Ferdinand Folk Festival

The Ferdinand Folk Festival is a day-long, family-friendly event held on September 20, 2025, at 18th Street Park in Ferdinand, Dubois County, Indiana. It offers a rich blend of local and regional music, arts and crafts, environmental and educational information, making it an immersive earth-conscious community gathering. The event is fully accessible and designed to appeal to all ages.

Event Atmosphere and Surroundings:
Set in the picturesque 18th Street Park, the festival boasts a large, gently sloping lawn surrounded by trees, providing a natural, serene backdrop for the activities. Attendees often bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to lounge comfortably while enjoying the diverse musical acts. The vibe is relaxed, community-oriented, and focused on nature appreciation and cultural creativity.

Musical Acts and Schedule Highlights:

• The 15th annual festival features Will Hoge as the headline act, alongside performers such as Rachael Davis, Kindred Valley, Krystal King, Jolly Old Hawk, Josh Merritt, and Mady Neukam.
• Multiple stages are set up, including a main stage for nationally acclaimed musicians and a smaller, intimate round stage nestled in a grove of trees for local singer-songwriters, especially catering to those browsing the art market.
• The music genres cover a spectrum including Americana, folk, roots blues, and reggae.

Activities and Features:

• Arts and crafts vendors showcasing handmade, local, and regional artworks and goods.
• Workshops and demonstrations offering educational content, often with an environmental or sustainable living focus.
• An art market where guests can interact with creators and purchase works.
• Informational booths provide environmental and educational resources, emphasizing Earth-friendly practices and local conservation efforts.
• Family-friendly programming ensures activities suitable for children and adults alike.

Rough Event Schedule and Locations (tentative based on typical layout):

• Afternoon through early evening: Art market and craft vendor booths open along with local singer-songwriter performances at the grove’s round stage.
• Evening: Headline and regional bands perform on the main stage on the large lawn area.
• Workshops and demonstrations are interspersed throughout the day, typically near vendor areas or designated tent spaces.
• Exact timing is usually posted on the festival website closer to the date.

History and Founding:

• Now in its 15th annual iteration, the Ferdinand Folk Festival has grown into a staple event for the region. Founded over a decade ago, it was created to celebrate community, family, and the environment through music and arts.
• The festival is presented by Best Home Furnishings and supported by local sponsors, emphasizing its roots in the Ferdinand community.

Overall, the Ferdinand Folk Festival is a vibrant celebration of folk culture, outdoor enjoyment, and sustainable living, making it a beloved annual event in Southern Indiana. The combination of scenic natural surroundings, quality music, artisan crafts, and educational programming ensures a memorable experience for all attendees.