Parking Fees:
$20 per family vehicle
$50 per van or shuttle
$100 per bus
Check back soon for Pre-Sale Parking Passes.
On the fourth Saturday of October, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has presented musicians, craftspeople, cooks, moonshiners, motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, coon dog racers, antique tractor buffs, and old-time gamers for a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region.
“Thoroughly Authentic”-The New York Times
Our festival participants are the real thing, sharing folk traditions that have been a part of their families and/or communities for years. The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and Arts and Crafts Show is the largest regional event of its kind in Virginia, and there’s nothing like it in the Commonwealth. We feature performers, artisans, foods, and activities not found at typical craft shows, fairs, and festivals. The new arts and crafts show this year will feature more than 100 artisans offering handmade jewelry, folk art, woodworking, pottery, textiles, and other unique creations, as well as exploring a variety of activities for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy four stages of live music featuring traditional and contemporary Blue Ridge performers, and hear tales during the Henry Lee Law & Friends Storytelling sessions.
The 2026 festival will blend historic traditions with new experiences across campus. Lakeside areas and the 1800-style farm museum will celebrate the region’s long-standing folklife traditions, while Franklin Hall, Bassett Field, the Franklin Hall Quad, and the Fitness Center side of campus will showcase contemporary artisans, modern crafts, and interactive exhibits.
Families will also find plenty to enjoy in the Children’s Area, featuring a petting zoo, face painting, cornhole game, mechanical bull, dunk tank, and a fair-style ride. Guests can also visit the Agriculture Student Showcase, with projects and produce from Ferrum College students, and experience traditional folklife demonstrations, as well as the Thunder in the Blue Ridge Car Show.
The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum of Ferrum College, the official State Center for Blue Ridge Folklore, produces the festival, which was voted a Best of the Mountains award winner in Blue Ridge Country Magazine’s 2026 contest. The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival was also awarded first place in Blue Ridge Country‘s Top Ten Fall Festivals Readers Poll for 2022, as well as a top three finalist of Virginia Living’s Best of Virginia: Southwest Virginia Festival awards.
Covering much of the Ferrum College campus and the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum’s living history farm museum, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and Arts and Crafts Show has something for everyone. It’s a family friendly affair. Rain or shine, the festival will go on. Proceeds from the festival help to fund the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum and all of its programs.
Horse Pulls, Mule Jumping Contests, Coon Dog Contests, Traditional & Contemporary Crafts, Country Foods, Blue Ridge Roots Music, Demonstration Still & Storytelling, Kids’ Games, Custom & Vintage Cars, Threshing & Baling Demos, Vintage Tractors & Engines, Log Skidding Contests and More!
