Folk Festivals in Florida: Upcoming List and Planning Details
Folk festivals in Florida are cultural events that happen in multiple small towns throughout the year. Singles, couples, and families all eagerly await these outdoor festivals, and for good reason! Folk festivals offer a unique escape, a chance to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Florida.
What Exactly IS a Folk Festival?
Imagine a lively outdoor event in a beautiful Florida park or amphitheater, where the music of energetic singers and bands fill the air, storytellers weave captivating tales, and the aroma of delicious regional food tempts your taste buds. Local artisans showcase their handcrafted wonders, from pottery and woodwork to vibrantly colored quilts.
These festivals offer a chance to learn about Florida’s heritage, and experiences you probably won’t find anywhere else!
Wait, Aren't There Other Festivals in Florida?
Absolutely! Florida is a festival haven. However, unlike music festivals with a specific genre focus or art festivals showcasing visual arts, folk festivals offer a more immersive cultural experience. It’s about celebrating the heart and soul of a place, encompassing its music, food, crafts, and traditions, all woven together into a fun-filled experience.
Florida Folk Festivals 2025
Folk festival season for 2024 is now closed. Check back often and watch as we continue to add new fun folk festivals and events here! Or, join our email list!
January
- Brooksville — January 24-26, 2025 — Foggy Longbritches Folk Festival
- Davie — January 30, 2025 — South Florida Folk and Acoustic Music Festival
March
- Brooksville — March 7-9, 2025 — Will McLean Music Festival
April
- Barberville — April, 2025 — 20th Annual Spring Frolic
May
White Springs — May, 2025 — Florida Folk Festival
October
- Suwannee Roots Revival — October 2025 — Suwannee Roots Festival
Planning Your Folk Festival Adventure
Here are a few tips in case you’re new to attending Florida Folk Festivals:
- Research the festival lineup: Each festival has its own unique flavor. Check out the artist lineup, workshops and places to stay beforehand to curate your personal festival experience.
- Pack what you need: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, as well as sitting! Wear appropriate clothes, comfy shoes, bring a comfy camp chair or blanket to sit on, hat, water bottles or cooler.
- Bring cash and a credit card: Some vendors might only accept cash, while others might prefer cards.
- Embrace the spirit of community: Folk festivals are all about celebrating shared traditions and building community. Strike up conversations with fellow festival-goers and make new friends, learn a new dance, try a new type of food and soak in the positive vibes!
- DeLand – October – Fall Festival of the Hearts DeLand
- Mount Dora – November – Fall Festival of Arts & Crafts Mt Doral Festival
Brooksville — Will McLean Music Festival (March 2025) — Named in honor of Florida folk musician Will McLean, this festival is held annually in March at the Sertoma Youth Ranch near Brooksville. It focuses on folk music, storytelling, and poetry, with an emphasis on preserving Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. Official website: Will McLean Music Festival
- St. Augustine — Gamble Rogers Folk Festival (April 2025) — Held a bit earlier in the season, this festival is a hidden gem nestled amongst the Spanish moss-draped oaks of St. Augustine. Expect a stellar lineup of folk musicians, a vibrant YoungFolk Stage showcasing up-and-coming talent, and plenty of opportunities to learn about traditional crafts and dance. Official Website: Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
- Key West — Florida Keys Songwriters Festival (May 1-5) — While not strictly folk, this intimate festival offers a chance to connect with talented singer-songwriters and witness the magic of music creation. https://www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com/
This is not a full list of all Florida festivals, there are many! These are very highly anticipated events but not necessarily the largest or most popular.
We’ll add some more good ones soon and highlight them in an upcoming blog. Join our monthly email newsletter and get our newest Florida highlights in your inbox!
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