Well, here we are, just a few days away from the commencement of Summerfolk 49! The volunteers are all eagerly awaiting their assignments, the vendors are packing their merch, and the musicians are doing all of their last-minute practicing, changing strings and getting on the road.
Here’s our top six ways to prepare for your own visit to Summerfolk:
1. Make your Christmas shopping list now. There is a huge variety of artisans, craftspeople, potters, wood turners, painters, clothing designers, toymakers and more who come to Summerfolk each and every year. This is your chance to put your hard-earned money directly into the hands of makers. Do not miss this opportunity. Stash one or two re-usable shopping bags into your backpack and make them work for you.
2. Bring the whole family. This festival is especially kind to children. There are musical events especially designed for them, along with a terrific playground and water park. The kids will delight when they see Tallbeat, a stilt walking drum group, playing Brazilian rhythms on their instruments while they walk tall among us regular-height mortals.
3. Buy your tickets ahead of time, online, and save yourself aggravation, time and money (if you buy them on or before August 15th). There’s nothing worse than arriving at the festival and having to line up to buy tickets and then line up again for entry to the park.
4. Come Early. Parking near Kelso Beach at Nawash Park is mostly on the surrounding streets. You need to be there well ahead of the first performance times to get in on the close parking action.
5. Come Early. And bring your folding chairs, tarps and blankets. Whether you are sitting on the lawn at the Stan Rogers main stage or on the huge stones that make up the amphitheatre, you’ll definitely want to get a good spot. The only way to do that is to be there when the grounds open in the morning. Your folding chair marks your spot. We also know that the wind off the bay often picks up after dark, so bring a hoodie, windbreaker and blanket to ensure you’re comfortable while the main stage performances take you into the late evening.
6. Come Early to enjoy the first performances. Youth Discoveries (always a complete treat for the ears!) begins on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. You never know if you’re going to find your next big musical crush here at Summerfolk. On Saturday, 11:00 a.m. is the start time, and you’re going to have trouble choosing between David Sereda, Ritmi Vibranti or Terra Lightfoot. On Sunday, the start time is 10:30 a.m., with Stirling John leading the Gospel themed “Make a Joyful Noise” performance.
See you all at Summerfolk 49 this coming weekend! (August 16, 17, 18, 2024) www.summerfolk.org
