The Folk Festival Society of Calgary is a Canadian nonprofit organization best known for producing the Calgary Folk Music Festival, a major cultural event held annually since 1980. Registered under the business number 127909141RR0001, the society has developed the festival into one of Canada's most prominent and innovative music festivals with both national and international recognition.

History and Overview

Founded in 1980, the Folk Festival Society of Calgary began with a modest two-day festival featuring three stages at Prince's Island Park in Calgary. Over the decades, it has evolved into a four-day event showcasing a wide array of musical talents — from emerging artists to iconic performers — across eight stages. The festival emphasizes collaborative sessions, diverse genres, and has introduced year-round programming such as the Block Heater winter music festival and seasonal concert series.

The growth of the festival included pivotal developments like the construction of a permanent main stage on Prince's Island Park in 2002 and resilient recoveries from challenges such as the 2013 flood that impacted Calgary. The organization has also embraced digital innovation to engage audiences, particularly during the pandemic.

Cultural and Community Impact

The Calgary Folk Music Festival, under the society’s guidance, serves as a cultural hub and a community gathering place that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. It supports local artists and promotes sustainability, thereby also acting as an economic driver for the city. The annual event attracts around 53,000 attendees and is supported by over 1,600 volunteers contributing to the festival’s production.

The festival is notable for its unique live sessions where artists perform collaboratively in informal settings, often resulting in memorable performances. Throughout its history, it has hosted music legends and diverse acts, ranging from David Byrne and k.d. lang to Inuit throat singers and internationally renowned poets and performers.

Year-Round Programming

Beyond the summer festival, the Folk Festival Society of Calgary has expanded its mandate to include programming throughout the year. This includes fall and spring concert series, cultural performances, and the Block Heater winter festival, further solidifying its role as a year-round promoter of arts and culture in Calgary.

The Folk Festival Society of Calgary remains a cornerstone of Calgary's cultural landscape, fostering musical talent, community spirit, and artistic collaboration in a diverse and inclusive environment.

[1] https://calgaryfolkfest.com/about/our-story [2] https://calgaryartsdevelopment.com/news-information/directory/folk-festival-society-of-calgary/ [3] https://standandcommand.com/client_stories/calgary-folk-music-festival/ [4] https://calgaryfolkfest.com [5] https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/not-just-for-pot-smoking-hippies-calgarys-first-folk-fest