Mariposa Folk Festival has a lineup this year that demands your attention. The iconic Orillia festival returns July 3-5 to Tudhope Park on the shores of Lake Couchiching with a roster that blends legendary names, beloved returning artists, and fresh voices making their Mariposa debut, all under the theme Sounds Like Home.
Artistic Director Spencer Shewen put it directly: “This year, I really wanted to speak to something that’s always been at the heart of Mariposa: real music made by real people. There’s no A.I. here, just real musicians who’ve spent years honing their craft.” The result is a lineup that feels both carefully considered and genuinely alive.
Making their Mariposa debut are Father John Misty, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Ocie Elliott, Foxwarren, Leith Ross, and The Longest Johns. Returning to the festival are Steve Earle, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Billy Bragg, Sarah Harmer, The Barr Brothers, Dan Mangan, Great Lake Swimmers, Yukon Blonde, and many more.
Festival President Pam Carter captures the spirit of the weekend: “Whether you’re a longtime festival goer or a first-timer looking to discover your next favourite artist, Mariposa wraps us all in a warm blanket, just like coming home from a long time away.”
The 3-day festival features 11 music stages plus presentations of story, dance, and craft. Children 12 and under are admitted free, with special pricing available for youth and young adults. Onsite camping is available.
Tickets are on sale now at mariposafolk.com.