Come and say “bonjour!” as Festival du Bois, returns to Maillardville at Coquitlam’s Mackin Park, March 8-10.
As the festival celebrates its 35th Anniversary in the heart of BC’s francophone culture, visitors can expect a weekend of richly diverse music and dance, fabulous food, fun on-site activities and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Festival du Bois highlights the Maillardville community’s rich roots and traditions, with a taste of the past, present and future of francophone music.
The Festival begins Friday night, March 8 with Podorythmie’s music and dance, followed by a “called” contradance with the Sybaritic String Band and caller Maureen Collier. With free admission, everyone of every age is invited to come, dance up a storm and stir up some fun.
The celebration continues on both Saturday and Sunday (March 9 & 10) with concerts by festival artists in the licensed Grand Chapiteau (Big Tent), shows in the Petit Chapiteau – offering exciting performances for kids, the showcase of Métis culture and history in The Métis Village Experience, and from engaging performers roving the site. Nearby Mackin House welcomes festival attendees to workshops presented by a variety of festival artists throughout the weekend.
Artistic Director, Joanne Dumas says: “This year, Festival du Bois celebrates the history and culture of the community of Maillardville – and 35 years of showcasing great francophone music and culture that spans geography, traditions, cultures and genres. In recognition of the 2024 Acadian Congress (a gathering of the Acadian Diaspora that occurs only every five years – this year in SW Nova Scotia), we’ll shine a spotlight on the grand Acadian music tradition – presenting some of its finest artists. Our 2024 lineup welcomes amazing musicians from New Brunswick, PEI, Quebec, Washington State – and from right here in BC. And we’re thrilled to again partner with the North Fraser Métis Association for the Métis Village Experience (maarsii!). Folks from every language and background are invited to come join the friendly, happy festival crowds on site. There’s so much to discover and enjoy. Bienvenue!”
In addition to the Chapiteau performances, around the park, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of delicious food and drink options including maple taffy on snow in Cabane à Sucre André Beauregard Sugar Shack, traditional poutine, sugar pie, and a range of cuisine traditionnelle dishes – and much more. There’s a Jam Tent where musicians gather to play, lots of great shopping and interesting exhibit booths to visit as well.
For the full Festival du Bois performance schedule visit festivaldubois.ca/festival-schedule-2024
Celebrate Festival du Bois’ fun, affordable, and family-friendly entertainment March 8-10, 2024 at Maillardville’s Mackin Park, 1046 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam. Tickets available online or at the gate at festivaldubois.ca