Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival 2024: Fun for all ages and great opportunity to connect original musicians this weekend!

Bringing together folk performers from across Canada and blending themes of music, art, and nature, the Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival is set to kick off this weekend (Aug 24- 25, 2024). The festival is going to celebrate its 10^th anniversary in the event.

Compared to other music festivals, the Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival has the following 8 unique highlights:

• Diverse musical styles: The festival features a variety of genres, including folk, indie, country, blues, spiritual music, and world fusion, showcasing the inclusivity and diversity of music.
• Mixed performer backgrounds: Performers come from various ethnic backgrounds—not only from Canada but also from the United States, Ukraine, Jamaica, India, Scotland, and other countries—demonstrating the fact that music has no boundary, similar to a concentrated musical version of the Folklorama.
• A close bond with nature: The Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival emphasizes the harmony between people and nature. Saturday's event will be held at the picturesque Cottonwood Acres (Provincial Road 331, Portage la Prairie), while Sunday’s event will take place at Island Park, a landmark in Portage la Prairie.
• Enhanced interactive experience: In addition to the wonderful live band performances, there will be a variety of cultural workshops throughout the day. Participants can join meditation workshops, art DIY sessions, and more.
• Dive into the music community: Participants will have the opportunity to connect with talented original musicians and songwriters. The jam session (impromptu performances) after the official shows are a highlight of the festival, offering the chance to hear unique original live music and an immersive experience.
• Strong community involvement: The festival originates from the community, following the principle that joy is better shared. Therefore, Sunday’s events are free and open to the public. The local musicians from Portage la Prairie will be also presenting in the show.
• The most family-friendly music festival: Families can camp out, bring their RVs, or enjoy a picnic outdoors. No matter how old you are, regardless you are children, seniors, or adults, you can always have fun together.
• Volunteer-run festival: Unlike other commercial events, the Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival is entirely run by volunteers, with proceeds going toward venue costs and performers' travel expenses. It’s said that about 60 volunteers will be involved in this year’s festival.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival. What started as a casual initiative by a few music enthusiasts—simply wanting to utilize available venue resources for a community event themed around music and art—has gradually evolved into a well-known niche music festival. The festival has grown from an audience of 30 people in the beginning to over 300 attendees today, and from involving only Manitoba musicians to attracting talents from all over Canada.

Like many niche music festivals, the Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival isn’t for everyone, but folk music lovers tend to be loyal followers. The festival's pure non-profit nature, artistic vibe, and accessible charm have drawn a dedicated fanbase and long-term volunteers. The festival has even been shortlisted for the 2nd Manitoba Tourism Awards.