Frequently Asked Questions 2026
We do our best to provide you with all the information you need for a happy Festival. If the answer you seek is not in these pages, then just give us a call or send us an email.
What are the dates for the 2026 festival?
The 49th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival will take place July 17 – 19, at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park. Gates will open at 2pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday & Sunday. Music will be playing all three festival nights until 11pm!
How do I buy tickets?
Early Bird Weekend Passes will be available at a discount rate in November.
Are there discounts available for students?
If you are a student and youth, there are discounts on all passes and tickets.
Who’s playing the festival this year?
Our 2026 artist line up will be announced in the spring.
Will there be a blanket lottery this year?
You bet there will be! Please note that when names are drawn, you will still need to pass through the bag check and your ticket scanned before entering the park. Participating in the lottery does not allow early access to the festival.
How can I apply to volunteer?
Volunteer applications are now closed. Please check back in the spring for details on applications.
How can I apply to be a part of the Artisan Market/Community Village?
Applications are now closed. Please check back in the spring for details on applications.
Where is ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park?
ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park is located off West 4th Avenue, just west of Alma Street.
Are there places to park near the festival?
There is limited parking available for festival attendees at the Jericho Hill Community Centre. Check back for full details.
Where can I stay or camp?
Contact Tourism Vancouver or Tourism BC to ask about hotel or camping options in the city. There is no camping available at the beach.
How can I get to the Festival on Public Transit?
The #4 bus will take your directly to the Festival site at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park. For more info, see our Getting Here page. You can also call Translink at 604-953-3333, visit the TransLink website, or try Google maps.
Can I leave the Festival grounds and come back in?
You will receive a wristband in exchange for your ticket. You may come and go as you wish until 11pm each day when you show your wristband at the gate. Please do not remove your wristband while you are in the Park. Weekend wristbands need to stay on your wrist for the full weekend.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, pets are not allowed on the Festival site with the exception of service animals. Please do not tie your dog to the fence or leave your pet in your car.
Do I need to bring my own water bottle?
Yes, please bring your own water bottle to the site. There will be no single use cups or bottles available for purchase. Please see below for the size requirements of the water bottle opening.
To minimize cross-contamination, we can ONLY fill bottles and cups with an opening this size or bigger:
What should I wear?
The Festival happens rain or shine, so wear weather-appropriate clothing: raincoats and jackets, etc., for wet days, hats and sunscreen, etc., for sunny days. You should bring a warm sweater for the evening concert as the stage is near the water and it often gets chilly at night.
What kind of seating is there at the Festival?
There are lots of ways to enjoy the evening Main Stage – dancing, standing, sitting or reclining on a blanket or tarp, or lounging in a low chair (please leave your Tommy Bahama chairs at home – we love them too, but the backs are too high!). We ask that chairs be no taller than 28 inches high, including legs up to 4 inches high.
Be a good neighbour, and be sure to keep the access path clear so that everyone can enter and exit safely – without blocking the view!
Can I bring my camera?
Yes, you may bring your camera, however professional audiotape or video recording of concerts or workshops is not permitted.
Who is a Festival neighbour?
Our Neighbourhood boundaries are from the North side of 4th Avenue to English Bay, and from the East side of Trimble Street to the West side of Alma Street. There are approximately 800 households in that area!
Our Community Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers who work to reduce Festival impact on those who live near the park. They manage traffic and parking issues and assist people in leaving the area quickly and quietly at the end of each Festival day. Neighbours of the Festival may contact us directly with any questions or concerns.
How can I help with the 2026 festival?
The festival would not be possible without the overwhelming amount of support we received from our community. You can help keep us strong by spreading the word about our iconic summer event!
You can also make either a one-time or recurring donation here. If you donate $35 or more you will automatically become a member of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society, which gives you voting power at our AGM.