One CKUA staffer won’t have far to travel when she covers the Bear Creek Folk Music Festival in Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie. “I live a ten-minute bike ride from the festival site,” says Erika Dart, who’s part of the Marketing and Communications team at CKUA. She’ll be capturing video and photo content to share on CKUA’s social media channels and website. She says her mission is to explore all the different facets of the festival.
“When I’m working, it’s a totally different festival experience. I feel much more in the action versus hanging out on a tarp taking in the music. I love being right there when hosts are interviewing artists at the CKUA tent.” Festivals are always fun when it comes to having colourful content to capture and share, she says.
“It’s going to be great having a crew of my CKUA colleagues in my city,” Dart adds. “I’m the only CKUA team member here, so usually I’m the one travelling to them!”
Dart has gone to every Bear Creek Folk Music Festival since the fest began in 2016, and says, “It’s so well run. It has everything you could possibly want, and it’s such a nice size. Line-ups aren’t long and it’s easy to find your friends. All festivals have their own charm, but Bear Creek would be my favourite, even if I didn’t live in Grande Prairie.”
Bear Creek Folk Music Festival launched in 2016 and it continues to grow as an Alberta music event with heart and warmth. This year’s artist lineup includes Alex Cuba, The East Pointers, Fred Penner, Tom Cochrane, The Milk Carton Kids, Tenille Townes…the list goes on!
Join CKUA in person or the air as we capture music, conversation, and magical moments.
Here is a list of Bear Creek Folk Fest events and CKUA programming notes for the weekend:
Friday, August 14, 8:15 – 9 pm MT Hear the East Pointers, live from the Bear Creek main stage. This folk and roots duo from Prince Edward Island continues to gain fans wherever they perform. Don’t miss their set.
Friday, August 14, 9:20 – 10:15 pm MT Jesse Roper plays roots, blues, rock, and more. His music is characterized by humour, heart, and unforgettable grooves. Hear Jesse Roper, live from the Bear Creek main stage.
Saturday, August 15, 1 – 3 pm MT Join your hosts Dawn Pemberton and Grant Stovel on-air as they celebrate music and welcome live interview guests to the CKUA tent during Get On The Good Foot.
1:10pm MT – The War and Treaty
1:30pm MT – Jesse Roper
2:30pm MT – Julian Taylor
Sunday, August 16, 11 – 5 pm MT – Join us throughout the day on-site at Bear Creek for interviews at the CKUA tent:
11:00am MT – Nikki D interviewed by Dawn Pemberton
1:30pm MT – Secondhand Dreamcar interviewed by Dawn Pemberton
2:30pm MT – Fred Penner interviewed by Grant Stovel
3:00pm MT – Dallahan interviewed by Grant Stovel
3:30pm MT – Howley interviewed by Grant Stovel
4:45pm MT – DK Harrell interviewed by Dawn Pemberton
*All interviews are subject to schedule or other changes.
Visit the CKUA tent at Bear Creek Folk Music Festival Fest August 14 – 16. You can check out the new CKUA merch. Plus, connect with staff and volunteers who love to make new friends and talk music. We love it when people come by to say hi!
And, of course, CKUA Summer is happening all around the province. You can always listen in for our festival previews. All info can be found here.
CKUA Summer 2026 is presented by Calgary Foundation.
