Folk on the Rocks: An Enduring Festival

Home / Explore / Arts, Culture & Society

Canada's History · Folk On The Rocks: An Enduring Festival

Carly McFadden, the Artistic and Executive Director for the music festival Folk on the Rocks, spoke with Canada’s History intern Brendan McShane about the history and future of this festival, and how it changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carly shares some of her favourite moments from this festival’s 40-year run and welcomes Canadians to experience all it has to offer.

Folk on the Rocks has been held on the shores of Long Lake, Yellowknife since 1980. The festival now includes six different stages, a food fair, and an artisan tent which showcases Northern artists.

Folk on the Rocks 1981
Folk on the Rocks 1989
Folk on the Rocks 2019
Folk on the Rocks crowd 2019
Folk on the Rocks mural 2019

Help keep Canada’s stories true, strong, and free

We hope you’ll help us continue to share fascinating stories about Canada’s past by making a donation to Canada’s History Society today.

We highlight our nation’s diverse past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, and by making those stories accessible to everyone through our free online content.

We are a registered charity that depends on contributions from readers like you to share inspiring and informative stories with students and citizens of all ages — award-winning stories written by Canada’s top historians, authors, journalists, and history enthusiasts.

Any amount helps, or better yet, start a monthly donation today. Your support makes all the difference. Thank you!

Click to donate