Peterborough Folk Festival Set for Biggest Weekend Yet, Including Six Juno Award Winners
/By Scott Arnold
Peterborough’s biggest weekend of free live music returns next month as the 37th Annual Peterborough Folk Festival brings nationally acclaimed artists, family activities and four days of entertainment to Nicholls Oval Park.
Peterborough Folk Festival is set to return to Nicholls Oval Park and downtown venues from August 13-16, with its biggest festival yet, featuring six Juno Award winners (photo courtesy of PEterborough Folk festival, via michale hurcomb)
Music lovers can once again head to Nicholls Oval Park in Peterborough's East City as the Peterborough Folk Festival returns from August 13 to 16. The free-admission festival will also feature events at downtown venues, continuing a tradition that has made it Canada's longest-running free folk festival.
This year's festival will feature six Juno Award winners and two additional Juno nominees, along with four stages, a Children's Village, an Artisan Village, local food vendors and the largest festival stage Peterborough has seen this summer.
Headliners this year include Bahamas, SHAD, Aysanabee, Begonia, Terra Lightfoot, Kazdoura, Melissa Payne and The Weber Brothers as part of one of the festival's strongest lineups to date.(photo courtesy of peterborough folf festival, via michael hurcomb)
The festival remains committed to showcasing 100 per cent original artists, giving audiences the chance to discover established performers alongside emerging Canadian talent.
Among this year's headliners are Bahamas, SHAD, Aysanabee, Begonia, Terra Lightfoot, Kazdoura, Melissa Payne and The Weber Brothers.
Several artists are coming off major success at this year's Juno Awards, including Kazdoura, Bahamas, Begonia and Aysanabee, while The Young Novelists were also Juno nominees.
The lineup also includes familiar local names such as //NEWBERRY//, Joanna Bronson, Glen Caradus and Lakefield's Hunt the Hare, along with performances by Songs of Scratch Garden, which returns after becoming a favourite with families last year.
Festivalgoers can enjoy performances across four stages, including the newly expanded Miskin Law Main Stage, which will be the largest festival stage in Peterborough this summer (photo via peterborough folk festival, via michael hurcomb)
Festivalgoers will also be able to experience interactive programming throughout the weekend. Indigenous visual artist Ash Street will create an interactive art installation, while Kelli Marshall will lead a community Round Dance and host workshops that are open to everyone.
The festival officially begins on Thursday, Aug. 13, with an all-ages concert at Market Hall featuring acclaimed songwriter Ken Yates and emerging artist Tristan Konkle.
Four Stages Across the Festival
Live performances and activities will take place across four different stages throughout the weekend.
The Miskin Law Main Stage has been expanded and will be the largest festival stage in Peterborough this summer.
The Rotary Stage, located at the Nicholls Oval Pavilion, will feature a mix of local and national performers, with food and beverages available nearby. The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha will also draw the winner of its Pay It Forward Lottery from this stage.
The Generation Solar Stage will once again provide an intimate setting for singer-songwriters beneath the trees at Nicholls Oval while operating on renewable energy.
Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help during the festival, with opportunities available for all ages, including students seeking community involvement hours (photo courtesy of peterborough folk festival, via michael hurcomb)
New this year is the TD Stage, where artists will take part in collaborative performances, workshops and special programming. One featured session will see Terra Lightfoot and Melissa Payne perform and interpret each other's songs.
Plenty for Families
The popular Children's Village returns on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, offering crafts, games, performances, workshops and hands-on activities for children.
Each day will begin with a children's parade from the Children's Village to the Main Stage, followed by Kelli Marshall's community Round Dance.
The Peterborough Folk Festival returns to Nicholls Oval Park and downtown venues from Aug. 13 to 16 for its biggest festival yet, featuring free live music across four days (photo courtesy of peterborough folk festival, via michael hurcomb)
Families can also enjoy performances by Songs of Scratch Garden and Glen Caradus, along with beadwork workshops, interactive dance sessions, story time with the Peterborough Public Library and Indigenous-inspired arts programming.
More Than Just Music
Since beginning as a community music gathering in 1989, the Peterborough Folk Festival has grown into one of Canada's best-known music festivals while continuing to focus on accessibility, inclusion and community.
There are no VIP sections, with organizers emphasizing that everyone attending is treated equally.
In addition to live music, festival visitors can explore the Artisan Village, enjoy local food vendors and take part in interactive programming throughout the weekend (photo courtesy of peterborough folk festival, via michael hurcomb)
Beyond the music, the festival continues to bring visitors to Peterborough from across Ontario and beyond, helping support local businesses while showcasing the city as a cultural destination.
Volunteers Still Needed
Organizers are still looking for volunteers to help throughout the festival weekend.
Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages, and students can earn community involvement hours while helping at one of the region's largest cultural events.
Festival Schedule Highlights
Thursday, Aug. 13
Market Hall concert featuring Ken Yates and Tristan Konkle.
Friday, Aug. 14
Downtown pop-up performances.
Saturday, Aug. 15
SHAD
Aysanabee
Begonia
Georgia Harmer
Dean Johnson
The Free Label
Field Guide
Slow Leaves
Moondoggy
The Friendly Frog Freak Show
The Kents
The Watched Pots
BURS
Songs of Scratch Garden
Sunday, Aug. 16
Bahamas
Terra Lightfoot
Kazdoura
The Weber Brothers
The Young Novelists
Tennyson King
Hunt the Hare
Joanna Bronson
//NEWBERRY//
Glen Caradus and the Camp Kawartha Chorus Sing Songs of Nature
