42nd Annual Islands Folk Festival July 24 - 26, 2026
Providence Farm, North Cowichan, BC
Early Bird Passes available until February 28th, 2026!
Cowichan Folk Guild members receive an additional $10 off.
Please contact the office for the promo code:
admin@cowichanfolkguild.ca
Not yet a member? Consider joining a dynamic community and supporting live music in the Cowichan Valley year-round!
CFG members also receive a discount on admission to our shows, including our monthly Coffeehouse Concerts.
Check out our calendar of upcoming events below!
COWICHAN FOLK GUILD EVENTS
Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse Series
January 10th, 2026: The Boneyard Babes
The Boneyard Babes were all set to play our November Coffeehouse, but life happens, and we had to reschedule. As they say, all good things come to those who wait, and we are so excited to feature them as our first Coffeehouse concert of 2026!
The Boneyard Babes return to the Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse with a mix of heartfelt originals and sing-along favourites. “We love to entertain and we love to cover songs people know,” says singer/guitarist/songwriter Nancy Potvin, “but we’re also passionate about our own music.”
The band’s name comes from a shared ritual of celebrating loved ones who’ve passed. “When I visit my mom’s grave, I bring my guitar, her favourite drink, and we play her songs,” Nancy explains. “It doesn’t have to be a sad place — we make it fun.” That spirit of remembrance and joy carries into their shows. “Music is medicine to me,” says Nancy. “It connects us: to each other, to our stories, and to the people we miss.”
Comprised of Potvin, percussionist Kathy O’Malley, and Jennifer Louise Taylor on guitar and baritone ukulele, The Boneyard Babes are a collective of Indigenous and queer-identifying musicians committed to building a sense of community through music. With a wide representation of originals, traditional folk, roots, and old country, their music is embodied percussion, rich harmonies, and a powerful female presence. Their sound evokes a deep sense of healing connected to Mother Earth and Turtle Island, bringing warmth, kindness, humour, and passion in all they do.
When: Saturday, January 10th, 2026, 7 PM - 9:30 PM
Where: Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St., Duncan, BC
Cost: CFG Members - $5 / Public - $10
Doors @ 7 PM, Open Stage @ 7:30. We encourage artists at all levels to take the stage; sign-up is at the door!
Contact: admin@cowichanfolkguild.ca
The 42nd Islands Folk Festival
Save the Dates: July 24th - 26th, 2026
Future Islands Folk Festival Dates
43rd July 23, 24, 25, 2027
44th July 21, 22, 23, 2028
45th Anniversary July 20, 21, 22, 2029
41 years and counting! Learn more about the origins and history of the Islands Folk Festival here:
Smile! You’re at the Islands Folk Festival!
We’d like to let you know that photos, videos, and audio recordings may be captured throughout the festival grounds.
By entering the event, you’re giving your okay for us to use any images or recordings that include you—whether it’s for sharing the joy of the festival on our website, social media, or in future promotional materials.
This means you won’t be able to request approval or compensation for use of these recordings, and you’re waiving any related claims (like privacy or publicity rights).
We do this so we can continue to celebrate and share the magic of this special gathering for years to come. If being part of our visual story doesn’t feel right to you, we understand—may the music find you where you are, and we’ll keep a place for you in future circles