Legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival Returns To Montco This Weekend

UPPER SALFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — The legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival, one of the oldest continuously operating music events in the United States, is returning to Montgomery County this weekend after a year off in 2023.

Financial struggles led to the cancelation of last year's event, but the Philadelphia Folksong Society is collaborating with Xtreme Folk Scene to bring the event back to Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford.

The festival will run from Friday Aug. 16 through Sunday Aug. 18.

Headliners of the event are Gangstagrass on Friday night, John Oates on Saturday, and Tony Trischka’s EARLJAM, A Tribute to Earl Scruggs, on Sunday evening.

The event bills itself as bringing together the "edgiest folk artists for a weekend of camping, vendors, food, and socially inspiring music."

For camping information, tickets, and more details, see the festival's website online here.

Other artists include:

Aaron Nathans & Michael Rondstadt, Adam Ezra Group, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Alexis P. Suter Band, Alice Howe & Freebo, Angelique Francis Band, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Calvin Arsenia, Cassie & Maggie, Craig Bickhardt, Crys Matthews, Dave Gunning, Dom Flemons, Ellis Paul, Genevieve Racette, Great Groove Band, Jess Klein, John Flynn, John Gallagher Jr., Jonathan Byrd, JP Cormier, Marcy Marxer & Cathy Fink (Two shows), Miss Emily, Nigel Wearne, Pete Muller & the Kindred Souls, RUNA, The Secret Sisters, Shanna in a Dress, Stephen Wade, The Faux Paws, and Windborne.

Performers from the Musical Artists Cooperative include:

Last Chance, CubiZm, Jefferson Berry & the UAC, Bethlehem and Sad Patrick, Jersey Corn Pickers, Kicking Down Doors, The Hoppin Boxcars, and Meghan Cary, will perform on Friday on the Lobby Stage from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Saturday morning, Mara Levine with Gathering Time, then Gathering Time will perform on the Craft Stage from 11 a.m. to noon. And on Sunday morning, The Honey Badgers and The Edgehill will play.