Florida Folk Festival

a large audience gathers around a stage under pine trees

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is home of the Florida Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From fiddle tunes, techno contra dancing and chocolate covered Key Lime pie, to the wide varieties of music brought by immigrants, the state's cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities.

Pairs in bright outfits dance on a wooden stage

For 67 years, throughout the Memorial Day weekend more than 300 performances give voice and meaning to Florida's heritage. Since its humble beginning in 1953 along the banks of the Suwannee River, the Florida Folk Festival has grown to be named “Florida’s Best Cultural Event” and is recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as a “Top 20 Event”.

Featured performers change every year: the 2019 festival will include John Anderson, John McEuen & The Stringwizards, Billy Dean, Jim Stafford, The Firewater Tent Revival, Rod MacDonald, Ben Prestage, Willie Green, The Lee Boys and 130 more performing acts. Many of the feature performers will be performing or teaching workshops throughout the weekend.

three women sing and play instruments surrounded by a crowd

Experience history, traditions and folkways at the Florida Remembered area, dedicated to the robust spirit of Floridians and those from around the globe who have built the foundation of the state. Meet characters from Florida’s past. Visit an authentic Cracker Cow Camp. Through workshops and demonstrations, interpreters will share their expertise as you explore Florida’s history.

6 reenactors stand in a line in traditional Seminole and Army dress

The Festival Crafts showcase the great variety and creativity of Florida’s artists and natural resources. Inspired or handed down by traditional ways, crafters pursue the creative expression of their history and culture. Handcrafted furniture, fine art and musical instruments are sold alongside fine jewelry, functional studio pottery, handwoven apparel and homemade jams and jellies. Skills are demonstrated so take a leisurely stroll through the craft area and visit with the artists.

At the Florida Folk Festival, you can sit with the masters who keep cultural traditions alive. In jam sessions, demonstrations and workshops, try your own hand at playing mandolin, telling stories, or making a pine needle basket. Learn how to collect your family's history, call a square dance, or the importance of native plant and animal species. Take a shopping excursion and visit with Florida's traditional and contemporary craftsmen. Then dine on collard greens and cornbread, chicken pilau and hoppin' john, shrimp gumbo, barbecue, curries, gyros and root beer floats. As the sun sets, settle in for concerts by moonlight or dance the night away at the Heritage Stage. At the end of the day you'll have discovered new corners of the state from the people who call Florida home.

an older man and woman in matching red and white striped outfits stand in front of a food booth smiling

Join us along the Suwannee River at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Memorial Day Weekend May 24 - 26, 2019. Check out the full schedule of events for specific times and stages at the Florida Folk Festival.