Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Returns for Its 38th Year in Goshen

The 38th Annual Falcon Ridge Folk Festival returns to the Goshen Fairgrounds from July 24–26, 2026, bringing three days of music, dancing, community, and family-friendly fun to the hills of northwestern Connecticut.

One of the Northeast’s premier folk and roots music gatherings, Falcon Ridge features more than 40 performers across five stages, along with workshops, dancing, camping, artisan vendors, food vendors, and opportunities to connect with fellow music lovers. Early camping opens on Wednesday, July 22, and festival activities begin with pre-festival events on Thursday, including the popular Farm Market and Staff Open Mic.

This year’s lineup includes returning favorites such as Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Nerissa & Katryna Nields, Susan Werner, Vance Gilbert, The Gaslight Tinkers, Joe Jencks, Sam Robbins, and The Storycrafters. Joining the festival are acclaimed Americana artist Jim Lauderdale, folk duo Alice Howe & Freebo, and multi-instrumentalist Tony Furtado with his quartet. First-time Falcon Ridge performers include Damn Tall Buildings, Cold Chocolate, and The Star Charters. The festival concludes Sunday with a Mainstage performance by renowned fiddler Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens, featuring musicians associated with Riverdance.

The weekend officially begins Friday at noon with the Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the Family Stage, Workshop Stage, Dance Barn, Activities 4 Kids Area, and the Acoustic Circle of Song. Evening Mainstage concerts are followed by nightly dances and informal campground jam sessions that continue long after the scheduled performances end.

Dancing remains a cornerstone of the Falcon Ridge experience, with opportunities to participate in Contra and Square Dancing, Cajun and Zydeco, Swing, Blues, Family and Community Dancing, and Line Dancing throughout the weekend.

Visitors will find a diverse selection of food vendors serving Jamaican, Thai, Latin American, and traditional American cuisine, as well as numerous vegetarian and vegan options. The festival marketplace features artisans offering handmade crafts, clothing, pottery, stained glass, Fair Trade goods, and eco-friendly products from around the world.

The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival takes place at the Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Old Middle Street, Goshen, CT 06756. The festival is fully accessible and offers ASL interpretation for performances.

For tickets, camping information, livestream access, and the complete festival schedule, call 860-364-0366 or visit the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival website.