The Best Folk Music Festivals in New England

Find the perfect New England folk music festival for your summer vacation. From Newport to Falmouth, these festivals are sure to please.

What are the best folk music festivals in New England?

There are many great folk music festivals in New England, but here are some of the best:

-The Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island is one of the most iconic and well-known folk festivals in the world. It has been running since 1959 and attracts some of the biggest names in folk music.
-The Cambridge Folk Festival in Cambridge, Massachusetts is another long-running festival that is hugely popular with both musicians and fans alike.
-The Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia, Ontario is one of the largest and most respected folk festivals in Canada. It has been running since 1961 and features a diverse range of performers from across North America and beyond.
-The Winnipeg Folk Festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba is one of the most popular music festivals in Canada, and it has a strong focus on folk and roots music.

What makes these festivals so great?

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, thoughts turn to spending time outdoors enjoying the fresh air. For music lovers, that means heading to a folk music festival.

There are many great folk festivals held in New England each year, but what makes these festivals so great? It could be the intimate setting, the variety of music, or the opportunity to see both established and up-and-coming artists. Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that these festivals are a great way to spend a summer weekend.

Here are just a few of the best folk music festivals in New England:

-The Newport Folk Festival is one of the most iconic folk festivals in the country. Held each year since 1959, the festival features both well-known and up-and-coming artists in a variety of genres including folk, blues, country, and more.

-The Green River Festival is held each year in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The festival features three stages of music with a focus on acoustic and roots genres. In addition to musical performances, there are also workshops, food vendors, and more.

-The Wayfarer Music Festival is a relatively new addition to the scene, but it’s quickly become a favorite among festival-goers. The three-day festival is held in Southbridge, Massachusetts and features a wide range of musical genres including folk, rock, bluegrass, and more.

What can you expect to see and hear at these festivals?

What can you expect to see and hear at these festivals? Traditional music and dance, of course! New England is home to a wealth of traditional music and dance, from Irish and Scottish reels to Cape Breton fiddle tunes to contra dances. You’ll also find a wide variety of food and drink, as well as crafts and other artisanal goods. And of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to socialize with fellow music lovers.

What are some of the top performers at these festivals?

Below are some of the top performers at folk music festivals in New England:

-The Boston Celtic Music Festival showcases some of the best traditional and contemporary Celtic performers from around the world.

-The Newport Folk Festival features a wide range of musical styles, from traditional folk to contemporary singer-songwriters. Past performers have included Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Neil Young.

-The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival is one of the premier events for emerging folk artists. Past performers have included John Prine, Gillian Welch, and Ani DiFranco.

What are the best places to stay during these festivals?

There are many different places to stay during these festivals; it all depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a place to stay. Some people like to camp, some like to stay in hotels, and some like to AirBnB. It really just depends on your preference. Here are a few ideas of places to stay during these festivals:

-Camping: Camping is a great option if you’re looking to save money or if you enjoy being close to nature. Many of the folk festivals listed below have camping options available.
-Hotels: If you’re looking for a more comfortable place to stay, there are many hotels located near the folk festival venues.
-AirBnBs: AirBnBs are becoming increasingly popular as a place to stay during vacations and events. They offer a unique experience and often times can be cheaper than staying in a hotel.

What are the best things to do during these festivals?

Folk music festivals are a great way to spend a weekend or vacation. They offer a chance to see live music, dance, and listen to lectures and workshops. But what are the best things to do during these festivals?

Here are some tips:

-Check the schedule of events in advance and plan your time accordingly.
-Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing.
-Bring a backpack or bag to carry your belongings.
-Pack snacks and drinks, especially if you’re attending a multi-day festival.
-Plan for bad weather, including sunscreen, hats, and rain gear.
-Leave your valuables at home. Pickpockets are known to target crowded areas like festivals.
-Be respectful of the performers and other attendees. Folk music is meant to be enjoyed by everyone.

What are the best places to eat during these festivals?

There’s nothing quite like enjoying some good music outdoors in the summertime. If you’re a fan of folk music, there are plenty of great festivals to check out in New England. And if you’re wondering what are the best places to eat during these festivals, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of the best folk music festivals in New England and the best places to eat near each one:

1. The Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island
If you’re looking for some good seafood, head over to Flo’s Clam Shack. They have awesome lobster rolls and clam chowder that will hit the spot.

2. The Falmouth Folk Festival in Falmouth, Massachusetts
For some great Mexican food, be sure to check out El Triunfo Taqueria. Their street tacos are delicious and reasonably priced.

3. The Brunswick Folk Festival in Brunswick, Maine
There’s no shortage of great seafood options near this festival, but one stand-out is Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Company. They have fresh lobster sandwiches that are perfect for eating on the go.

4. The Boston Folk Festival in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is known for its pizza, so obviously you’ll want to grab a slice while you’re at the festival. We recommend Regressive Pie Co. – they have unique flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.

What are the best places to drink during these festivals?

There are many different ways to enjoy the folk music festivals in New England. Some people like to sit back and relax with a cold drink in their hand, while others like to get up and dance the night away. No matter what your preference, there is sure to be a place that suits your needs.

Here are some of the best places to drink during these festivals:

-The Green Dragon Tavern: This tavern is located in Boston and is known for its wide selection of beers and ciders. It is also a great place to enjoy live music.
-The Red Stag Pub: This pub is located in Portland, Maine and offers a variety of local and imported beers. It is also a great place to grab a bite to eat.
-The White Hart Tavern: This tavern is located in Concord, New Hampshire and offers a variety of cocktails and beers. It is also a great place to catch up on news from around the festival.

What are the best places to shop during these festivals?

There are many great places to shop during folk music festivals in New England. Here are some of the best:

-The Woolrich Store: This store offers a wide variety of wool clothing and accessories, making it the perfect place to shop for winterwear.
-The North Face: This store specializes in outdoor gear and clothing, making it a great place to shop for festival goers who want to be prepared for all weather conditions.
-REI: Another great option for outdoor gear, REI offers high-quality equipment for camping, hiking, and other activities.

These are just a few of the great places to shop during folk music festivals in New England. Be sure to check out the festival website or ask around before heading out so you can find the best deals on everything you need.

What are the best tips for enjoying these festivals?

There are a few things you can do to make the most of your experience at a folk music festival:

1. Get there early: Many folk music festivals have a “slow start” on the first day, so arriving early will give you a chance to settle in and explore the grounds.

2. Bring your own chair or blanket: You’ll be spending a lot of time sitting or lying down, so make sure you’re comfortable. Some festivals have chairs for rent, but they’re often in short supply.

3. Dress for the weather: New England weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared for both hot and cold temperatures. Bring rain gear just in case, and wear layers that you can easily take on and off.

4. Protect your ears: Folk music can be quite loud, particularly when there are multiple stages going at once. Wear earplugs or bring headphones to enjoy the music without damaging your hearing.

5. Bring cash: Many folk music festivals are small and rural, which means ATM access may be limited. Bring enough cash to cover your expenses, including food, drink, and souvenirs.