News Articles

Posted: 2nd Nov 2023

We're looking to fill three community positions for our 2024 Selections Committee.

The Selections Committee advises the Artistic Director on performer options for the upcoming year, ensuring both artistic and cultural performance content meets the Vision and Mission of Folk On The Rocks. 

Posted: 22nd Nov 2022

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AND OWL PASSES ARE ON SALE NOVEMBER 24 10:00 a.m. MST!

https://www.folkontherocks.com/tickets

Get discounted tickets to the 2024 Folk On The Rocks Festival, taking place July 19-21, 2024. Grab weekend passes for you and your loved ones in advance! You can even get your Christmas shopping done a little bit early this year!  We're also going to have 50 OWL passes for sale. 

The Owl Pass comes with:

🎟️Warm The Rocks + Weekend Pass

Posted: 4th Oct 2021

Applications to perform at the 44th Annual Folk On The Rocks Music Festival are now open!

Do you think you have what it takes to play on the Canadian North Mainstage under the midnight sun at #FOTR2024? Apply below!

Submissions deadline is January 31st, 2024.

To apply, fill out the appropriate form below (one is for NWT artists and one is for Non-NWT artists).

 

Posted: 2nd Aug 2023

That's a wrap on #FOTR2023! We look forward to seeing you again at Long Lake on July 19-21, 2024.

We loved partying with you under the Midnight Sun this year and can't wait to show you what we have in store for next year! 

Check back on our website and socials for updates on all things Folk related including artist submissions, early bird tickets, events, exciting announcements (shhh, there's one coming this month), and more!

Countdown to #FOTR2023 is on -- 351 days to go! 

Posted: 10th Jul 2023

The City of Yellowknife provides a weekend shuttle service to ensure that Festival-goers get to the site safely.

Buses will run throughout the festival, stopping at multiple locations in Yellowknife.

The bus service will be run using the transits high floor buses. Anyone with a wheelchair or other mobility issues that prevent them from getting on the bus will have to use YATS if they are registered or find alternate transportation.

The bus schedule:

Posted: 4th Jul 2023

With less than two weeks until Folk On The Rocks 2023, we are excited to announce the release of this year’s festival app!  

Available on IOS and Android, our app is the easiest way to get information on the festival’s lineup, stage-by-stage schedule, as well as info on food and artisan vendors. It even allows you to build your own personal schedule based on the performers you want to check out.  

Posted: 26th Jun 2023

Join us for a free, family-friendly afternoon of sun and live music as Somba K'e Civic Plaza on July 14!

We're ringing in Folk On The Rocks 2023 with a lineup of some incredible performers:

12:15 pm: Erica Dee Mah
1:15 pm: Flora and the Fireweeds
2:30 pm: Taiga Yoga
4 pm: Pantayo Kulintang Workshop
5:15 pm: La Légende de Calamity Jane
6:15 pm: Wayfinding
7:15 pm: Northern Lights Pow Wow Dancers

Posted: 26th Jun 2023

On July 14 join us at Long Lake's NWT Brewing Beer Garden for an evening of incredible performances to kick off Folk On the Rocks 2023!

The lineup:

7:30 pm: PARTS
8:30 pm: Diamond Dino
9:30 pm: Hyaenas
10:30 pm: Jasmyn
11:30 pm: Glam on the Rocks
12:30 am: Lemon Bucket Orkestra
1:15 am: Sunaïra 

This event is 19+. 

$30 at the door or included at a discount with the purchase of a Weekend + Warm the Rocks pass.

Posted: 22nd Jun 2023

Folk On The Rocks 2023 is just around the corner. Here are some tips to make the most of your weekend:

Posted: 19th Jun 2023

Folk On the Rocks is looking for photographers for July 14-16!

If you want to capture great moments at the festival this year in exchange for an all access pass, reach out to our marketing team at agata@folkontherocks.com. 

 

Posted: 16th Jun 2023

We are excited to announce that our 2023 stage-by-stage schedule is released! 

The schedule tells you who will play which stage and when across the three days of the festival, helping you decide who you want to see and where you want to be!

