Gadji-Gadjo perform gypsy folk at this year's Canmore Folk Festival

Each year, the quaint Canmore Folk Music Festival (August 1-3) charms me. As the longest running event of its kind in Alberta (going strong since 1978; originally from a flatbed truck stage), their family focus has never strayed. Grannies and toddlers grooving together is magic to behold. While I enjoy the main stage shows, I love watching the birth of new music during daytime impromptu concerts where musicians from different bands play together. Although I may not know all of the performers going in the festival, I always leave with new favourites.—LS