We're so ready to get our folk on this summer, and hope you'll join us in the park!
There are a lot of moving parts this year, so it'll be a bit longer before we can give you the right information about what 'Around the Park' includes this summer. And In case you haven't heard, daytime admission to the folky fun is free (!!) thanks to a generous donation from CelebrateNL & the 2024 Year of the Arts.
Thank you for being patient with us, and stay tuned for all you need to know about the festival grounds! Including small stages, workshops, a daytime stage, Newfoundland ponies, and more!
Neil Murray (1943-1988) was a Rhodes Scholar, poet, writer, historian, radio producer and St. John’s Folk Arts Council board member who passionately promoted Newfoundland culture. As a great admirer and friend to musicians, Neil would be particularly pleased to have his name associated with this stage devoted to young performers. The Neil Murray Stage presents over 6 hours of performances by young folk artists and is one of the highlights of the Folk Arts Society's young folk programs.
With no shortage of talent in this town, the Partner Stage showcases some of our fantastic Community Partners. Come on down to see performances and workshops by Réseau culturel francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, Sarfest, and DanceNL.
Stop by the Traditions Stage to enjoy a wondrous mix of ballads, storytelling, poetry, recitations, fairy tales, tall tales, and the scattered yarn.
It has been a good few years, but in case you haven't heard… Everything old is new again! Including bringing the Newfoundland Pony Society back to the NL Folk Festival. You'll want to stop by their corral for a nose pet - it'll brighten your whole week! Plus, if you want a photo with a pony (and who wouldn't!), we'll be accepting non-perishable food items and hygiene products to share between Bridges to Hope, Stella's Circle, and The Gathering Place. Join in the community spirit!
Come for the music, but the Festival has lots more to see and to learn! Along with performances throughout the weekend, we also have a variety of craft artisans, community partner booths, and instructional workshops for all ages. Celebrate the arts of Newfoundland and Labrador with us!
Saturday, July 8th 2023, 10:00 - 10:45 am Craft Tent
Introduction to Tapestry Weaving with Janay Rose (ATC): Weaving is a technique that interlaces two sets of fibers to create fabric, wall art, embellishment, and three-dimensional items. In this introductory workshop with textile artist Janya Rose, you will learn the basics of off-loom tapestry weaving. You will work with a warp that is prepared in advance while weaving with a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials. This workshop is great for anyone 10+ or younger with parental assistance.
Sunday, July 9th 2023, 10:00 am - 10:45 am Craft Tent
Introduction to Rug Hooking with Janay Rose (ATC): Hooked rugs were traditionally created using recycled textiles to create floor mats that could be found in homes throughout Atlantic Canada. Today the technique is used to create beautiful wall art often using brightly coloured wool and fabrics. In this introductory workshop with Textile Artist Janaya Rose, you will learn how to create your first stitches using traditional tools and materials. This workshop is great for anyone 10+ or younger with parental assistance.
Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 - 11:45 am Craft Tent
Knitting and Spinning with Beth Howley: "It starts on the farm where my husband and I raise Angora rabbits and I am inspired by the natural surroundings. Once the rabbits are sheared I spin the fibers mixing the angora with silk and wool to create various weights and textures. When I am designing a new wearable art piece I imagine the color and shape and draw from my existing palette or spin and dye yarn specific to the design. Depending on the desired look I dye the fibers while they are still in a raw format or after the skein has been spun. While I knit I control the color, texture, weight, and drape of each piece through a combination of knitted stitches and decorative applique. With each piece that I knit, I push myself to learn new techniques and manipulate color palettes that inherently make each piece unique."
There’s nothing quite like the ambience of the Quidi Vidi Garden at the Festival: Summertime! Music! Lights! Pallet couches! And of course, award-winning locally brewed beverages! You’ll also find complimentary beer tastings, and the special Folk Fest edition brew “Folk'd Up”. And this year, the fun never stops! Quidi Vidi will have games in the Garden so you can win lots of prizes!