Our stages include:

- 100.1 True North FM Aurora Stage

- Cabin Radio Lakefront Stage

- Canadian North Main Stage

- DT Electric Lil' Folkers Stage

- Lawson Lundell Beer Garden Stage

Posted: 10th Jun 2023

Folk On The Rocks Wins "Small Festival of the Year" award at the 2023 Canadian Live Music Industry Awards!

The Canadian Live Music Association is the voice of Canada's live music industry, advancing and promoting its many economic, social and cultural benefits.

Members of the association include concert promoters, festivals, talent agencies, venues, clubs, arenas, performing arts centres, industry associations and networks, and suppliers.

Posted: 7th Jun 2023

Come join the FOTR team!

 

Production Assistant + Radio Dispatcher

This role will focus on assisting the Production Manager with all temporary site needs to ensure the site is properly set up and ready for festival activities.

You will also support the management and organization of staff and volunteer radio use during the festival. 

Start Date: June 28, 2023 – July 22nd, 2023 

Compensation: TBD

Applications will be accepted until June 21st, 2013.

 

Posted: 4th Jun 2023

Yellowknife – In an exciting battle of the performers at the Main Stage Showdown, Prime Time took home the first prize today – a $500 cash prize, artist passes for the festival weekend and a slot on the Folk On The Rock’s Main Stage during the festival weekend.

Emceed by Layne Rybchinski, the Main Stage Showdown featured incredible performances by local artists. Performers included:

Posted: 1st Jun 2023

We've announced the full lineup for Folk On The Rocks 2023!

Headlined by Broken Social Scene, Folk On The Rocks 2023 will be a mash-up of Northern-style celebrations and performances from artists across Canada and beyond including Serena Ryder, Jasmyn, OMBIIGIZI, Lemon Bucket Orkestra, and Pantayo.

The Complete Lineup for Folk On The Rocks 2023:

Broken Social Scene

Serena Ryder

Jasmyn

OMBIIGIZI

Desirée Dawson

Lemon Bucket Orkestra

Shred Kelly

Status/Non-Status

Pantayo

Posted: 25th May 2023

Folk On The Rocks is excited to announce the lineup of local performers competing for a spot on the festival’s  main stage this summer!

 

Chosen on a first come first served basis, the performers for this year’s showdown will be:

Posted: 17th May 2023

The third wave of the Folk On The Rocks 2023 lineup is here!

We are thrilled to announce the third and final wave of artists that will be playing at Folk On The Rocks on July 14-16, 2023.

Performers in our third wave include Desirée Dawson, OMBIIGIZI, Shred Kelly, Balaklava Blues and Mama’s Broke.

Posted: 19th May 2023

We're hiring a beer Garden Manager and Beer Garden Support (two positions)!

Start Date: June 14, 2023- August 5, 2022

Compensation: TBD

Applications will be accepted until June 5, 2023

Duties

Posted: 11th May 2023

Join us for our Annual General Meeting ahead of the Main Stage Showdown this year!

Date: Saturday, June 3

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Location: Yellowknife Elks Lodge

Membership fees are $10. Payments can be made with cash or card at the door. (This purchase does not cover access to the Showdown. We will do a shutdown in between the AGM and Showdown.) No one will be turned away from membership due to a lack of funds.

Click below to see the AGM package. 

Posted: 6th May 2023

Volunteer with us this summer!

Want to earn a free ticket to our festival this summer? Volunteers earn free passes, get to meet new people and support your community!⁠

Are you interested in volunteering for Folk this year? Make some new friends, earn a free festival day or weekend pass, and listen to some great music while you are at it!⁠ ⁠

Posted: 14th Apr 2022

With spring in the air and the Folk On The Rocks festival around the corner, we’re excited to announce that the Main Stage Showdown is back!

In case you’re not familiar with it, the showdown is a talent-show-style event open to all performing arts designed to raise money while also seeking out and promoting local talent!

Posted: 20th Apr 2023

This week the Northern Mosaic Network announced that registration is open for the 2023 Performing Arts & Queer Justice Camp (PAQJ).

Megan Nash will be the Southern artist for this year's camp with Northern artists joining as well. PAQJ is a free, five-day camp where 2SLGBTQIPA+, questioning & allied youth, talk about social justice issues, and make performance art that will be presented on stage at Folk On the Rocks!

Posted: 19th Apr 2023

Building a great festival and organization takes a village and we’re excited that the folks who are leading our strategic planning process agree with us! 

