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Folk on the Rocks

Every third weekend in July for over 40 years, a diverse lineup of musical acts from North, South and beyond gather on the sandy shores of Yellowknife’s scenic Long Lake to bring you Folk on the Rocks — the coolest Canadian music festival north of 60!

The three-day event has grown into one of Canada’s top summertime music and cultural festivals. Set in a natural amphitheatre, the breathtaking site provides the backdrop for six stages of live music, workshops, a cultural area, and a beer garden — all under the lure of the midnight sun. 

It all kicks off on Friday night with “Warm the Rocks,” where musicians play at various venues throughout downtown Yellowknife. Between the following Saturday and Sunday, over 4,000 visitors will come to Long Lake to listen to the music, take in the scenery, and enjoy the most anticipated weekend of the year.

Folk on the Rocks’ unique mix of exclusively Canadian musical acts – 50 per cent Northern artists and 50 per cent ‘Southern’ (Acts from South of the 60th Parallel). The lineup results in a culturally diverse program for both artists and audiences to experience. In between the performances, there are plenty of delicious eats on-site, or you can take a refreshing dip in Long Lake’s cool, clean waters. It all culminates with a giant drum dance under the midnight sun, led on by the YK Dene Drummers. 

Yellowknife Transit offers late-night service to and from the festival all weekend long.