About & History

About & History

Canada’s most iconic music event, The Mariposa Folk Festival was first held in Orillia in 1961. It later moved to Toronto and other sites in Ontario until returning home in 2000 to Orillia. The 3-day Festival is a family-friendly celebration of song, story, dance and craft in the bucolic setting of Tudhope Park. 

More than 50 artists appear on stages throughout the park including a pub stage and outstanding evening main stage performances. Special areas for children’s activities, artisans, and food vendors make Mariposa a magical experience for people of all ages.

Ruth 1961
Source: Mariposa Folk Foundation
Ian & Sylvia in 1961
Source: Mariposa Folk Foundation
John Prine and David Bromberg
Source: Mariposa Folk Foundation
Gordan Lightfoot in 1965
Source: Mariposa Folk Foundation
Leonard Cohen in 1967
Source: Mariposa Folk Foundation
David Rae & Joni Mitchell in 1967
Source: Mariposa Folk Foundation
Dancing in 1970
Source: Mariposa Folk Foundation

Stan Rogers in 1977
Source: Mariposa Folk Foundation