If you’re up for a mini adventure, Duncan has the perfect excuse to make road trip plans!
Promising fantastic food, music and camaraderie, the Cowichan Folk Guild is thrilled to have everyone back for the 40th annual Islands Folk Festival.
It will take place at Providence Farm in Duncan from Friday, July 19th to Sunday, July 21st, and will feature a lineup of local, national and international artists.
Since its inception in 1984, this rich celebration of folk music and culture has become a staple community event—drawing in thousands of attendees every year!
In honour of their 40th year, the festival aims to expand by embracing new talents and diverse musical genres. Guests can expect a mix of folk, blues, roots and world music—ensuring there’s something for everyone.
“We are incredibly excited to mark the 40th anniversary of the Islands Folk Festival,” said Artistic Director, Jack Connolly.
“Providence Farm has been the perfect backdrop for this event, and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new festival-goers.”
Artists included in this year’s lineup include Valdy, James Keelaghan and Eileen McGann, Big Little Lions, Scotland’s Shooglenifty, New Zealand’s Mel Parsons, blues icon Murray Porter, and the Sacred Steel Summit Revue featuring The Lee Boys and Calvin Cooke.
Other highlighted performers include Firebird, Twin Embers, Clanna Morna, Tai Williams, Infinite Atom, Ed Peekeekoot and many more!
Free workshops offer an all-ages opportunity to engage in activities related to songwriting and storytelling sessions, and reconciliation.
There is also a zone dedicated entirely to kids and will provide fun and educational activities, crafts, games, and interactive performances designed to entertain and inspire.
If you’re hoping to catch as much of the festival as possible and fully immerse yourself in the folk experience, there are options to camp onsite!
Ticket prices vary depending on the package you’re after, and can be purchased in ‘weekend pass’ bundles or individual days. Take a look at those, here.
If you’re looking for further information or wish to take your involvement a step further, you can contact the festival office for volunteer opportunities on their website, or by contacting (250) 748-3975.
Cowichan Folk Guild: 40th Annual Islands Folk Festival
- Where: Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan
- When: Friday, July 19th to Sunday, July 21st
