Florida Folk Festival

Welcome to the 58th Florida Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes and kumquat pie, to the wide varieties of music brought by immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. Throughout the Memorial Day weekend more than 300 performances give voice and meaning to Florida’s heritage.

Folk artists and tradition-bearers presented each year in the Folklife Area reflect research and field documentation conducted by the Florida Department of State’s Folklife Program. The 2010 Folklife Area celebrates the diverse cultures of Alachua County, located in the heart of north central Florida.

Learn how for decades families have earned a living catching catfish in local lakes using trotlines more than 2,000 feet long, watch master fishing fly and artificial bait makers, and learn how to call a gobbler using several types of turkey calls. Sample tasty Asian Indian and Latin American foods and witness breathtaking demonstrations of the ancient Thai art of carving fruits and vegetables into delicate flowers and other forms. An African American gospel group will rock your soul, you’ll hear the high and lonesome sounds of bluegrass music, and traditional Irish music old-time fiddling will have your toes tapping. Fusion music and traditional dance will introduce you to the performing arts of Gainesville’s vibrant Indian community. You will delight in colorful tales of Cracker life at Cross Creek ...