Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Florida Folk Festival

1. How do I find information about the next Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park?

The Florida Folk Festival is a three-day event featuring live performances, workshops and vendors that takes place over Memorial Day weekend each year at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs.

Tickets to the festival go on sale in advance of the event on the Tickets & Lodging page within the festival information. 

During the event, campsites and cabins at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park are reserved for use by festival performers and organizers, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

1.2. How do I participate in the Florida Folk Festival as a performer, vendor, exhibitor or volunteer?

Please review the Participant Information page within the festival information webpages. Participation in this event requires an application to be submitted by certain due dates listed on the page linked above. 

If you have additional questions or need application assistance, please contact the Festival Office at 877-635-3655, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time. 

1.3. What time is the festival open?

  • The festival gates open each day at 8 a.m.
  • Performers go on stage at 10 a.m.
  • Final performances of the day end about 11 p.m.

1.4. Is the festival held on Monday?

No. The Florida Folk Festival is a three-day event, beginning Friday and lasting through Sunday evening.

1.5. Is a full schedule of performances available?

Performance schedules will be available on our website in early April.  

Attendees are provided a copy of the complete schedule at the gate.

1.6. Where do I park?

We recommend you utilize the festival's north entrance. From the festival walk-in entrance, proceed 1 mile north on U.S. 41 and turn left at the Florida Folk Festival sign.

  • Golf cart shuttles regularly make stops in the parking area. 

1.7. Should I bring a chair?

Many visitors bring their own chairs to the festival. A limited number of folding chairs are provided for your use at each stage. 

1.8. Can I bring a cooler?

Coolers are welcome at the festival. However, please keep in mind that it may not be convenient to bring large coolers into the festival due to the spacious grounds.

Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the festival.

1.9. Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not permitted on the festival grounds. Service animals are always welcome. 

10. Can I camp at the festival?

Public camping is not available at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park during the Florida Folk Festival. We suggest you visit our lodging page for local camping information.

11. Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?

Disabled parking is available at the festival. Accessible restrooms, port-a-lets and shuttle transportation (including a chair lift) are available throughout the festival site.

Paved roadways and sidewalks make the festival accessible by wheelchair or other approved modes of transportation. Please keep in mind that the festival is an outdoor event.

  • Golf carts are not permitted.
  • Sign language interpreters are provided at main stages.

12. Is there an ATM available at the festival?

An ATM machine is located in White Springs or on the festival grounds. 

13. When is next year's festival?

The festival is always held the Friday, Saturday and Sunday preceding the observed Memorial Day holiday in May.

14. Are there adequate provisions for health and safety?

Total attendance over the three days of the festival may approach 20,000 attendees. There will be adequate public safety personnel to ensure good order and crowd control.

A first aid station will be set up to handle health emergencies. As is the case throughout the country, a telephone call to 911 will summon an immediate response.