After much consideration, the Georgian Bay Folk Society has regretfully decided to cancel the 45th Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival, scheduled for August 21 – 23, 2020, due to continued uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health and safety of our volunteers, patrons, performers, food vendors, and artisans was our top priority in making this difficult, yet necessary decision. While many options were discussed, we were unable to envision a socially responsible way to hold the festival this year.

We are heartbroken over being unable to gather at Kelso Beach in August; however, we are looking forward to the day that we can gather again as friends to share in and create the magic that is Summerfolk. Please be assured that we have begun planning for Summerfolk 45.1 (August 20 – 22, 2021), and we plan to be back, better than ever.

For patrons who have purchased tickets, you will have the choice to obtain a full refund, defer your tickets to 2021, or donate all or part of your ticket purchase to Summerfolk, in exchange for a charitable donation tax receipt. Instructions on how to obtain a refund, defer tickets, or make a donation will be sent by email.

Arts and culture organizations have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and GBFS is no exception. And, while this year’s festival has been cancelled, your help is important to our continued survival. If you are able, we invite you to please make a donation at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/43208, or consider volunteering your time. To become a volunteer, please contact [email protected]

Music is what binds us together. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors, performers, vendors, artisans, and patrons that have supported us over the years. We will see you soon!

source: media release, Georgian Bay Folk Society