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2024 Lowell Folk Festival: What to Know Before You Go

Author adam12

The 2024 Lowell Folk Festival is billing itself as “music, food and crafts from around the world, showcased throughout Lowell, MA.”

The Lowell Folk Festival grew out of the National Folk Festival, which started in St. Louis back in 1934. That travelling festival was held in Lowell from 1987-1989; it’s success begat the Lowell Folk Festival in 1990. Let’s take a look at the 2024 edition.

2024 Lowell Folk Festival: When?

This year’s festival takes place from Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28. Things kick off at 6:15 on Friday with a Parade of Flags through the streets of downtown Lowell, carried by local citizens who hail from around the world. The opening ceremony is at Boarding House Park.

2024 Lowell Folk Festival: Where?

Boarding House Park will act as one of the weekend’s hubs for performances. The Dance Pavilion, Market Street Stage, and Saint Anne’s Churchyard will also have live music, primarily on Saturday and Sunday. Take a look at the map below for details.

Lowell Folk Festival Map

2024 Lowell Folk Festival: Who?

As you’d expect, the lineup of performers is both diverse and international. From Kentucky bluegrass to traditional Irish music to Mississippi gospel to Cayman Island sounds, there’s every manner of folk music represented. See the list of artists here.

2024 Lowell Folk Festival: What Else?

Did I mention it’s free? It’s FREE! Donations are accepted, of course. And you’ll want to have some cash on hand to the smorgasbord of global food offerings. Head over here to see what you can munch on, who’s playing when, and all the other info.

And if you’re looking for more local festival action this weekend, NICE, a fest is back at Davis Sq. in Somerville. Local art and lots of local rock. Get all the details for that festival here.

Adam 12 is the Program Director of Boston's ROCK 92.9, heard weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. He's been flexing his encyclopedic rock knowledge in New England for over 2 decades, both on-air and online, at WBCN, WFNX, Boston.com, and indie617. At ROCK 92.9, he keeps you in the know on the big stories from the Boston music scene and writes about great places to eat, drink (beer), and to spend time outdoors in and around Boston.

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