The Mission Folk Music Festival was formed in 1988 by founding artistic director Francis Xavier Edwards and some musical friends who wanted more opportunities to play music for an audience. The first festival was a one-day event held in Fraser River Heritage Park and featured Shari Ulrich, Cotton Street Band, John McLachlan and others. Since then, it has grown into one of the finest performing arts festivals in the country, showcasing emerging local and BC musicians and bringing both popular and rarely-heard world artists to the Fraser Valley, sometimes for their only North American performance. We are committed to expanding opportunities to highlight and celebrate the music, dance, art, and stories from cultures and communities from across Canada and around the world in respectful, fun, and engaging ways.