The Best Folk Music Festivals in California
Contents
Check out our list of the best folk music festivals in California! From the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest to the Northern California Folk-Rock Festival, there’s something for everyone.
Introduction
California is home to some of the best folk music festivals in the country. From the public parks of Los Angeles to the hills of San Francisco, these festivals showcase the best in traditional and contemporary folk music.
Whether you’re a fan of bluegrass, Celtic, or Americana, there’s a festival for you. Check out our list of the best folk music festivals in California.
The Top Folk Festivals in California
There are many great folk music festivals in California, but here are our top picks. From the Old Town Music Hall to the Santa Cruz Folk Festival, there is something for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about the best folk music festivals in California.
The Berkeley Folk Music Festival
The Berkeley Folk Music Festival is one of the most popular folk festivals in California. The festival takes place in early August and features a wide variety of folk music genres. Artists who have performed at the Berkeley Folk Music Festival include Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger.
The Newport Folk Festival
The Newport Folk Festival is one of the original and most prestigious folk festivals in the United States. It was founded in 1959 by Theodore Bikel, Oscar Brand, Jo Mapes, and George Wein and has been held annually ever since, with the exception of 1965 when it was canceled due to bad weather. The festival is held in Newport, Rhode Island, and showcases a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music.
Some of the most famous performers at the Newport Folk Festival include Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Odetta, Simon & Garfunkel, and Johnny Cash. The festival has also featured many up-and-coming folk artists over the years.
The Newport Folk Festival is one of the most well-respected folk festivals in the world and has had a significant impact on the development of folk music.
The Healdsburg Jazz Festival
The Healdsburg Jazz Festival is one of the top folk music festivals in California and takes place in the town of Healdsburg each year. The festival features a wide range of Jazz musicians from around the world and attracts a large number of music fans to the area.
Conclusion
After exploring all of the different folk music festivals in California, it is clear that there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere or a more high-energy festival, you are sure to find what you are looking for. California is home to some of the best folk music festivals in the nation, so be sure to check out one (or more!) of these festivals the next time you are in the state.
