The Folk Festival is one of those events we make sure to write in our calendars every year. It’s a three day festival filled with nothing but live music, camping, and entertainment. Founded in Orillia in 1961, and it has grown to become Canada’s most legendary musical gathering.
Last year was the first time the festival returned as an in-person event after covid and it sold out FAST.
“The festival sold out in record time last year, and with such a dynamic and diverse lineup, Mariposa 2023 is once again sure to be a hot ticket,” said Mariposa Folk Foundation President, Pam Carter. “There’s something for every age and preference. I’m particularly moved to see the number of three-generation families that gather at the festival. Some of the magic of Mariposa is our constant evolution to remain relevant and true to our roots for generations to come.”
This year seems no different. The festival happening on July 7-9 is already sold out except for a few Friday tickets as of this writing. The Friday tickets will probably be sold out too by the time you’re reading this. It helps if you write it in your calendar like we did.
But, you might not know that there is a special stage in downtown Orillia that is free to go and listen to artists taking part in the festival. It’s on Mississaga Street between Matchedash and Peter.
In crafting this year’s lineup, Festival Artistic Director, Liz Scott, was inspired by the beauty of Mariposa’s natural setting and her belief in the importance of in-person connections.
“Pulling together the 2023 program is so exciting. As usual, the recognizable names are far outnumbered by the fresh, surprising, new artists to be discovered from stage to stage to stage. That’s the trust audiences have had in Mariposa for over 60 years. It’s simply the best annual reunion of beautiful souls in a glorious setting. I can’t wait!”
The 2023 artist lineup includes Tegan and Sara, Feist, Rufus Wainwright, The Wood Brothers, Rural Alberta Advantage, KT Tunstall, Wild Rivers, Judy Collins, Matt Andersen & the Big Bottle of Joy, Jeremy Dutcher, and more.
For a full list of the artist lineup this year and to see if there are any tickets left, visit https://mariposafolk.com/
