Shawn Conner provides five reasons to check out this celebration of Québécois culture.

1.

La musique

There is plenty of French and Frenchinspired music coming to the annual festival, now in its 28th year. Among the many performers are Mélisande (above), who re-interprets some of the oldest tunes from the Québécois songbook by adding electronic beats, the sounds of modern Montreal and a feminist perspective. Other acts include Suroît, from the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for their pride in their Acadian roots and for a sound that mixes Cajun, Celtic, bluegrass and even rock influences; and B.C.’s own Jocelyn Pettit, who plays fiddle, sings, and can step dance and do foot percussion (podorhythmie) with the best of her Eastern counterparts.

2.

L’histoire

Festivalgoers can learn about the history of Maillardville, the French community in Coquitlam, by visiting Magasin Général Proulx. Textile artist Joanne Plourde has re-created the store/ post office, which was the centre of village life in its time. Meanwhile, the Voyageur Tent hosts songs of yesteryear, and Maillardville Geocaching takes treasure hunters on a historical journey through Mackin Park.

3.

L’art

The Atrium Gallery at Place des Arts hosts Blame Eve!: Migrations of the Female Soul, the Festival du bois signature exhibit by Coquitlam-based artist Zeid Founouni (on until March 11).

4.

Les enfants

For the kids, there are a number of children’s performers, including Madame Diva, Kids’ CBC personality Will Stroet, and Ginalina, a nominee for the 2016 Juno Children’s Album of the Year.

5.

Le fromage

What would a Festival du bois be without that backbone of Québécois culture, poutine? Festivalgoers can also partake of maple taffy on snow (saves on cones), tourtière (meat pie), and other fare.

When: Friday to Sunday Where: Mackin Park, Maillardville/Coquitlam

Tickets and info: festivaldubois.ca