‘Unplug and come home': Stanfest gears up for another unforgettable summer in Canso

CTV News

13-06-2025

A Stanfest sign is pictured at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, N.S. (Source: Stan Rogers Folk Festival/JYazer)
The Stan Rogers Folk Festival, known as Stanfest, returns to Canso this July with a mix of storytelling, culture, and classic East Coast charm.
This year marks the festival's 28th edition, spotlighting artists from across Canada and beyond.
'It's such a dynamic environment – you never feel fully prepared,' said Steve McIntyre, the festival's artistic director in an interview with CTV Atlantic's Katie Kelly. 'But I feel great about where we are. I'm a lucky guy to be doing this.'
McIntyre, now in his second full year at the helm, says the week-long celebration starts earlier than most people realize. Cultural programming kicks off Monday, July 21, with a series of community events leading up to the main-stage performances.
'There's a vibrant Acadian culture there, there's an African Nova Scotian community just outside of Guysborough proper,' said MacIntyre.
This year's Thursday night show is a highly anticipated John Prine tribute concert – featuring his actual touring band fronted by a lineup of local artists paying homage to the late songwriting legend.
'His legacy is just that will live forever as one of the best folk roots songwriters of any generation,' said MacIntyre.
From there, the festival transforms into a full-on folk camping experience, with three days of music, food, and connection.
'We sort of think of this as a like an unplug and come home,' said MacIntyre.
More information, including the full lineup and tickets, is available online.