FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2018

CONTACT: Andrea Thomas, 386.397.4478, Andrea.Thomas@Floridadep.gov

Celebrate the 66th Annual Florida Folk Festival

~Enjoy the best of Florida music, arts and culture~

The live performances are just one of the many highlights of the Florida Folk Festival.

White Springs, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park invites you to the 66th Annual Florida Folk Festival. The festival will be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, on the banks of the historic Suwannee River. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 25.

Folk artists have come together for this event since 1953. There will be more than 300 performances by Florida's greatest folk and roots artists, including national recording artists and songwriters, and folk, blues, gospel, country, Latin, jazz, bluegrass, Caribbean and zyedco music.

Named a "Top 20 Event" in the Southeast, this festival has activities for everyone. In addition to a full schedule of performances, visitors can also participate in jam sessions and workshops, and purchase local eats and merchandise from various vendors. 

Each year the Florida Department of State's Florida Folklife Program highlights different areas and cultures of Florida. The artists and tradition bearers at the Folklife Area this year, and next, represent Florida's cultural diversity; the effects of immigration, migration and diaspora on culture; and the many ways that newcomers enrich the state today.

"The Florida Folk Festival is an event for everyone to enjoy," said Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Manager, Manny Perez. "Come out and join us in paying tribute to Florida's rich history and heritage through music, workshops, food and more." 

Advance tickets for the festival are $25 per day, or $50 for the weekend. On the day of the event, tickets will be $30 per day, or $60 for the weekend. Children under 6 years of age are admitted free of charge. Ticket prices for children between the ages of 6 and 16 will be $5 for the entire weekend. 

Camping is not offered on the festival grounds, but there are plenty of places to camp in the nearby area. Camping and lodging is available in White Springs and the surrounding areas. 

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/1f1158a