3 Days. Five Stages. All Free.
The North Carolina Folk Festival is back for three days of free music and fun in downtown Greensboro. This family-friendly festival includes performances from talented musicians, interactive activities, and a makers market where you can buy one-of-a-kind items from local artisans.
Itinerary
Come in on Thursday and enjoy a long weekend of Folk Festival Fun. Stay at the Greensboro Marriott Downtown, which puts you steps from the Folk Festival stages, food vendors, and local shops. You’ll have the comfort of a modern hotel with the convenience of walking to and from festival events and other downtown activities.
Once you've settled in for the weekend, head to The Corner Slice for dinner, just a short walk from the hotel. Their specialty pizzas, like “The Park” with pepperoni, sausage, and veggies or the sweet “South Park” with ham and pineapple, are sure to satisfy. If you're in the mood for something unique, try the “Elm” with ranch sauce, bacon, and chicken.
After dinner, get in the groove with Thursday Night Cocktails & Jazz at the O.Henry Hotel. Every Thursday, artists Dave Fox (piano), Neill Clegg (saxophone, clarinet and flute) and Matt Kendrick (double bass) will be joined by guest vocalists who cover The Great American Songbook and jazz classics including swing, and modal classics from the late 50s to early 60s and Brazilian jazz from the early 60s.
Start your morning at Sage Mule, a popular Greensboro breakfast and lunch spot. Some made-from-scratch delicacies include the Breakfast Burrito, Bulgogi Hash, and Sourdough Waffle. Try a specialty coffee beverage (using locally-roasted beans!) such as the Cold Fashioned, Pistachio Honey Cortado, or Apple Pie Latte.
The Greensboro History Museum is a must-visit if you want to dive into the city’s rich artistic and cultural roots—and it’s free! Explore exhibits on local history, from Greensboro's early days to its role in the Civil Rights Movement and the city's denim legacy. Don't miss the Voices of a City: Greensboro, North Carolina exhibit to discover new interpretations from more than 300 years of local history and how ordinary objects tell extraordinary stories.
Walk a few blocks from the museum to lunch at Crafted - The Art of the Taco. Enjoy tasty, inventive tacos such as the Wayfarer taco with bulgogi short rib and kimchi, the Crispy Fish taco, or one of their delicious vegetarian or vegan-friendly options.
Walk off your lunch along the Greensboro Downtown Greenway. Immerse yourself in the arts and nature along the four-mile, paved trail. The greenway was built with art in mind, and everything from the benches to the bike racks tell a story. Enjoy the murals, statues, and, of course, the great outdoors.
Hop off the Greenway and kick off your Folk Festival experience from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Sammy Rae and the Friends headline Friday night's lineup, bringing soulful vibes with funky rhythms to the stage. Grab dinner from one of the many food trucks on-site and shop at the expanded maker's market.
After the concert, walk down Southend Brewing Co. for a Folk Festival After Party, where you can enjoy craft beer, live music, and great food.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at local favorite, Chez Genèse. Some of their must-try breakfast entrees include their classic French toast, signature avocado toast, and omelets. Chez Genèse's commitment to employing individuals with disabilities creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere topped off with great eats.
Stroll through LeBauer Park for an experience that blends nature, art, and community. The park's expansive Great Lawn offers a perfect spot to relax and enjoy live performances, including genres like jazz, folk, and Latin dance, often accompanied by interactive workshops. As you wander, you'll again encounter the Makers Market, showcasing local artisans. The park's amenities, such as the Janet Echelman aerial sculpture and the interactive fountain, add to the fun.
Pangea Bistro & Bar features a rooftop balcony and enjoy your meal while overlooking the Festival. The restaurant's globally-inspired menu features dishes like Scallop Rockefeller, Sweet Plantain Gnocchi, and Thai Grilled Chicken. Vegetarian options, such as the Beet Tartare and Yuca Balls, are also available. Reservations are recommended.
Among the highlights of the evening is a performance by two-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development. Known for their positive, Afrocentric vibe, the group's style contrasts with the conventional hip hop sound and image. Enjoy one of the afterparties at a local bar to keep the party going until midnight.
Craving a unique twist on Southern comfort food? Dame’s Chicken and Waffles serves a creative take on the classic chicken and waffles, with options like sweet potato or gingerbread waffles paired with crispy chicken and topped with their signature flavored butters, or "shmears.” Don't miss their delicious sides like Southern grits and mac and cheese.
Head back to the Folk Festival where Steep Canyon Rangers headline the festival's final day. "This Grammy-winning bluegrass band from North Carolina brings a fresh twist to tradition, blending classic bluegrass with touches of country, pop, and folk. With rich harmonies, great stage presence, and a knack for storytelling, Steep Canyon Rangers bring a sound everyone will enjoy. Grab lunch from a local food truck.
If you're enjoying the Folk Festival and don’t want to miss a beat, Parkside Pull-Up at LeBauer Park makes it easy to grab a quick bite right in the middle of the action. They're known for crowd-pleasers like smashed burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, and great vegan options.
Swing by Flavoures on South Elm for rich, small-batch gelato in flavors like Nutella or Biscoff—a perfect way to cool off and end your festival weekend on a sweet note.