Enticing audiences with images of languid summer days spent basking under bluebird skies and the dulcet, eclectic tones that shape each weekend of community and music from far and near, the Calgary Folk Music Festival joined the party by unveiling its 45th annual festival lineup today, following up on a sneak peek that featured fan-and-festival favourites like Cake, Patrick Watson, Sierra Ferrell (who stole the show two years ago), Los Lobos and Elisapie.

Each year, the mainstay summer event brings world-renowned names to stages big and small on Prince’s Island Park at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers, setting the July 24-27 weekend as a must-attend event — in particular for those looking for a sort of foil to the bacchanalia that is the Calgary Stampede earlier that same month.

Hot on the heels of last year’s marquee headliner, The Roots, the Calgary Folk Music Festival spent the off-season combing Canada and the world for some of the freshest, most exciting sounds. This year features British songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, whose latest album, Small Changes, brought him back home to his “spirit as an artist.” Electronic jazz/hip-hop instrumentalists BADBADNOTGOOD will return to Calgary to put on what will undoubtedly be an absolute clinic in vibes of the purest kind. Texan troubadour Steve Earle also marks a return (of many returns) to town, armed with three chords and more than enough truths to fill a lifetime.

For those excited to explore fresh sounds from beyond (and within) our borders, relishing in some of the most interesting bands the CFMF brings each year, Los Angeles’ LA LOM are debuting in Calgary with their impeccable and authentic cumbia — they’ll undoubtedly be paired with freshbloods from Vancouver, Empanadas Ilegales, who already introduced themselves to Cowtown audiences at Sled Island 2023. Les Mamans du Congo x Rrobin is a ritualized meeting between the Bantu lullabies of the Congo, electronic music and hip-hop, a hybrid project that gives pride of place to dance and highlights the daily lives of Congolese women. Finally, modern folk goes viral with TikTok sensation Olive Klug, who expands the possibilities of the intersection of folk music by writing songs about coming of age in a troubled world.

Alberta talent is well represented at this year’s CFMF, with torchbearers Skinny Dyck, Aladean Kheroufi, Billie Zizi, Laura Hickli, The Dust Collectors, Jairus Sharif, St Arnaud and Starpainter all representing homegrown talent from all ends of the spectrum of sounds and frequencies coming out of the province.

Single-day and weekend passes are available now at calgaryfolkfest.com.

The Calgary Folk Music Festival takes place July 24-27 at Prince’s Island Park in Calgary.