The Big Branch Festival 2025
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We invite you to spend a weekend of balfolk tunes and dancing near Bancroft, Ontario at a 273-acre lakefront property in the Canadian Shield, with international and local bands, music, song and dance workshops, jamming, and dancing late into the night…
Save the date! Sept 5-7 2025
Important dates:
Work trader applications open May 8
Work trader applications close May 18
Ticket sales open May 25
Located at Fraser Lake Camp
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Join us September 5th-7th for a full weekend of music and dance at this beautiful lakefront property nestled in nature.
A bunk bed in a shared cabin is included. Or if you prefer tenting, this is also an option. You will have access to the same facilities with either option.
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Fraser Lake Camp is near the town of Bancroft in Ontario, Canada. It is 3h10min from Toronto, 4h20min from Montreal, 2h20min from Ottawa by car.
We have some amazing programming for you this year featuring international performers and teachers from France, Belgium, Netherlands and Canada, evening dances (bals), music and dance workshops, lots of jamming, and singing.
What is Balfolk?
Balfolk (from the French, meaning folk ball) reflects a recent revival in traditional music and dancing from Western Europe, mostly featuring French tunes and dances. These include partner dances, group dances, and long chain dances. They are all fun and easy to learn. You don’t need a partners or prior experience. We’ll guide you though the simple steps!
Festival Info
Accommodations
Tenting, or a bunk in a shared cabin (you’ll stay dry!). Whichever you choose, you’ll have access to the same shared amenities (washrooms, showers). There is also a lake for swimming (no lifeguards).
Meals
Add meals to your ticket. A meals add-on for $95 gets you all meals from, and including, Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (6 meals total).
As is tradition, we will have a Saturday night charcuterie board.
Accessibility Information
Fraser Lake Camp contains uneven terrain and grassy areas not ideal for mobility devices. At night in low light there may be areas that are harder to see.
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As Big Branch Festival is a dance-centred festival, indoor spaces will prioritize dancers, and while there may be some chairs around, seating is not guaranteed. This is not a sit-down concert event. If you have any additional questions about accessibility, please email bigbranchfestival@gmail.com
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Cell service: There may be no cell service. There is no wifi available. Our merch table will only accept cash.​​
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Work Trade
There are limited work-trade spots available. We ask for 10 hours of work during the festival in exchange for a reduced ticket price ($140), which includes all 6 meals and a bed in a cabin. Work trader applications open May 4th and close May 18th. Those who are accepted will be notified by email and given a discount code to apply to the purchase of their tickets.
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Helping Hands Volunteering
If you'd like to help out, you are welcome to sign up to volunteer for an hour or two during the festival. There are all sorts of small jobs to be done, and we'd love your help! A sign up sheet will be posted here later in the summer.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE (detailed schedule coming in the summer)
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WEDNESDAY September 3
Kick-off concert in Toronto with international bands
(ticketed separately)
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FRIDAY September 5
Arrival at Fraser Lake Camp from 4pm
5:30pm - 7:00pm: dinner
7-8pm: music and dance workshops
8:15-midnight: Bal
Late night: snacks and jamming
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SATURDAY September 6
8:30am - 9:30am: breakfast
10am-1pm: dance, music, singing workshops
1pm-2:30pm: Lunch
2:30-5:30: dance and music workshops
5:30: jam apéro
6-7:30: dinner
7:45: parade!
8-midnight: Bal
Late night: snacks and jamming
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SUNDAY September 7
8:30am - 10am: breakfast
10:00 - 11:00 : Prettiest tune jam
11:00am - 12:30pm: Workshops
12:30 - 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm - 3:30pm: Closing bal
