Vancouver Folk Music Festival announces 2026 lineup, from global icons to local heroes
U.K. legend Billy Bragg and Brazil’s Bia Ferreira share stages with Canadian names like Aysanabee and Empanadas Illegales at ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park, July 17 to 19
Billy Bragg. Photo by Jake Blickenstaff
Bia Ferreira
VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL has just announced a lineup that includes acts from around the world as well as across Canada for the annual celebration, which takes place July 17 to 19 at ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park.
International names include England’s Billy Bragg, whose heart-on-sleeve anthems have roused the socially conscious for over four decades, and Brazilian singer-songwriter Bia Ferreira, whose songs deal with feminism and antiracism.
Other international standouts include Hazlett (Australia), Joshua Burnside (Northern Ireland), Sauljaljui (Pingtung, Taiwan), Tina Dico (Denmark), Yagódy (Ukraine), Maruja Limón (Spain), Mitsune (Japan/Germany), and Sahra Halgan (Somaliland).
Aysanabee
From south of the 49th parallel, expect stellar sets from Tennessee’s Valerie June—who ranges between soul, blues-rock, and Appalachian folk—along with Anna Tivel (Portland, Oregon) and the border-hopping Ruby Singh and the Future Ancestors featuring Arthur Flowers (Vancouver/New York).
This city will be well-represented by the rockabilly roots of guitarist Paul Pigat’s Cousin Harley, the psychedelic salsa of Empanadas Ilegales, and the confessional indie-pop of Hailey Blais.
From elsewhere across Canada come Ontario-based Aysanabee, Edmonton’s Brianna Lizotte, Montreal’s El Balcón, Toronto’s Kazdoura, and Terrace, B.C.’s Gamksimoon.
Find the full lineup, as well as Early Bird weekend passes and tickets, at the website.
“Whatever folk music means to you, we have something that will appeal to everyone,” Vancouver Folk Music Festival artistic director Fiona Black said in yesterday’s announcement. “During the day we have three stages to visit and at night our Mainstage comes alive where everyone gathers to dance in one of Vancouver’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. We will be announcing the detailed schedule in the next few weeks.” 
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