Spencer Shewen
Mariposa Folk Festival & Riverfest Elora
Recently entrusted with the role of Artistic Director of the fabled Mariposa Folk Festival, Spencer is celebrating a sell out festival during his first year at the helm! At the same time, he has also continued with his role as Artistic Director at Riverfest Elora, where he has played an integral role in guiding the festival through its rapid growth since 2014. Two of Ontario’s most celebrated festivals! Spencer also sits on the Board of Directors for the River and Sky Festival (Sudbury) and the Elora Centre for the Arts. Previously, he has held seats on the Board Of Directors for the Halifax Pop Explosion, the Hillside Festival (2007 – 2012) and CFRU 93.3FM (2010, 2011), worked as Artistic Director and Event Manager for Waterstock (2017) and 100 Mile Riot (2012, 2013), curated and managed the Fortnight Music Series (2007 to 2016), acted as label manager for SunnyLane Records (2005 – 2008), among many other adventures. The Mariposa Folk Festival takes place on July 4-6, 2025. Riverfest Elora takes place on August 15-17 2025.
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Canada’s most iconic music event, The Mariposa Folk Festival was first held in Orillia in 1961. It later moved to Toronto and other sites in Ontario until returning home in 2000 to Orillia. The 3-day Festival is a family-friendly celebration of song, story, dance and craft in the bucolic setting of Tudhope Park.