The Sonic Planet Signs On as Media Sponsor for 74th Annual Florida Folk Festival
WHITE SPRINGS –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park and the Sonic Planet invites you to come celebrate the diverse culture, food, music, and arts – everything that makes Florida unique! The 74th Annual Florida Folk Festival, happening along the banks of the historic Suwannee River in White Springs Florida.
The festival will be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24. Gates open at 9 a.m., Stages open at 10 a.m., and opening ceremonies will begin at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, May 22nd.
Named a “Top 20 Event” in the Southeast, this festival has activities for everyone. In addition to a full schedule of performances, visitors may also participate in jam sessions, take workshops, enjoy local eats, see educational exhibits, visit with various vendors, take a dance lesson, and hear stories from all over the state.
Folk artists have come together for this event since 1953. There will be more than 300 performances by Florida’s greatest artists, including national recording artists, songwriters, and musicians of folk, blues, gospel, country, Latin, jazz, bluegrass, Caribbean, and zydeco music. This year’s lineup includes Melody Trucks and The Fitzkee Brothers, The Ben Flournoy Trio, the Sacred Steel Summit, The Lee Boys, Walter Parks, The Lubben Brothers, Ben Prestage, Karibbean Groove, Elder Charlot & The Akoustiks, Siempre Flamenco, The Firewater Tent Revival, Lili Forbes & the Funky ‘Taters, The Krickets, Uncle Mosie, Jeanie Fitchen, Papaloko and Loray Mistik, Frankie Jay & The Chicken Parade, and many more!
The Department of State’s Folklife Area will be 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.
*Special Event Fee Applies*. Advance tickets for the Florida Folk Festival are $35.00 per day or $70.00 for the weekend for adults and $40.00 per day or $80.00 for the weekend at the gate. Children under six years of age are admitted free of charge. Ticket prices for children between the ages of six and 16 for the entire weekend are $5.00. Tickets are available online at www.FloridaFolkFestival.com or at the gate. Our gates are now cashless for ticket sales.
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.
Camping is not offered on the festival grounds but do not worry there are plenty of places to camp in the area. Camping and lodging are also available at Suwannee River State Park, O’Leno State Park, Ocean Pond, Jennings K.O.A. and Spirit of the Suwannee to name a few. For a listing of local public and private campgrounds, cabins and motels in Hamilton County, nearby Columbia County, and Suwannee County visit LakeCityFL.com
The Florida Folk Festival is a rain or shine event. Pets are not allowed at the Florida Folk Festival. Personal golf carts are not allowed at the Florida Folk Festival.
For more information, please call 1-877-6FL-FOLK (1-877-635-3655) or visit www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster or www.FloridaFolkFestival.com.