The Calgary Folk Music Festival – Folkfest to locals – takes place in late July and is a celebration of traditional roots, musical innovation and international diversity.

It’s truly a Calgary institution; many residents have been grabbing their blankets and folding chairs and heading down to the festival for the last 30 years. In 2010, there will be over 60 artists from 13 countries performing over four days.

The festival features world music, blues, bluegrass, acoustic and electric folk, roots music, alternative sounds, country, swing and more.  It’s a relaxed event that’s big on musical discovery, as well as maintaining its incredibly cool vibe.

The festival has six daytime stages hosting numerous concerts and workshops, and a hopping main stage that comes alive at night – all at Prince’s Island Park on the Bow River.

The site has a family area with interactive activities and entertainment, a global craft market, fantastic international food, a record tent and a tree-shaded beer garden.