Music, food and festivities are just around the corner as Salisbury prepares for the 81st National Folk Festival.
The event, previously held after Labor Day, was moved up to late August this year. The annual festival will return to Salisbury from Aug. 26-28. This is the fourth year Salisbury has held the festival.
The National Folk Festival is the nation’s longest-running multicultural celebration of the traditional arts. It seeks collaborative partnerships with communities aspiring to build on this legacy.
If you plan on attending, here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s big celebration of American culture. This information comes from the National Folk Festival website.
Where is the Folk Festival?
The festival will take place in downtown Salisbury. Its borders stretch from from Route 13 to Route 50 and from Carroll Street to the Wicomico River.
When is the Folk Festival?
The three day festival will run Aug. 26-28 from:
- 6-9:30 p.m. Friday.
- Noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday.
- Noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Food and beer sales will open at 5:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
How many stages are there?
This year’s festival features four stages:
- Richard A. Henson Foundation Stage, located at North Division and Church streets.
- Maryland Traditions Family Folklife Area & Stage, located at South Division and Camden streets.
- Perdue Dance Pavilion, located at West Market and Camden streets.
- TidalHealth Stage, located at East Carroll and South Division streets.
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Who is performing at the Folk Festival?
This year’s folk festival features many different performers. Prominent performers include:
- Charm City Junction
- Walter “Wolfman” Washington
- Amadou Kouyaté Ensemble
- EU (Washington go go band)
- Karen Ashbrook & Chao Tian
- Maryland Spirituals Initiative Ensemble
- Maryland WERKS, and more!
Many artists perform multiple times during the festival. The full schedule of performances can be found at the National Folk Festival website.
Where should I park?
Parking will be free throughout the weekend. Metered and permit parking lots are available downtown.
The following parking lots are available:
- Lot 35, Fitzwater and W. Main streets
- Lot 7, Lemmon Hill Land
- Lot 13, W. Chestnut Street
- Lot 9, Church Street
- Lot 10, E. Church Street Poplar Hill Avenue
- Lot 5, E. Main Street
- Downtown Parking Garage, E. Market Street
- Lot 30, Lake St & W. Main St
- Lot 33, W. Main St
- TidalHealth Gravel Lots, behind TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, Waverly Dr
What if it rains?
This is a rain-or-shine event. Information booths located throughout the festival will offer an updated performance schedule if there is rain.
The festival’s three tented stages offer a dry option.
How much does it cost?
Admission to the festival is free. Food, drinks and merchandise can be purchased throughout the weekend. Donations toward future National Folk Festival events are welcomed.
Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not permitted at the festival, with the exception of service animals.
