Calgary Folk Fest has bigger, better beer gardens this year among other new features

The 2016 Calgary Folk Fest beer garden is better and closer to the on-stage action, the festival's executive director tells CBC News.

"Everyone is excited about the beer garden change, because we've increased the capacity and we've also expanded it to encompass Stage 3," Debbi Salmonsen said.

• Calgary Folk Music Festival 2016 picks from CBC Calgary
• Calgary Folk Festival 2016 lineup announced

"So, particularly during Saturday and Sunday, people will be able to listen to some music live during the daytime, and then we also are putting a big screen with the feed from the main stage live for those who might want to take a break from standing and dancing, or sitting on their tarps, and go have a beverage."

Salmonsen said the beer garden is larger this year and it's open to all ages.

"Our beer garden also is family friendly. So, people can come in and enjoy a bit of music, have a picnic on the grass, listen to some tunes and have a drink if they want."

She said on average about 10,000 people, including volunteers and artists come through the gate each day.

As the festival will be using compostable plates this year, "plate kids" are no longer necessary. In past years festival goers would pay a $2 deposit and some children would offer to collect the plates, keeping the deposit as a sort of tip.

Also new this year, there will be a skateboard ramp near the family zone.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Bear won't be put down in Alberta grizzly attack
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Fake Enmax employees try to get into Dover homes for 'efficiency checks,' utility warns