Memorial Day Weekend Features 74th Florida Folk Festival 2026

by Melanie Lentz-Janney

Join the fun and festivities at the Florida Folk Festival 2026 as it kicks off Memorial Day Weekend along the banks of the Suwannee River.

Now celebrating it’s 74th edition, the event features live music, dance, tall tales, and traditions. It’s one of America’s oldest and largest folk festivals.

Stephen Foster Folk Cutlure Center State Park aerial view of the building. — Source: Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

The Florida Folk Festival 2026 is a three-day celebration full of everything that makes Florida unique.

Florida Folk Festival

From Irish fiddle tunes, techno contra dancing, and the vast varieties of music brought by immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities.

Florida Folk Festival Performer — Source: Florida Folk Festival

Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, more than 300 performances give voice and meaning to Florida’s heritage.

The event is held at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in North Florida’s White Springs from May 22nd to 24th.

Every year the Department of State’s Florida Folklife Program researches a special topic on Florida’s traditional heritage.

Join in the Fun

People playing a variety of instruments at Florida Folk Festival — Source: Florida Folk Festival

At the Festival, you can sit with the masters who keep cultural traditions alive. In jam sessions, demonstrations, and workshops, try 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.

2026 Folklife Area

Man preparing sponge on the docks in Florida — Source: Florida State Parks

The Festival’s 2026 Folklife Area features performances and demonstrations celebrating the diverse living traditions of some of Florida’s oldest (and newest) cultural communities.

Take a shopping excursion and visit Florida’s traditional and contemporary craftsmen.

In addition to music, the Festival’s Folk Life area demonstrates Florida’s heritage arts, including blacksmithing, butter churning, quilt making, a sugar cane boil, cracker whip making, and fishing line casting.

Eat and Shop at the Festival

Woman at Canning tent at Florida Festiavl — Source: Florida Folk Festival

Experience the old-time traditions and savor the flavors, sights, sounds, and tastes of some of Florida’s oldest and greatest cultural communities.

Root beer float stand — Source: Florida Folk Festival

They are famous for homemade root beer floats, chocolate-covered Key Lime pie, and authentic soul food served by local church groups.

Food at Florida Folk Festival — Source: Florida Folk Festival

Options include fried shrimp, chicken, fries, smoked mullet, grits, greens, sweet tea, and homemade desserts.

The festival offers many mouthwatering choices with a dose of genuine Southern hospitality.

After the Sun Sets

At the Festival, you’ll hear incredible music, enjoy tasty food, and join a workshop, while paying homage to Florida’s land, people, and diverse cultural heritage.

Performers on stage at Florida Folk Festival — Source: Florida Folk Festival

As the sun sets, settle in for concerts by moonlight or dance the night away at the Heritage Stage.

You’ll discover new corners of the state from the people who call Florida home.

Florida Remembered

Florida Folk Festival in White Springs — Source: Florida Folk Festival

Step back into the heartwarming embrace of yesteryear with “Florida Remembered,” an enchanting slice of Authentic Florida’s vibrant heritage.

This latest gem in the festival lineup is a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit of Floridians—both native and those who have graced its shores from afar—whose sweat and dreams have sculpted the Florida we cherish today.

It’s a journey back to a time when sheer grit and creative spark were the tools that shaped Florida’s rich cultural tapestry.

Know Before You Go

Man in costume at Florida Folk Festival — Source: Florida Folk Festival

Gates open at 8 am. Opening ceremonies begin at 6 pm on Friday, May 22nd, on the banks of the Suwannee River.
Advance tickets for the Festival are $40.00 per day. You can also pay $80.00 for the weekend for adults.
Children under six years of age are admitted free of charge.
Ticket prices for children ages six to 16 for the entire weekend are $5.00.
Free tickets are provided to performers, volunteers and vendors.

Florida Folk Festival tickets may be purchased on the Stephen Foster Citizen Support website.