Folk On The Rocks is working with Ivy + Dean Consulting on a long-term festival strategy that supports the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, while also reflecting the voices of Northern communities, including those who are impacted by systemic barriers in the arts and at the festival.

Posted: 18th Apr 2023

We are looking for a Production Manager for this year's Folk On The Rocks Festival.

Production Manager

Estimated Start Date: May 29, 2023 – August 12, 2023

Compensation: TBD

Applications will be accepted until May 8th, 2023

Description

Posted: 19th Apr 2023

We are looking for a Marketing Coordinator for this year's Folk On The Rocks music festival.

Estimated Start Date: June 5, 2023- July 28, 2023

Compensation: TBD

Applications will be accepted until May 19, at 5PM MST.

Description

The Marketing Coordinator will assist the Marketing Manager.

Posted: 13th Apr 2023

Yellowknife – The second wave of artists for 2023’s Folk On The Rocks (FOTR) music festival, July 14-16, is here!

Posted: 31st Mar 2023

Yellowknife – On July 17, Folk On The Rocks (FOTR) will host the North’s first-ever 19+ Zombie Apocalypse Camp once the curtains close on this year’s music festival, which runs July 14 to 16. 

Posted: 13th Mar 2023

We are looking for a Vendor Manager for this year's Folk On The Rocks festival.

 

START DATE: April 24, 2023 – July 28th, 2023

Compensation: TBD

Applications will be accepted until April 3rd, 2023

DUTIES

  • Receives and reviews all vendor applications via FOTR website;

  • Manages all vendor contracts;

  • Manages all vendor payments;

  • Organizes and track all vendor booths;

Posted: 9th Mar 2023

We’re thrilled to announce the first wave of artists for this year’s Folk on the Rocks (FOTR) music festival, July 14-16.

 

Graphic for our first wave of artists!

 

Posted: 20th Jun 2022

Folk On The Rocks is committed to improving the accessibility of our festival by trying to lessen or remove barriers to entry. Below is a list of some of the services that we provide. 

 

Posted: 9th Nov 2022

Thank you to everyone that participated in our Annual General Meeting yesterday!

We are excited to announce the confirmed Board of Directors for Folk On The Rocks:

President: Kayla Cooper
Vice President: Christina Monroe
Treasurer: Zachary Silva
Secretary: Camilla MacEachern
Mike Westwick
Brie O'Keefe
Patrick Meloche
Mallorie Malone

2023 is already shaping up to be a great year!

Posted: 3rd Oct 2022

This year's Annual General Meeting is taking place on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 at 7pm MST. As a result of our community survey, this year's AGM will take place online.

We would love to see you at our annual online AGM. Get involved by becoming a member for only $5!

Posted: 19th Oct 2022

We are thrilled to announce the dates for our Artist in Residency free shows and the wonderful artists that will be collaborating and performing each week with our Artist-in-Resident Desiree Dawson!

Posted: 14th Oct 2022

From October 21 to 27 ONLY, Folk On The Rocks will be having its first Super Sale!

 

Posted: 7th Oct 2022

We are beyond excited to announce that Desirée Dawson has been selected as our Artist in Resident for November 2022!!! She will be traveling up to Yellowknife and collaborating with local musicians, culminating in four free showcases at Makerspace throughout the month of November.

desiree dawson

 

Short Biography

Posted: 19th Sep 2022

Folk On The Rocks

Request for Proposal: Design Concepts for 2023 FOTR Merchandise 

 

Proposal Deadline: October 31, 2022 

Posted: 6th Sep 2022

Folk On The Rocks will be hosting an Artist in Residency Program for the month of November. The chosen artist will work with a different, local musician(s) to create material for presentation each week. Every week will end with a showcase, highlighting the work done by the chosen applicant and the local musician(s) partnered up with for that given week. Each showcase will be open to the public at the Art Space room in the Makerspace building, for all ages to view.

Posted: 24th Aug 2022

Folk on the Rocks, in partnership with Heritage Canada, is proud to announce its new Artist in Residency Program (AIR Program). This November, we will work to bring up a songwriter for a month-long stay in Yellowknife, located in Chief Drygeese territory and home to the Yellowknife Dene First Nations. The goal of this program is to create an opportunity for inspiration and discovery while exposing people to the beauty and lifestyle of the Northwest Territories.

