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.
Annual Florida Folk Festivals
Folk festival season for 2024 is coming to a close. We just added Foggy Longbritches to this list and have more we’ll add shortly for 2025. Check back often (or join our email list) so you can start planning even more Florida fun for 2025!
October 2024
Suwannee Roots Revival
- Dates: October 10-13, 2024
- Location: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, Florida
- Basic Info: A four-day celebration of Americana, folk, and bluegrass music. The festival offers multiple stages, camping, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Website: Suwannee Roots Festival
Foggy Longbritches Folk Festival
- Dates: January 24-26, 2025
- Location: Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard, Brooksville, Florida
- Basic Info: A three-day event featuring folk music, wine and beer, and vendors, with a focus on creating a community atmosphere.
- Website: Foggy Longbritches Folk Festival
Florida Folk Festival - White Springs (May 2025)
This iconic annual 3-day festival, held over Memorial Day weekend, is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year!
Immerse yourself in Florida’s cultural tapestry with hundreds of performances, workshops, and demonstrations celebrating the state’s music, dance, food, and crafts.
This year’s festival will host over 300 performances highlighting Florida’s diverse ecosystems and traditions connected to the land.
See some photos from past Florida Folk Festival events here. For days, hours, locations, ticket prices, a list of area camp grounds and more, visit the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Website for the annual Florida Folk Festival here.
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!
Other Florida Festivals
October Festivals
- DeLand Fall Festival & Street Fair (DeLand): This vibrant fair offers a delightful mix of fall festivities and folk charm. Enjoy live music with a strong folk presence, browse unique crafts, and savor delicious seasonal treats. https://fallfestivaloftheartsdeland.com/
November Festivals
- Mount Dora Fall Festival of Arts & Crafts (Mount Dora): Alongside hundreds of artisans showcasing their crafts, this charming festival offers a delightful taste of folk culture with live music and storytelling sessions. https://mtdoracraftfair.com/
December Festivals
January Festivals
- Florida Keys Seafood Festival (Key West, January 18-19, 2025): A vibrant celebration of island life, complete with live music that blends folk with Caribbean rhythms. Official website: Florida Keys Seafood Festival
February Festivals
- Sunshine Music Festival (Gainesville) This festival boasts a diverse lineup with a strong folk presence, featuring bluegrass jams, soulful Americana acts, workshops, and craft demonstrations.
March Festivals
Will McLean Music Festival (Brooksville, 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
April Festivals
- Gamble Rogers Folk Festival (St. Augustine, April 2024): 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
May Festivals
- Florida Keys Songwriters Festival (Key West, 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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