‘It’s a pretty rewarding feeling’: Organizer reflects on Peace Valley Folk Fest passion project as he plans break in 2026

HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. — The organizer of the Peace Valley Folk Fest is reflecting on his “passion project” as he plans on taking a break to seek inspiration from future events.

Ben Waechter, who has organized the Peace Valley Folk Festival (PVFF) for the last five years, told Energeticcity.ca about the upcoming event in 2025 while explaining his decision not to have a sixth consecutive event in 2026. 

“This will be our fifth year, and it started as a passion project, and we want to keep that energy going towards it,” said Waechter.

Waechter decided to cancel the PVFF in 2026 and to find inspiration from other festivals.

“We figured if we took a year off and went and experienced a bunch of festivals again and saw some new challenges across the province, it might just spark some new ideas and maybe give us some direction for change or methods of doing things differently,” said Waechter.

He will attend festivals such as the North Country Fair in Alberta, the Robson Valley Music Festival in Dunster, Music on the Mountain in Fort St. James and more. 

Waechter said he has enjoyed putting on the PVFF for the last few years, with many returning attendees. 

“It’s a pretty rewarding feeling,” said Waechter.

“We have some people who I’m pretty sure will be in their fifth year attending and made it part of their family get-together.” 

Waechter said the festival is also good for showcasing musicians in the region. 

“We’ve met some of the coolest people in the region through the folk fest and there’s a lot of talent hidden in our region that comes out of the woodwork,” said Waechter.

This year’s festival will feature over 20 musicians, beer gardens, three food vendors and other artisans, according to Waechter.

The PVFF will be held in Hudson’s Hope from Friday, July 4th to Saturday, July 6th. 

Tickets for the event cost $125 per weekend pass, $95 for a teen or senior, $65 for adult passes on Friday and $75 for adult Saturday passes.

Tickets for the 2025 festival can be purchased on its website, where there is also additional information.