After 55 years, Regina Folk Festival announces permanent closure

The Regina Folk Festival drew out a crowd in Victoria Park in 2022. (Gareth Dillistone / CTV News)

After 55 years as a fixture of Saskatchewan’s music scene, the Regina Folk Festival (RFF) has announced its permanent departure.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the RFF said despite the continued efforts of their staff and board, financial constraints and reduced operational capacity led to the cancellation of the annual event – and the dissolution of the organization as a whole.

In June 2023, the RFF announced it was facing a serious “financial crisis” and put out a call for donations and community support.

After a hiatus in 2024, the organization planned to bring the event back in 2025.

• No Regina Folk Festival for 2024, event will return in 2025, organization says

“When we announced the return of the festival this past November, we were optimistic and worked to meet our ambitious targets. However, by the end of January, it became clear that financial challenges and capacity limitations could not be overcome,” Tuesday’s post read.

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“We are deeply disappointed to not be able to introduce the new format of the festival with you, as planned.”

The annual event was held over three days in August in Regina’s Victoria Park, bringing in musical acts from all over the world.

In addition to the evening main stage, there were day stages, a children’s stage, several food options, and vendors.

According to the post, the Board of Directors are working to “dissolve the organization with grace,” and will hold a special general meeting in the spring to figure out next steps.

Artistic director Amber Goodwyn, who joined the festival in March 2021, was recognized as providing “exceptional leadership through pivotal moments of transition in the history of the organization.”

“Amber’s artistic direction has been invaluable, characterized by thoughtful themes that are deeply integrated with the community and a keen eye for curation,” the post read.

The RFF’s post also pointed to the fact the live music sector in Canada has suffered over the past five years, with several festivals and venues still struggling.

The RFF said while the news is difficult, they are grateful for everyone involved in the festival throughout the years, including volunteers, musicians, donors, partners, sponsors, and the audience.

“We continue to be inspired by the musicians and artists who’ve graced our stages with their talent. We are grateful for the hardworking staff and crew who powered this world-class event. Last but not least, we are so thankful for the generations of audience members who made this festival as special as it was,” the post read.

The RFF said all tickets purchased are in the process of being refunded. The organization thanked the public for their patience.

The organization concluded their post by saying while the Regina Folk Festival is saying goodbye, they are encouraging everyone to continue to support the arts however they can.

“For 55 years, the Regina Folk Festival has been more than just a celebration of live music; it’s been a highly-anticipated weekend of community building where lasting memories were made. We are heartbroken that it is time to say goodbye. We look forward to discovering all the beautiful new events that will sprout in its absence.”

The first Regina Folk Festival was held in the Queen City in 1969.