CityFolk is back this year, taking place from Sept. 13-17 at Lansdowne Park. While there are many things to check out at this year’s festival, here are the top 10 things to see and do.
1) With a range of styles from Post Malone to Ruth B, there’s a sound for everyone. Canadian artists like Rose Cousins, as well as international artists like Tank and the Bangas, will appear at CityFolk. It’s a great place to listen to what you like as well as well as to get exposed to a new kind of sound.
2) Amanda Marshall—who hasn’t released any new material since 2001—will appear at the festival. She’s worked with big names like Elton John, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Whitney Houston—the latter who personally requested Marshall join her on stage—and had a number of Top-10 hits in the 90s. You can catch her on stage on Sept. 15.
3) One of the international performers you can see this year is Rodriguez, who has been performing since the 1960s. The Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man, which was released in 2012, tells the story about his popularity in South Africa, subsequent rumours about his death, and a revival of his career after his fans found out he was still alive. The legendary artist will be performing on Sept. 17.
4) From lighter ales to IPAs, the Mill Street Brewery Craft House and Brickworks Cider House will both be at the festival to satisfy your thirst while taking in great music.
5) Fun food from the popular Gabriel Pizza to Green Papaya Thai Cuisine will also be available on-site. Fadi’s Gourmet Poutine Stand, usually found solely at PoutineFest in May, will be there as well. And for those with dietary restrictions, there are vegan and gluten-free options available too!
6) If you want to take part in the music, but CityFolk Fest tickets are too expensive, Marvest, put on alongside CityFolk, runs on Sept. 15 and 16. It aims to showcase local Ottawa bands around the Glebe, giving you a chance to scope out some local haunts, like the Clocktower Brew Pub, Pure Gelato, and the Craft Beer Market, among others. This year’s Marvest line-up includes Scary Bear Soundtrack and even bilingual Étoile Noire.
7) Food, drinks, and craft stalls: CityFolk is more than just a music festival, with vendors setting up in the Aberdeen Pavilion. Crafts can be purchased from these local artists, such as from Natural Wisdom and Tanvi Silver and Stones. Shopping for birthdays and holiday just got easier.
8) There’s a KidZone at CityFolk, and it’s not just a place for kids to hang out. There are face painting and crafts open to adults, and best of all, musical instruments to play around with before getting drinks and heading into the world of music.
9) Each of the acts headlining will also be available to give autographs on the day of their performance. In addition to grabbing merchandise, like their latest CD, you can also get it signed. And best of all, you can get a photo with your favourite artist as well.
Photo by Maddie Dawkins
