Festival Guide 2018: Folly Fest

By: Kathleen McLaughlin

Where: Gagetown, N.B.

When: June 22-25

What it is: Located in the riverfront village of Gagetown, N.B., the Folly Fest lineup is jam packed with a variety of folk, funk and techno music, providing a little something for everyone to enjoy. If late night techno jams aren’t your thing, you’re in luck, night shows are silent and headphones are provided.

With the festival celebrating its 10th anniversary, organizers are bringing in lots of special guests from the Maritimes and beyond.

A fusion of family-friendly and folk, Folly Fest provides a chance for attendees to experience music as part of Gagetown’s tight-knit community. The festival also proudly declares it’s the “Greenest Festival on the East Coast” with renewable energy powering stages, compostable food containers, local purchasing and more.

Headliners: Garaj Mahal, Plants & Animals, G-Nome Project, Jenn Grant, Partner, Olympic Symphonium, Old Man Luedecke and more.

For full lineup, check out Folly Fest website.

Mix Pick: Partner
Best friends Lucy Niles and Josée Caron’s hilarious lyrics and groovy guitar riffs were recently featured on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert. Originally from Sackville, N.B., this is the band’s first time at Folly Fest. From what you hear in your headphones to tiny concerts to festival shows, Partner always bring the fun.

Partner play on Saturday, although the full schedule with times will be revealed later.

Mix Tips: Folly fest is a three day camping festival, so make sure you come prepared for tent city. That includes your food and drinks for the weekend, although there are some tasty food vendors that you must try (cough, cough, homemade pizza). The festival is sponsored by Fredericton’s Graystone Brewing, so lots of craft beer is on tap as well.

A tent, sleeping bag and warm clothes for the evening are necesFsities. And don’t forget your bathing suit so you can take a dip in the beautiful St. John River. Last but not least, bring some extra cash because many local businesses will be selling their wares. To find out more of what you may need, you can post on the FeelsGood Folly Fest Facebook page to connect with the community.

Press photo of Jenn Grant by Matt Dunlap