While the Vancouver Folk Music Festival gets underway this weekend at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, over in Mission, the 36th annual Mission Folk Music Festival takes over Fraser River Heritage Park from July 21-23.
We welcome everyone from our longtime fans to folks who’ll be experiencing Mission for the first time. – Michelle Demers Shaevitz
The 2023 festival offers a diverse roster of artists and groups from across Canada, the US, and beyond, with over 20 acts slated to perform at daytime stages and on the evening main stage in the park, which overlooks the Fraser River just east of Mission.
“It’s a thrill for us to return to Fraser River Heritage Park for our 36th annual festival”, says the festival’s artistic director Michelle Demers Shaevitz. “I’m excited to welcome folks back to the park to share some amazing global music with them.”
This year’s festival features everything from singer-songwriter folk to Celtic, blues, bluegrass and soul to the unique mash-up of traditional folk music and indie pop with Korea’s Dongyang Gozupa.
The roster also features Toronto singer Tanika Charles, and closing the main stage Saturday night is a performance by Haiti’s Wesli. From BC’s West Coast, Blue Moon Marquee will help kick off the festival Friday night, and David Francey returns to the main stage on Sunday.
“In between, there’s an incredible range of tunes to enjoy,” says Demers Shaevitz. “We welcome everyone from our longtime fans to folks who’ll be experiencing Mission for the first time.”
In addition to the tunes, food and artisan market vendors and a licensed, shaded bistro are on site. Attendees can also choose to camp in the park for an additional fee.
Visit missionfolkmusicfestival.ca for the complete line-up and tickets.