Top 5 Folk Music Festivals in 2014
Contents
Looking for a great folk music festival to attend this year? Check out our top 5 picks for the best folk festivals in 2014!
Newport Folk Festival- Newport, Rhode Island
Held every year since 1959, the Newport Folk Festival is an iconic event in the folk music world. The festival takes place over three days in late July, and features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk artists. Performers at this year’s event include Joan Baez, John Prine, and Emmylou Harris.
Old Settler’s Music Festival- Austin, Texas
If you’re a fan of folk music, there are plenty of great festivals to choose from all over the world. Here are five of the best for 2014.
Old Settler’s Music Festival- Austin, Texas
This festival takes place from April 10-13 and features some of the biggest names in folk music, such as Emmylou Harris and John Prine. There will also be plenty of food and drink on offer, as well as camping and activities for kids.
Edinburgh Folk Festival- Edinburgh, Scotland
One of the most popular folk festivals in Europe, this event takes place from August 14-17 and features a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk acts. With over 200 performances taking place across 30 venues, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Portland Old-Time Music Gathering- Portland, Oregon
This festival is a haven for fans of old-time music, with four days of concerts, workshops, dances and more taking place from September 11-14. If you want to take part in the fun rather than just watch it, there are plenty of opportunities to join in with jam sessions and other events.
Footstompin’ Music Festival- Scotland
This festival takes place from July 31-August 3 and celebrates the best in contemporary Scottish folk music. With over 100 acts performing on 10 stages, it’s one of the biggest events of its kind in the country. In addition to the music, there will also be ceilidhs, workshops and other activities taking place.
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival- New York
This is one of the most family-friendly festivals on our list, taking place from July 25-27 in New York’s Hudson Valley region. As well as music from some of the best folk acts around, there will also be dance performances, children’s entertainment and more.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival- Telluride, Colorado
The Telluride Bluegrass Festival is a renowned music festival that takes place every year in the small town of Telluride, Colorado. The festival features a wide variety of bluegrass and folk musicians from all over the world, and has become one of the most popular festivals in the United States.
The Telluride Bluegrass Festival was founded in 1974 by singer-songwriter John Denver, and has been held every year since then. The first festival only lasted for three days, but has since been expanded to four days. The festival takes place in the late June or early July, and usually features around 30 different musical acts.
Some of the most popular musicians who have played at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival include Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Bill Monroe. The festival also offers a wide variety of food and drink options, as well as arts and crafts vendors.
RockyGrass- Lyons, Colorado
Considered by many to be the best bluegrass festival in the world, RockyGrass is an annual three-day event held in Lyons, Colorado. It features a lineup of both traditional and contemporary bluegrass musicians, and attendees can enjoy camping, hiking and fishing in between sets. The 2014 lineup includes artists like Sam Bush, The Punch Brothers and Alison Krauss.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival- Oak Hill, New York
Each July, some of the biggest names in bluegrass congregate in Oak Hill, New York for the annual Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Set against the backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, the festival has something for everyone, from talented up-and-comers to music legends. With over 50 bands performing on six stages over four days, there is truly something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind event.
##Heading: Clearwater Festival – Croton-On-Hudson, New York
##Expansion:
Held each year on the shores of Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, the Clearwater Festival is a two-day event that celebrates the music and history of the Hudson River Valley. The festival features a wide range of musical acts, from folk to rock to jazz and beyond, as well as environmental workshops and educational activities for all ages. With stunning views of the Hudson River and a family-friendly atmosphere, the Clearwater Festival is not to be missed.