Posted: 6th Aug 2022

We are excited to announce the dates for Folk On The Rocks 2023!

 

The festival will be back next summer from July 14-16, 2023!

Group staff photo
Photo by Vincent Ret

We have some exciting things coming up in the fall and winter too, so stay tuned!

Posted: 14th Jul 2022

SCHEDULE UPDATE!!! CHANGES TO THE LINEUP⁠ ⁠

schedule update

"echoes" (members of the Jerry Cans) will be playing Saturday July 16 at 4:00PM on the 100.1 True North FM Aurora Stage⁠ ⁠

Posted: 10th Jul 2022

Here is the official bus schedule for Folk On The Rocks 2022.

 

YK City Bus Schedule

 

Posted: 6th Jul 2022

We are excited to announce that Maazes is our SURPRISE GUEST at our Warm The Rocks event at Long Lake, which is ONLY 10 DAYS AWAY!!! 

Maazes

 

Posted: 27th Jun 2022

🍩🍩🍩 Field Law will be giving out FREE bags of mini-donuts to the first 250 people from 12PM to 2PM at Warm The Rocks Somba K'e Civic Plaza! ⁠

Come down on Friday July 15th to listen to some stellar music and enjoy some free treats.

 

WTR Somba K'e

 

Posted: 24th Jun 2022

We are excited to announce that we will have a SURPRISE GUEST at our Warm The Rocks event at Long Lake, which is ONLY 3 WEEKS AWAY!!! 


Come join us for some family friendly fun at Somba K'e in the afternoon and then boogie down to Long Lake to listen to a SURPRISE GUEST in the 19+ Beer Garden. ⁠

Warm The Rocks Somba K'e is FREE⁠
Warm The Rocks Long Lake, presented by Lawson Lundell LLP, is $20 at the door or get it discounted with the Weekend + WTR pass!⁠

Posted: 21st Jun 2022

After ten years of serving the Folk On The Rocks Board, we said see you later to Board President Ashley Makohoniuk, whom we will miss dearly. 

ashley

Ashley is a robust and creative leader with a passion for community events.

Posted: 16th Jun 2022

We are hiring for a Production Assistant for this year's Folk On The Rocks 2022. Are you handy and good at problem-solving? Then apply today!

 

Production Assistant

Start Date: June 29, 2022 – July 29, 2022

Compensation: TBD

Applications will be accepted until June 24, 2022.

Posted: 7th May 2022

Our vendor applications for Folk On The Rocks 2022 are now open!

Vendors

Do you make delicious eats and want to have a stall at the festival this summer? Or maybe you are an artisan that makes their products by hand? Whatever your skill, we want your creativity at #FOTR2022⁠

Help us make FOTR special 🌟

Posted: 3rd May 2022

Folk On The Rocks believes in uplifting and providing equitable opportunities to  those from marginalized communities, and we encourage applicants from such communities including Indigenous people, people of colour, persons living with disabilities, persons representing diverse genders and sexualities (2SLGBTQ+). We recognize that not all terms always work for all people, and we welcome applications from all interested parties.

Posted: 22nd Apr 2022

The 3rd Wave of the Folk On The Rocks 2022 Lineup is here!


We are thrilled to announce the third and final wave of artists that will be playing at Folk On
The Rocks on July 15-17, 2022.


Performers in our 3rd wave hitting the stage at this year's festival include Donovan Woods,
Kimmortal, Pantayo, Sarah Dufour, Ellen Froese, and many more. 

Posted: 8th Apr 2022

THE FOTR 2022 LINEUP 2ND WAVE IS HERE 🚀

 

Haviah Mighty, Stu Larsen, PIQSIQ and many more! We cannot wait to see you all in July!

Don't forget to grab your early bird tickets while you still can 🎟️ at https://www.folkontherocks.com/tickets

 

2022 Lineup Wave 2!

Posted: 1st Apr 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Yellowknife, NT.

Death Metal Fest
 

Posted: 24th Mar 2022

It’s that wonderful time of year again folks, today marks the first wave of lineup announcements for this summer’s Folk On The Rocks festival.

