For more than half a century the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has offered an unmatched market of rural folk crafts. More than 30 artisans typically demonstrate old-time hand skills from tobacco twisting and basket making to blacksmithing and weaving. In 2026 lakeside areas and the 1800-style farm museum will celebrate the region’s long-standing folklife traditions. With the festival expanding to become the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and Arts and Crafts Show, Franklin Hall, Bassett Field, and the Franklin Hall Quad side of campus will showcase contemporary artisans, modern crafts, and interactive exhibits.
The festival is known for presenting the hard-to-find crafts produced by artisans who make and sell items not found on the regular craft show circuit. For many of our craftspeople, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is the only event they participate in.
Click here for 2025 article on Dr. William Wray, an exhibitor of crocheting for 57 years!
Click here for 2023 article on luthier Wayne Henderson.
Interested in becoming a BRFF Craft Vendor?
