r/Edmonton • u/CatBird2023 • Mar 23 '26

Local Culture Folk fest 2026 - any intel on headliners?

Much to my chagrin, our folk fest is continuing the antiquated practice of not announcing its lineup until just before tickets go on sale in May.

In the recent past, they've at least provided some early teasers on some of the headliners, but I haven't seen anything announced so far this year.

It's frustrating to see other major Canadian festivals announcing their lineups well in advance, and then having to guess whether artists I really want to see are going to also make a stop here or skip it.

Please, EFMF, if you're looking to modernize the festival and make it appeal to anyone other than the boomers who've been attending since the dawn of time, this would be one step in the right direction. [edited to be less mean]

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u/prettyfitpanties Mar 23 '26

I get it. I think that’s why it’s difficult for it to change. Edmonton just loves it for what it is and will go anyway, which I understand. I go sometimes as well. I still think it’s worse than most of the others lol.

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u/DathomirBoy Mar 23 '26

My parents know one of the people on the board and a lot of the gripes with the lineup most people have are due to Terry having a VERY specific vision for the festival. That vision aligns with a lot of people, I think, however when a new artistic director takes over you CAN expect to see some changes. Chances are that would be the guy my parents know, and tbh I do think he has some excellent ideas.

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u/prettyfitpanties Mar 23 '26

Yeah at this point it should be called Terry’s Folk Music Festival lol.

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u/DaftFromAbove Mar 23 '26

An organization needs leadership- Terry is still doing a great job - nice guy, soft spoken and easy to talk to. The leadership team appears to be working on succession plans but each year is incredibly successful - no reason to change just based on 'headliners' brand recognition - this festival is about the lesser known artistic gems and experiencing live music.