If you sing or play, we’d love to hear you.

See below for a description of our regular events.

To receive notices of our upcoming events, subscribe to our email list(s).

See our monthly newsletters for non-VFSS events involving our members or presented by like-minded organizations.

Icon of an open songbook with a musical note

July 29: Fifth Wednesday Special

Lingo & Labour of the Sea: Form & Function in Your Favourite Shanties
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Trinity-Grace United Church, 803 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, BC

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See past events

Our Regular Events

At the VFSS, we have a broad definition of folk music, encompassing Celtic, blues, 1960s revival, contemporary singer-songwriter, gospel, old-time, and world music, in addition to the Traditional, Canadian, and BC songs we love so much.

We host regular musical events, including our Wednesday Night Folk on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, afternoon Song Circles, and 5th Wednesday Specials. We also hold a fabulous annual retreat in the fall. All our music events are open – come join us!

The Wednesday Night Folk is the VFSS’s flagship event; it has been running since 1959.  Come out to perform one or two songs on the Open Stage; join in on the choruses; listen to others interpret this moment in the continuing folk tradition. A short featured performance sometimes rounds out the evening.

Themes: The Wednesday Night Folk offers theme nights six times a year, on pre-advertised dates. Our themes represent the VFSS’s specialties: Songs for a Better World, Women Singing, Songs of BC, Songs of Canada, Songs of Working People, and Traditional Songs. Bring songs on the theme.

Song Circles are casual, supportive events at a VFSS member’s home. Held in the afternoon for a warm bright vibe, song circles are a friendly place to share songs with longtime and newfound friends.

Fifth Wednesday Specials, held 3-4 times a year, give us a chance to delve deep into a particular topic in a workshop or presentation format.  Recent topics have included a multi-faceted harmony workshop and a presentation of Scottish labour songs.

The VFSS Retreat is held each fall at Crescent Beach, in the Vancouver area. Casual and friendly, it’s a wonderful weekend of music. With food and accommodation provided, participants are free to play and sing all day long, and late into the night.