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“Experience the Excitement of Coquitlam’s Francophone Music and Culture Festival”
This is the 34th year of the Festival du Bois, offering musical performances, dance, food, workshops, shopping and a traditional Francophone experience in Mackin Park.
The Festival du Bois returns for its 34th year with a brilliant roster of musicians and artists who will grace the stages of the large heated tents at Mackin Park in Coqutilam.
opening night
The festival kicks off on March 24 with a contra dance – now a festival tradition – in the Grand Chapiteau (Big Tent) in Mackin Park.
A contra dance is a ballroom dance that can be performed without a partner.
Attendees will dance to the music of Vancouver’s premier contra dance group, The Sybaritic String Band, with caller Sherry Nevins.
The evening opens with an exciting double act featuring Devon and Louis Léger (La Famille Léger) and the music and foot rhythms of Podorythmie.
weekend fun
On March 25th and 26th, the festival will showcase outstanding music artists from BC, Manitoba, Quebec and Washington State.
The main concert stage and dance floor of the Grand Chapiteau welcome:
- Les Grands Hurleurs, the “big howlers”, play traditional Québécois music that is bursting with new ideas
- Senegalese soul rocker Élage Diouf
- Brazilian dance music by Forró do Cana
- Québéco’s musical power trio Genticorum
- BC’s own Métis Jiggers
- The French-Canadian and Acadian melodies of La Famille Léger, along with the stirring music and dance of Podorythmie
- The Francophone choir Les Échos du Pacifique from Maillardville celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Métis traditions
A special area of the festival, The Métis Village Experience, invites festival-goers to enjoy, explore, learn and appreciate the rich history, art, perspectives and language of Métis.
The Festival du Bois partners with the North Fraser Métis Association to bring together musicians, dancers, storytellers, artisans and others to share their culture and traditions with festival-goers.
kids tent
In the children’s tent (Petit Chapiteau), children and families can experience Madame Diva, Will and Seeka, Seeka Sings and Véronique’s Conte d’Afrique avec Mulungie.
There are even more surprises on site too, with roving characters and fun activities for all ages.
Rooted in the French Canadian community and heritage of the Maillardville area of Coquitlam, the Festival du Bois is BC’s largest and most popular celebration of Francophone music and culture
The festival showcases some of the best Québécois, Francophone and Roots musicians in the Grand Chapiteau (Big Tent), the Children’s Tent (Petit Chapiteau) and the Workshop Stage at nearby Mackin House.
Traditional food
Onsite at Mackin Park, spectators of all ages also enjoy exhibits, hands-on activities and food truck meals.
Treats include traditional French-Canadian cuisine like tourtière, maple toffee on snow, and poutine.
There will also be shopping opportunities and informative workshops.
This year the festival also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Société francophone de Maillardville. The société is the presenting organization of the festival.
Visit the Festival du Bois website for more information and tickets.
Early bird
- $28 = Adult one-day early bird ticket through February 28th
- $65 = early bird rate for a one-day family package through February 28th
- Free = Contradance on Friday evening March 24th (reserved tickets available)
Regular Prices
- Day tickets for Saturday or Sunday (no weekend tickets)
- Saturday March 25 | Sunday, March 26 (standing entry)
- Adults (18+) from March 1st: USD 32 per day
- Students and Seniors: $22 per day | 5 – 12 years: $10 per day
- One-Day Family Package starting March 1: USD 75/day (two adults and two children aged 5-12)
- Children under five are free
- Prices do not include service charges, plus GST
- On Sunday, enjoy a pancake breakfast for $10 (adults) and $5 (kids) – not included with admission (buy tickets on site)
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