About Summerfolk

Music & Crafts Festival

A Folk Tradition on the Shores of Georgian Bay

Since 1976, the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival has brought music, art, and community together each August at Kelso Beach Park in Owen Sound, Ontario. What began as a grassroots dream of two brothers has grown into a nationally recognized celebration of folk culture—featuring musicians and artisans from across Canada and around the world.

Presented by the Georgian Bay Folk Society, Summerfolk is a community-powered, volunteer-driven event that blends world-class performance with grassroots spirit. With multiple stages, artisan markets, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly programming, it offers something for every generation of festival-goer.

While 2025 marks our 50th anniversary—a milestone year of reflection and celebration—Summerfolk’s heart lies in its timeless mission: to foster community through folk music and the arts.

Join us as we continue to build a legacy of creativity, collaboration, and connection—one song, one story, and one summer at a time.

The poster for the 2nd Summerfolk Festival in 1977