Bruce Cockburn added to folk fest lineup

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This article was published 08/05/2025 (322 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is coming full circle. In 1974, when the first fest was held at Birds Hill Provincial Park, many attendees were drawn by the promise of a free Bruce Cockburn concert.

Now, 50 festivals later, the celebrated Canadian folk icon who helped launch the event is back. Cockburn will hit the Big Bluestem stage on Saturday, July 12, at 3 p.m., marking a full-circle moment for folk lovers.

“Bruce Cockburn has never been a stranger to our stages,” said artistic director Chris Frayer in a press release. “He’s returned nearly every decade to share his songs and stories, and our community continues to be moved by his timeless voice, his activism, and his deep connection to this festival. He will share his stories from the festival’s early days, especially the first one.”

The singer-songwriter, known for such hits as Lovers in a Dangerous Time and If a Tree Falls, is making a detour from his tour to attend the festival.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival runs July 10-13 at Birds Hill Park. Tickets and information are available at winnipegfolkfestival.ca.