The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival will return to the Ferrum College campus Oct. 24, with a new arts and crafts show among this year’s additions.
The festival, now in its 53rd year, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, although parking costs $20 per family vehicle, $50 for vans or shuttles and $100 for buses.
Produced by Ferrum College’s Blue Ridge Institute & Museum for more than 50 years, the festival celebrates the traditional music, crafts, food and customs of the Blue Ridge region.
More than 100 artisans are expected to participate in the new arts and crafts show, featuring jewelry, folk art, woodworking, pottery, textiles and other handmade items.
The festival also will feature four stages of live music, storytelling sessions with Henry Lee Law & Friends, folklife demonstrations and children’s activities.
Traditional demonstrations will include horse pulls, mule jumping contests, coon dog races and antique tractors. The Thunder in the Blue Ridge Car Show also will return.
The Children’s Area will include a petting zoo, face painting, cornhole, a mechanical bull and a fair-style ride. The Agriculture Student Showcase will feature projects and produce from Ferrum College students.
Festival activities will be spread across the campus, including the lakeside area and the 1800s-style farm museum, as well as Franklin Hall, Bassett Field and the Franklin Hall Quad.
Ferrum College President Mirta Martin said the festival provides an opportunity to preserve regional traditions while introducing new artisans and activities.
The festival was named a 2026 Best of the Mountains award winner by Blue Ridge Country Magazine.
More information is available at ferrum.edu/blueridgefolklifefestival.
