A Mariposa Summer
— submitted
Mariposa Folk Festival Lineup, Gordon Lightfoot Exhibit and Photos from the Mariposa Folk Festival makes this summer one for the musical books!
The Mariposa Folk Festival returns July 4 to 6 to Tudhope Park in Orillia with a fantastic lineup that includes The Sheepdogs, Iron & Wine, Waxahatchee and much more!
The Mariposa Folk Festival was founded in Orillia, Ontario in 1961. Through the festival’s storied 65 years, it has grown to become Canada’s most legendary musical gathering. Tickets for Mariposa are on sale via the festival website.
“This is a landmark anniversary year, promising amazing performances and unforgettable moments, so don’t delay in purchasing your Mariposa 2025 tickets to make sure you’re part of this moment in Canadian music history,” said Mariposa Folk Festival President, Pam Carter. “Music fans of all ages come to the festival each year to reconnect in this beautiful setting by the lake, creating their own lifetime memories of Mariposa. For both festival veterans and first timers, this is a year not to be missed.”
In crafting this special anniversary Mariposa lineup, Artistic Director Spencer Shewen wanted to showcase Mariposa favourites from over the years, while at the same time introducing the festival to some of the best new voices in folk music.
Returning to the lineup for 2025 are magnificent performers, Jane Siberry (1982), Bob Snider (1990, 1993, 1994, 2003), Ron Sexsmith (1990, 2006, 2011), Irish Mythen (2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024), Basia Bulat (2009), Hayden (2008), and The Paper Kites (2014) to name a few.
New faces at the festival this year include Iron & Wine, Waxahatchee, The Sheepdogs, Rock Plaza Central, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, The Red River Ramblers and Bess Atwell.
Shewen is particularly excited for a one-time ensemble performance from some exceptional songwriters who will gather to celebrate Mariposa’s 65th in a special way. “On Sunday evening, Serena Ryder, who has performed at the festival on no less than six previous occasions, will be joined by Martha Wainwright, Julian Taylor and special friends for a Mariposa retrospective performance. It’s sure to be a magical moment!” says Shewen.
The three-day Mariposa Folk Festival features 11 stages of top folk-roots and other genres, along with presentations of story, dance, and craft. All ticket categories are on sale. Children 12 & under are admitted free. The festival has special pricing for youth and young adults. Onsite camping is available.
Two Musical History Exhibitions Launching in June
Visitors to Orillia and local residents alike will have the opportunity to immerse themselves this summer in Orillia’s rich music history with the launch of two exciting exhibitions at The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH). Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back The Pages will be a permanent exhibition on Canada’s beloved troubadour, while Voices Through Time: A Mariposa Journey is a temporary exhibition celebrating the 65th anniversary of the country’s most iconic music festival.
Both exhibitions are slated to open to the public on June 14, 2025.
Memories of Mariposa Folk
—photos by Deb Halbot
Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back The Pages
OMAH is proud to announce the launch of a permanent exhibition dedicated to one of Canada’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Gordon Lightfoot. Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back The Pages will invite visitors to explore the life, legacy, and enduring impact of the legendary musician.
Born and raised in Orillia, Lightfoot’s influence on Canadian music and culture is unparalleled. With a career spanning over 60 years and a catalogue of more than 250 songs, his storytelling has resonated with audiences worldwide. His music—deeply personal and often reflective of the Canadian landscape—has been recorded by iconic artists including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan. At a time when many musicians sought success in the United States, Lightfoot remained steadfast in his Canadian identity, proving that an artist’s greatest inspiration can be found at home.
Curated by Hannah Arndt, OMAH’s History Programming Coordinator, Turning Back The Pages will take visitors on a journey through Lightfoot’s career, showcasing rare artifacts, memorabilia, and personal items that highlight his deep connection to Orillia and the broader cultural landscape.
Voices Through Time: A Mariposa Journey
The Voices Through Time: A Mariposa Journey exhibition will take place on the second floor at OMAH, running from June 14 to September 13. The exhibition celebrates the 65-year history of the Mariposa Folk Festival, with beautiful photographs from the past and present, as well as interactive elements capturing some unforgettable Mariposa moments.
Voices Through Time: A Mariposa Journey invites you to step into this rich history through the eyes of two photographers, each capturing a distinct era of the festival’s legacy.
Edwin Gailits, attending in the 1970s, documented Mariposa in striking black and white, preserving its raw energy and intimate moments. His images reveal a festival deeply rooted in folk traditions, where artists and audiences connected in a shared love of storytelling and song. The grain of his film captures the authenticity and spirit of a movement that shaped Canada’s folk music scene.
In contrast, North Simcoe life’s Deb Halbot’s contemporary photography immerses us in the Mariposa of today—vivid, dynamic, and filled with colour. Her work highlights the festival’s evolution while celebrating the same passion that has defined it for decades. From joyful performances to the vibrant crowd, her images reflect a festival that continues to grow, embrace diversity, and inspire new generations.
Alongside these visual narratives, an interactive installation brings to life defining stories from Mariposa’s past. These stories—of legendary performances, turning points, and unforgettable moments—invite you to engage with the voices and experiences that have shaped the festival’s journey.
Through photography and storytelling, Voices Through Time honours Mariposa’s enduring magic, celebrating the past while looking toward the future. This is more than an exhibition—it is an invitation to experience the heart and soul of Mariposa.