Vancouver Folk Music Festival reveals details of its 2026 Mainstage lineup
This year’s picks include old-school country, introspective singer-songwriters, voodoo-infused ritual, and one U.K. legend who really needs no introduction
(Left to right) Maruja Limón, Hazlett
THE VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL HAS just announced the schedule of acts that will be playing the Mainstage at its 47th annual edition, taking place at ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park from July 17 to 19.
“There's nothing more magical than watching a great performance on our Mainstage as the sun goes down and this year, we have three nights of incredible acts celebrating artistry, diversity and the joy of music,” Vancouver Folk Music Festival artistic director Fiona Black said in today’s announcement. “This year, we’ve extended set times for each of these acts to give audiences more time to enjoy the music and are programming an incredible array of in-between sets to keep the party going on the Mainstage.”
Sahra Halgan and her band
July 17’s Friday evening Mainstage kicks off with Toronto-based singer-songwriter and producer Aysanabee, who has won multiple Junos, including this year’s award for Indigenous artist of the year as well as alternative album of the year for his 2025 release Edge of the Earth. Up next is Australian-born tunesmith Hazlett (who now lives in Sweden), who will play tunes from his new LP, last night you said you missed me—but if Spotify streams are any indication, he’s practically obligated to play older hits like “Please Don’t Be” and “Blame the Moon”. Closing out the first night, Somaliland’s Sahra Halgan and her band will blend Somali vocal traditions with electric guitars, hypnotic percussion, and influences from rock, Afrobeat, and North African rhythms. And you will dance.
Tami Neilson
On Saturday, July 18, New Zealand country sensation Tami Neilson starts things off on the Mainstage. The Canadian-born singer’s retro image is steeped in kitsch, but her powerhouse voice is the reason why the likes of Willie Nelson and Neil Finn have wanted to work with her. Taking the middle slot—but never the middle of the road—is U.K. legend Billy Bragg, whose nearly 50-year career has made any introduction unnecessary. Fast-rising Canadian indie-folk star Ruby Waters rounds out the bill with her introspective lyrics and sultry singing.
BIM
The last night of the festival, Sunday, July 19, is all about hybrid sounds. It all launches with the Vancouver debut of Barcelona’s Maruja Limón whose music blends Catalan traditions with influences drawn from flamenco, pop, and Cuban son. Then it’s time for Valerie June’s unique mixture of Americana, folk, gospel, soul, and blues. She calls it “organic moonshine roots music”, and that’s good enough for us. Then BIM (Benin International Musical) will close the festivities by welding rock and rap to traditional voodoo rhythms. There’s a ceremonial element to this Beninese collective’s music, which makes each performance part dance party and part ritual.
Single day tickets are now on sale, with early-bird weekend passes available until May 21. See the Vancouver Folk Music Festival website for more information. 
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