Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival

Dedicated to promoting local and emerging musical talent, the festival kicks off at 3:30 pm with the newly returned community stage on the East Lawn. 

Artist Bios:

Ruby Singh and the Future Ancestors

Ruby Singh is a descendant of the land of five rivers and the Moon itself, with Rajput lineage from the edge of the Thar desert. The Future Ancestors come together to conjure sonic remedies to heal, guide and inspire the spirits of our kin, both known and unknown, seen and unseen. From celestial to terrestrial, spanning ancient realms into what's to come, the Future Ancestors kick up stardust from the shelves of our spirits to bring joy into these trying times.

The Burying Ground

The Burying Ground delivers a lively sound of country blues and ragtime music inspired by artists from the 1920s and '30s. Their live performances include original tunes that hold their own beside old-time classics. With a warm sound and unique instrumentation, the band attracts a diverse audience—young and old alike.
 

Caley Watts

Caley Watts is a Cree singer/songwriter from Bella Coola, British Columbia. She grew up along the river banks, mountain ranges, and rainforest that fill Nuxalk Territory and her music, which is a blend of folk and roots, draws heavily from the pace and beauty of her home. Caley’s debut album, entitled River’s Daughter, is the result of more than three years of mentorship and co-writing sessions with an incredible community of artists, which included Serena Ryder, Kinnie Starr, and many others. Caley is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation near Edmonton, Alberta and an adopted member of the Nuxalk Nation.
 

Murfitt and Main

Murfitt & Main plumb the depths of country, bluegrass, and western swing, playing home-made songs steeped in the living tradition of roots music. Their original songs possess a clarity rooted in the musical traditions of rural North America, in a contemporary voice. Heartbreak, honky-tonks, whiskey, unions, religion, the Canadian terrain, and the Berlin wall are all fair game in their songwriting. Sweet vocal harmonies draw listeners in adding that high lonesome country sound to the mix.
Comprising the core of the band are the two song-smiths Warren Murfitt (guitar and vocals), and Kate Main (upright bass and vocals). 
 

From 11:30 am to 3:15 pm, join us at Burnaby Village Museum's Vorce Stage, Orchard and Bandstand.

Food Trucks:

• Lemon Heaven
• JJ's Hot Cob
• Rocky Point Ice Cream
• TWISTED POTATO
• Cravings Kettle Corn
• Green Coast Coffee
• Yo Bones BBQ
• Groovin Grill
• Mom's Grilled Cheese
• Reel Mac & Cheese
• Chickpea
• DOS AMIGOS
• The Jerkshack
• Tin Lizzy

*List subject to change

You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages within the following guidelines:

• No outside alcohol is permitted on site. Designated Beer Garden will be available. 
• No knives are permitted on site (please prepare your food in advance).

Portable Washrooms (including accessible washrooms) and hand sanitization stations are available throughout the site.

For first aid and medical services, please visit the first aid tent. Lost and found items will be held at the Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival information tent.

To promote public safety and reduce traffic gridlock, the following traffic plan will be implemented: 

• Deer Lake Avenue – eastbound (Deer Lake Parkway to Sperling Ave) will be closed starting at 4 pm.

• After 2 pm: limited and authorized access only, one direction traffic heading west on Deer Lake Avenue. Full closure from 9 pm onwards.

• The Highway 1-Kensington Avenue westbound offramp is closed for pavement repairs. Use Gaglardi Way or Willingdon Avenue exits for north/south travel off Highway 1 westbound. Please plan ahead and  give yourself more time to reach your destination.

Public safety is our top priority. The City of Burnaby has put in place strict safety measures to ensure the well-being of everyone during the event, including new measures for 2025. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation with these practices. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

We are dedicated to creating an event that brings our community together, setting aside our differences and celebrating our shared identity as neighbours. Rest assured, as we gather for the Blues + Roots Festival, all organizers have taken extensive steps to secure both the public and the event site.

Only accessible parking for guests with a SPARC pass (space allowing) is available on site.

Please consider using public transit, carpool, bicycles, ridesharing, taxis or an offsite parking lot. 

Public transit

There are convenient transit routes to Deer Lake Park from most points of the city. #144, 110, #123, and #133 buses stop right outside the site and there are frequent connections to nearby SkyTrain stations. Please be advised that transit vehicles are authorized to enter the area until 9 pm, after which they will be redirected to Canada Way pick up. 

Check TransLink or Google Maps for directions.

Cycling

• Consider riding your mobility device to the site, or combining bike and transit. From East Vancouver or North Burnaby ride the safe, beautiful, and flat Central Valley Greenway / Lakes Trail all the way to Deer Lake — or, take your bike on the SkyTrain to Sperling Station then ride the Lake Trail 12 min to Deer Lake. From Metrotown or South Burnaby ride Royal Oak Ave to the Deer Lake Trails (a gentle 17-min downhill ride). For more options click the Google Maps cycling icon.
• A Free bike valet will be available on site for secure bicycle storage. You are welcome to leave your helmet or panniers attached to your bike. The bike valet is also equipped to receive ebikes, scooters and strollers.

No, there is no limit for the 2025 Blues + Roots Festival. 

Yes.

There is no public parking available onsite except for those guests with SPARC passes. Please consider using public transit, taxis, bicycles, ridesharing or an offsite parking lot.

Translink Trip Planner

There will be a bike valet service available on site, as well as limited bike racks. We ask that you do not lock your bike to fences or sign posts.

The pathway from the SPARC accessible parking location to the main site is a minimum of 16 ft / 5 m wide, with a flat concrete surface and minimal sloping. Portable toilets with a 32” wide self-closing door, flat entrance, reinforced grab bar and extra room for turning. A ramped platform directly ahead of the main path will be reserved for accessible seating. The platform will have shade tents and a handful of folding chairs for those who require them.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages within the following guidelines:

• No outside alcohol is permitted on site. Designated Beer Garden will be available. 
• No knives are permitted on site (please prepare your food in advance).

Check out the list of food trucks that will be available on site

Yes! There will be two locations to refill your water bottle on site.

View volunteer opportunities

If you are interested in being a food vendor at our outdoor festival, please send us a letter listing the previous events or festivals you sold at, a photograph of your booth set up and a menu with prices. Contact [email protected] or 604-205-3046.

Lawn chairs are permitted. Please leave all tents, tarps or umbrellas at home.

For the safety of all guests, please leave the following at home:

• tents, tarps or umbrellas
• weapons or anything that could be considered to be an offensive weapon (including knives of any kind)
• frisbees or balls
• animals (working service dogs are permitted)
• flags, signs on sticks or banners
• barbeques or fires
• musical instruments
• laser pointers
• fireworks
• alcohol and drugs
• all smoking and vaping products

Due to artist contracts, professional recording equipment will not be permitted onsite. Drones, video cameras and cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited.

No, the Shadbolt Centre will be closed, and there will be no public access to the building.

Yes, If you've misplaced an item, or if you you've found something, please visit the info tent.

No, there is no smoking or vaping (including tobacco and cannabis products) permitted in Deer Lake Park. Learn more about smoke-free Burnaby.

Animals are not permitted on site with the exception of working service animals.