This summer, the Winnipeg Folk Festival marks its 50th anniversary. The festival, which traditionally takes place in Birds Hill Provincial Park, promises performances by more than 60 musicians from July 10 to 13. Despite this historic milestone, many fans have expressed disappointment with this year’s lineup.
In particular, some internet users have pointed out that the lineup lacks beloved headliners, such as Neil Young and Bruce Cockburn, and mostly features artists who are unfamiliar to the audience. An Instagram comment with over 300 likes on the festival’s page even says, “the worst lineup for a 50 year anniversary I could [have] imagined.”
Others also noted that ticket prices are steep given the perceived lack of big-name performers. According to the festival’s website, tickets range from $91 to $380 for adults, depending on the tier. The 2024 Folk Fest drew 76,500 attendees — the most in its history — but it is unclear whether this enthusiasm will carry over into 2025.
The online backlash raises some questions. Who are the performers in this year’s lineup? Are they as underwhelming as some have suggested?
Typically, the largest and boldest names on a music festival poster indicate the biggest stars of the show. This year, the first act on the poster is Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, his band. Isbell, a country-rock singer-songwriter from Alabama, has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards, winning six.
Lake Street Dive, an American rock band with roots in Boston, follows as another headliner. The group draws inspiration from 1960s pop music. Also featured are Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, an acoustic duo whose work helped shape the Americana genre. Welch and Rawlings’s 2024 album, Woodland, won Best Folk Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
One surprise in the lineup is Ye Vagabonds, a folk duo formed by Irish brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn. The Mac Gloinns have gained acclaim for their moving renditions of traditional ballads such as “I’m a Rover” and “Blue is the Eye,” earning multiple awards from the BBC and RTÉ Radio One in recent years. It is difficult to say definitively whether the online criticism is unwarranted. However, an examination of the lineup shows that many of the featured artists are well-respected in their genres. Above all, the festival offers an opportunity for concertgoers to experience a wide range of musicians — including those they may not have heard of before. Perhaps this year’s Folk Fest will introduce audiences to their next favourite band.
