If you are like thousands of music lovers on the East Coast you head for Upper Salford Township near the bucolic burg of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, a little more than 35 miles outside of Philadelphia where the legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival transforms a working farm into a magical, musical sound park. This cherished event is the longest continuously running outdoor musical festival of its kind in North America and will celebrate its 56th Anniversary August 16-19, 2018 at the Old Pool Farm. Known to present superstars and rising stars alike, plans for this year’s summertime extravaganza are well underway!

The event is unique in that it is presented by a non-profit arts education organization, the Philadelphia Folksong Society, and is operated with the help of 2,500 dedicated volunteers.

Since its inception, thePhiladelphia Folk Festival has been the primary fund raising event for the Philadelphia Folksong Society. Founded as a 501(c) 3 non-profit, educational organization in 1957, PFS provides programs of presentation, education, and participation.

The Folk Fest is a perfect family event, with puppeteers, jugglers, aerialists, storytellers, hands-on crafts and of course, kid-oriented musicians gathering in Dulcimer Grove, the shady area that has become a haven for folk fans 12 and under. Children up to 5 years of age are admitted free in the campgrounds; children up to 11 years of age are admitted free to the concert area. Older kids, 12 to 17, are eligible for the special “youth ticket”, allowing them into the festival for half the regular gate price, when accompanied by an adult.