Folk Music, Dance, and Culture Return to Glen Echo Park: The Washington Folk Festival Is Back!

October 13, 2025

After a one-year hiatus, the Washington Folk Festival makes its much-anticipated return to Glen Echo Park this Sunday, October 19, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., capping the night with lively contra dancing from 7:30–9:00 p.m.

Presented by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, this free, family-friendly event features five stages, hundreds of performers, and a dazzling mix of music, dance, and storytelling from around the world. From bluegrass to Celtic, Klezmer to Zydeco, Flamenco to Hawaiian hula, the festival celebrates the rich diversity of folk traditions both local and global.

A Full Day of Performances

This year’s lineup includes beloved local and regional acts such as Furia Flamenca, The Irish Inn Mates, Trio Sefardi, Rick Franklin & Tom Mindte, Jillian Matundan, Little Red & the Renegades, The Washington Balalaika Orchestra, and many more. Performances and workshops run continuously throughout the day across Glen Echo’s historic stages, including the Spanish Ballroom, Bumper Car Pavilion, and Cuddle Up Stage.

Between sets, visitors can enjoy storytelling sessions, cultural dance performances, and interactive workshops that spotlight traditions from every corner of the globe.

Food, Fun, and Community

Guests can refuel at Praline Bakery or one of the on-site food trucks, and take advantage of the picnic area for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. All festival venues are fully accessible.

Parking will be on-site only this year, and attendees are encouraged to carpool. The festival remains entirely volunteer-run, with everyone, from performers to sound engineers, donating their time and talent.

A Free Celebration of Local Culture

“The Washington Folk Festival has always been about bringing people together through the shared language of music and storytelling,” said festival organizers. “This year’s return marks not just a celebration of folk traditions, but of the community that keeps them alive.”

The Washington Folk Festival runs from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 19 at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812). Admission is free.

Learn more, view the full schedule, or sign up to volunteer:
https://www.fsgw.org/washington-folk-festival

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