Valley Line LRT to ease transportation challenges at Edmonton Folk Festival

In just a couple of months, the Gallagher Park hill will come alive with the sound of music during the Edmonton Folk Festival.

But for fans who have dealt with transportation challenges in the past, getting to the event might be much easier this year.

Nearly seven years ago, the Valley Line Southeast LRT took to social media saying “in 2021, you will be able to take the Valley Line LRT to the Edmonton Folk Fest. After years of delays, it has finally become a reality.”

In 2021, you will be able to take #yegvallerylrt to @edmfolkfest - the Valley Line starts operating in Dec 2020! pic.twitter.com/pZKvABUjjH

— Valley Line Southeast LRT (@yegvalleyLRT) August 8, 2017

The post, which is still up, is a reminder of how delayed the project actually was.

“I think last year a lot of folks were hopeful they would be able to take the train to Folk Fest. But of course, that didn’t materialize, but knowing it’s an option this year, people are excited,” said city councillor Ashley Salvador.

There’s no parking in the neighbourhoods near Folk Fest, but there are drop-off areas for carpoolers and taxis. The Valley Line LRT has two stations nearby, making it twice as convenient for festivalgoers.

“It’s been a long time coming, so it’s only a bonus,” said Terry Wickham, producer of Edmonton Folk Festival.

Wickham says weekend tickets sold out last year in just one day. And with a lineup full of new and familiar faces, he anticipates a large crowd once again.

“Usually we feature different styles from blue grass to blues to world music, African music, and lots of singer-songwriters,” he said.

The Valley Line LRT has progressively increased ridership since its first run last year, according to Sarah Feldman, the director of transit planning, ridership and revenue for Edmonton Transit Service.

LRT ridership numbers shared by the city show there were 138,000 monthly riders on the Valley Line Southeast in November 2023, the first month it opened. Five months later – in April – there were 223,000 monthly riders on the Valley Line SE.

Those ridership figures reflect the total origin-to-destination trips, Feldman says, regardless of the number of transfers.

Coun. Salvador is optimistic people will take full advantage of it during the festival season.

“It really opens the door for folks who might not be able or willing to drive, to conveniently hop on the train and get there quickly,” said Salvador.

The full list of performers for the Edmonton Folk Festival was revealed Tuesday. Tickets for the festival go on sale Saturday, June 1st.