For nearly 50 years, the NL Folk Festival has been a cornerstone of our province’s cultural identity—a place where generations have come together to celebrate the music, stories, and traditions that make us who we are. Now, as we face great financial challenges, we are asking for your support to save this beloved festival and ensure that the NL Folk Festival remains a place where music, tradition, and community continue to come together for future generations.
One of the most impactful aspects of the NL Folk Festival is the opportunity it provides to emerging artists. Through programs like Young Folk at the Hall and the Neil Murray Stage, we have given countless young musicians their first experience on a professional stage, many of whom have gone on to national and international success. These programs nurture confidence, mentorship, and artistic development, ensuring that Newfoundland and Labrador’s folk traditions continue to evolve with each new generation.
Alex Taylor, Young Folk at the Hall participant, opens the 2024 NL Folk Festival from Main Stage (left), four Young Folk at the Hall participants heat up the Neil Murray Stage (right).
The Folk Festival is more than a weekend of music—it’s a living expression of who we are. We provide a space where traditional ballads, accordion tunes, step dancing, storytelling, and craftwork are not only performed but passed down to the next generation. Our festival is a place where elders and youth come together, where newcomers to the province experience our traditions for the first time, and where our shared cultural heritage is kept alive and thriving.
Ask anyone who has attended, and they will tell you: the NL Folk Festival is more than just an event—it’s a feeling. It is a place where families gather on the grass with a picnic, where children dance freely to the sounds of a lively fiddle tune, and where people from all walks of life feel welcome, safe, and connected. We pride ourselves on creating an environment that is relaxed, family-friendly, and inclusive, ensuring that everyone—no matter their age or background—can feel at home at the festival.
The Folk Festival is not just about music—it’s about belonging. It’s a place where friendships are formed, where stories are shared, and where we come together as a community to celebrate the past, present, and future of Newfoundland and Labrador’s folk traditions. It is an event that brings people together, strengthens cultural pride, and enriches our province socially and artistically.
For nearly 50 years, NL Folk Festival has been a celebration of our music, culture, and community. But today, we need your help to ensure its future. Financial challenges threaten the festival, and we must act now to keep it alive.
We have launched the Save Our Festival campaign to raise $100,000 in critical funds.
This festival belongs to all of us. With your support, we can ensure that the sounds, stories, and spirit of Newfoundland & Labrador’s folk traditions continue for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of our folk family. Let’s keep the music playing!
With gratitude,
The Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society
