(This story is sponsored by Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver.)

With the past two years being filled with uncertainty and cancelled events, the Festival d’été francophone de Vancouver has showed unwavering resilience. In 2020, it was one of the rare events not to be cancelled. The festival pivoted to comply with pandemic-related measures and was moved to the end of August, offering five days of concerts presented in a hybrid format (in-person and online).

This year, the festival is showing even more resiliency with its 32nd edition as it’s expanding to seven days of concerts. The events will once again be presented in a hybrid format, which will follow the safety measures recommended by the B.C. health authorities.

From August 23 to 29, francophones and francophiles in Vancouver will be able to participate in the weeklong festival, either in-person or from the comfort of their home. For those still unwilling to trade their pyjamas for vêtements plus attrayants, all concerts can be easily livestreamed.  

But if you’re incredibly eager to resume attending festivals, tickets to the in-person concert events at Le Studio 16 (1551 W 7^th Avenue, Vancouver) can be purchased through the Le Centre’s website. Be sure to secure your ticket immediately as there are only 50 tickets available per show due to pandemic-related restrictions.

This year, attendees can enjoy 11 shows bringing together more than 25 talented francophone artists from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.

The extraordinary lineup features Matt Stern accompanied by Jessica Pickersgill, Alfa Rococo, Étienne Fletcher, Miro, Hiver-Nation, Justin Lacroix with Kristine St-Pierre, Loig Morin, duo Paupière, Laura Niquay, LeFloFranco, Laurence Nerbonne, and Pascale Goodrich-Black.

Alfa Rococo will kick off the festival on August 23 and the pair will take the stage to perform their most popular songs as well as hot new releases. Alfa Rococo was born from an encounter between singers Justine Laberge and David Bussières, two lovers who are now parents. Their musical style relies on catchy pop melodies and lively sounds.

On August 28 at 8 p.m., Laurence Nerbonne will impress the festival’s audience with a vibrant performance that draws upon themes of valorization and empowerment. Nerbonne is a rebellious songwriter, embracing energy to create memorable and liberating pop tunes.

At 1 p.m. on August 29, children can attend an entertaining show at Le Studio 16, starring Kalimba—festivals aren’t just for adults. Within her new performance, Kalimba has to navigate a new challenge: changing schools. It’s funny, dynamic, touching, and will capture everyone’s attention. Like the festival’s other in-person events, there will only be 50 tickets available to ensure the health and safety of guests.

To purchase your tickets to the 32nd edition of the Festival d’été francophone de Vancouver, click here.

For those who wish to livestream the performances, visit www.thepointofsale.com/billets/.