2026
May 2026
Sunday 24 May 2026
Sun 24 May, 8 am-11 pm. Stephen Foster Memorial, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs, 32096. Gainesville International Folk Dancers - [floridafolkfestival][facebook][events]
Dance Schedule
Friday May 22
6 pm Contra Dance with Lloyd Baldwin and Friends, Tom Greene Calling
8 pm Contra Dance with Bunny Bread Bandits, Andy Kane, calling
10 pm Papaloko & Loray Mistik Haitian Pop Voodoo Dance
Saturday May 23
6 pm Beginners Contra Dance Workshop and Dance with Vicki Morrison and Joe Bone
8:00 PM Contra Dance with Jenny & the Stray Dogs, Tom Greene Calling
10:00 PM Techno/Pop Contra Dance with DJ RXN and Drew Thomas calling
Sunday May 24
6 pm Beginners Contra Dance Workshop and Dance with Vicki Morrison and Jenny and the Stray Dogs
8:00 PM Contra Dance with The Coral Rif Band, Andy Kane calling
10:00 PM Techno/Pop Contra Dance with DJ RXN and Drew Thomas calling
Tickets
• Advance: $35/day or $70/weekend (adults)
• At the gate: $40/day or $80/weekend (adults)
• Children ages 6–16: $5 (weekend)
• Children under 6: Free
Friday Special for White Springs Residents: $5 admission with a valid government-issued ID showing a White Springs address. Must purchase and enter through the North Gate between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Friday only.
Purchase tickets:
www.floridafolkfestival.com
Please note: This is a cashless event. Accepted payments include Visa, Discover, Mastercard, debit cards, tap-to-pay, and QR options.
Gates open daily at 8:00 AM
Opening Ceremony: Friday, May 22 at 5:45 PM
No pets or personal golf carts permitted
Rain or shine
Join us Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–24, 2026, for the 74th Annual Florida Folk Festival—three unforgettable days of music, dance, storytelling, arts, crafts, heritage, and family fun along the banks of the historic Suwannee River. Since 1953, this beloved tradition has celebrated Florida’s people, land, and rich cultural roots.
This year, we’re also celebrating a historic milestone—America’s 250th anniversary! Join us as we reflect on our nation’s heritage through the diverse voices, traditions, and stories that make Florida unique. We are also very pleased to honor Seminole heritage as represented in this year’s official festival artwork by indigenous contemporary artist Wilson Bowers.
2026 Featured Performers:
Melody Trucks & The Fitzkee Brothers
The Firewater Tent Revival
Walter Parks
Ben Prestage
The Krickets
The Lubben Brothers
The Ben Flournoy Trio
The Lee Boys
Sacred Steel Summit
Jeanie Fitchen
Siempre Flamenco
Karibbean Groove
Lili Forbes & The Funky ‘Taters
Uncle Mosie
Frankie Jay & The Chicken Parade
Papaloko & Loray Mistik
Experience:
• Live performances from Florida’s top folk and roots artists
• Cultural heritage demonstrations and interactive workshops
• Jam sessions and dancing
• Storytelling
• A vibrant marketplace of artisan crafts
• Culturally diverse foods
• Family-friendly activities for all ages
Nearby camping and lodging options available:
www.lakecityfl.com
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with music, culture, and community—while commemorating 250 years of America’s story—at the Florida Folk Festival.