We could not be more excited to be bringing you artists from across Canada and the globe to truly build on the magic that was last year’s festival. Our full festival lineup will be announced in three waves, with more headliners and artists coming to you very soon. 

Posted: 12th Feb 2022
Valentine's Contest

Tag us in your FOTR love story (on Instagram or Facebook) and we’ll put your name in the draw for a free pair of passes to this summer’s Folk On The Rocks 2022.

HOW TO ENTER 
  💕Share a photo of you and your loved one at any Folk On The Rocks Festival and tag us!
  💕Follow @folkontherocks
  💕Like this post

Posted: 9th Dec 2021

ATTENTION ALL DESIGNERS!

Attention all designers
Photo by Vincent Ret

Submissions are now closed.

 

Posted: 14th Oct 2021

MORE THAN A FAN?

Want to help curate the FOTR 2022 line up? Apply to join our selections team here!

 

Folk On The Rocks has three community positions available on our 2022 Selections Committee.

FOTR is looking for forward-thinking, solution-oriented and dynamic Selections Committee Members. FOTR encourages representation that reflects the diversity of our community. 

Posted: 17th Jul 2021

FOTR 2021 SCHEDULE 

FOTR2021 Schedule

 

Posted: 9th Jul 2021

Mandatory Rules

Posted: 7th Jul 2021

Getting out to the Festival site and back safely is a top priority. While you may drive or bike, the City of Yellowknife provides a weekend shuttle service to make getting here a breeze. Remember that the cool kids don't drink and drive!

 

2021 Transit Schedule

 

Posted: 23rd Jun 2021

As the Northwest Territories has been working hard to follow the Chief Public Health Office’s Emerging Wisely plan, we are excited to be able to celebrate our community starting to get back to the “old normal”. This includes Folk On The Rocks’ ability to bring some top-notch southern artists to our Festival stage.

Posted: 18th Jun 2021

There is offocially less than a month until we will be celebrating the return of live music in the NWT! After a wild year of isolation, FOMO, and questionable pandemic haircuts - we are so excited to return to a bit of the “old normal”. Folk On The Rocks will probably look a little different this year, but it’s a small price to pay to once again soak up the sun with live music. So, in preparation for Folk, here are 30 things you can do to get ready!

Posted: 7th Jun 2021

Radio Dispatcher

Start Date: July 5, 2021 – July 23, 2021

Compensation: TBD

Applications will be accepted until June 25, 2021.

This role will focus exclusively on the management and organization of staff and volunteer radio use during the festival. 

Duties

  • Work closely with the Production Manager to create and organize all radio channels as well as effective and easy to follow communication plan;

Posted: 28th Apr 2021

Folk On The Rocks 2021 will be like no other in many ways. We feel so grateful for the hard work of our community, and the privilege it is to be able to host a Festival this year, while so many of our southern festival colleagues have had to postpone or cancel. However, this year we will be unable to welcome many Festival goers from Southern Canada. 

Posted: 1st Apr 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Yellowknife, NT.
 

Folk On The Rocks is excited to announce a new addition to our Festival lineup. For many years, our policy has been that dogs are not allowed on site during the Festival, and we know that it is often difficult for our four-legged friends to miss out on all the fun. 

Posted: 18th Mar 2021

We're about to put away our stegers and put on our blundestones. FOTR is just over 100 days away 😱.

To help you get pumped, we've released a limited edition Folk On The Rocks merchandise line by Yellowknife artist Jonah Cutler (read more about Jonah here). In partnership with Erasmus Apparel, the Northern Choir print is on a hand tie-dyed long-sleeve tee. Available in two colours: black & bleach "grunge" style, or the colourful "dream pop" style. 

Posted: 27th Oct 2020

Folk On The Rocks is eager to hear feedback from our members at this year's Annual General Meeting. We want to know how we're doing from COVID response, to the festival's future.

If you are not currently a member, or need to renew your membership, you can do so here.

Posted: 27th Oct 2020

In partnership with the Canada's National Arts Centre and Facebook, Folk On The Rocks is proud to present Yellowknife's own PIT! in a free, nation-wide live stream performance event. 

June 29, 2020
7pm MT
EVENT LINK

Since forming PIT! has opened for the likes of Tanika Charles, performed two highly talked-
about sets at last year’s Folk on the Rocks, and played a sundry of other sold-out local shows.