. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be available throughout the site. 

Please be prepared and bring your own mask and sanitizer to the festival. For more information on our health and safety guidelines and COVID-19 precautions, please visit edmontonfolkfest.org/festival-info/health-safety

The festival is going Cash Light - Music and Merch and Ticketing are going cash light - this means we will accept cash at dedicated cash only lines, but prefer debit or credit. Program Book and Candle sales will remain cash only. There will still be ATMs on site and cash only lines for your convenience. Food and market vendors will continue to take cash, debit, and credit card payments at their discretion. The Beer Garden will be card only.