The Whoop & Hollar Folk Festival returned this past weekend, bringing two full days of live music, art, and community celebration to Portage la Prairie. Saturday’s festivities at Cottonwood Acres carried late into the night, while Sunday’s Folk in the Park wrapped up the weekend with free outdoor concerts at Island Park.
Saturday at Cottonwood Acres
The Cottonwood Mainstage featured an exciting lineup, starting with Johnny Dietrich at midday and continuing until midnight. Performances from Katherine Fischer, Linden Drive, Leaf Rapids, Kelly Bado, and JUNO winner Valdy drew a great crowd before Fernanda and the Midbrain Surfers closed out the night.
At the Harlequin Hangout (Red Barn), open jam sessions kept the atmosphere collaborative and spontaneous, with musicians like Alistair Wright, Simply Kara, and Justin Fry inviting audiences into the creative process. Roger Fournier and Arnie Clark also delivered intimate solo sets.
The Silver Maple Big Top proved a family favourite with multiple performances by Judy & Ruby, storytelling sessions, face painting, caricatures, and lawn games. Artisan vendors and henna artists stayed busy from morning until dusk.
Hands-on workshops were also a highlight, from T-shirt stamping and creative poetry to tree talks and wood spirit carving at the campfire circle. Food was plentiful throughout the day, with a free BBQ lunch, food trucks, and an evening mead tasting.
Sunday’s Folk in the Park
Day 2 shifted to Island Park, where free concerts at the Ukrainian Bandstand brought the community together one more time. Shawn Pallister opened the afternoon with her folk and indie-pop stylings, followed by Winnipeg’s The Janzen Boys. The festival closed with legendary Canadian folk icon Valdy, who gave a warm ending to the evening and weekend for everyone who attended.
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