The much-anticipated full weekend schedule for the 50th Winnipeg Folk Festival is now live on the festival website and app. Celebrating five decades of music, people, and creativity, this year’s milestone event promises a dynamic blend of concerts, workshops and celebrations.
In true festival tradition, the schedule is packed with the hallmark of folk festivals – workshops. They offer a rare and intimate experience: artists— some of whom may be playing together for the first time — share stories, collaborate spontaneously, and jam live on stage.
These unique sessions are where musical magic happens — unexpected pairings, fresh arrangements, and unforgettable moments that create lifelong memories for audiences and artists alike.
“There are a lot of great concerts and workshops each day. We’ve put special care into the daytime schedule — you won’t want to miss any of it,” said Chris Frayer, Artistic Director. “This year’s workshops will be something truly special, from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings with their old friend Robyn Hitchcock, to Ani DiFranco and Allison Russell alongside Christopher Paul Stelling and Leonard Sumner, singing protest songs in the spirit of Pete Seeger’s folk tradition. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Some Workshop Highlights:
Bantu Lullabies, Griot Blues and Wagogo Styles
Friday, July 11, at 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Snowberry Field Stage
An all-African workshop celebrating the rich musical styles of Tanzania, Congo, and Senegal.
Artists: Les Mamans du Congo X Rrobin, Sousou & Maher Cissoko, and The Zawose Queens.
50th Hootenanny
Friday, July 11, at 11:00 am-12:45 pm
Big Bluestem Stage
We made it to 50 against many odds, so let’s have a party with some of the artists who were at the first Winnipeg Folk Festival and many beyond!
Artists: Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian, David Essig, Peter Paul Van Camp, The Black Sea Station, and The Duhks.
What Side Are You On
Friday, July 11 at 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Green Ash Stage
A protest songwriters’ circle, inspired by folk legend and Festival friend Pete Seeger.
Artists: Allison Russell, Ani DiFranco, Christopher Paul Stelling and Leonard Sumner.
Beats Don’t Fail Me Now
Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Snowberry Field Stage
Cambodian psych rock, Indigenous futurism, and global electronica all collide on one stage.
Artists: Beats Antique, Dengue Fever and Ombiigizi
Home to Manitoba
Saturday, July 12, at 11:15 am-12:45 pm
Big Bluestem Stage
An all-Manitoba love letter featuring homegrown talent from the heart of the country.
Artists: Begonia, Dominique Adams, Fred Penner, Leonard Sumner, Slow Spirit, Two Crows for Comfort and Zackery.
We Know Why the Turnip Truck Sings
Sunday, July 13, at 1:00 pm-2:15 pm
Big Bluestem Stage
Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, meet up with old friend and neighbour Robyn Hitchcock to decode this wonderfully weird title through song.
View the full schedule now on www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca and official Winnipeg Folk Festival app: Apple Store and Google Play