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| Planet Bluegrass Ranch (photo Benko Photographics) |
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With the announcement of Loreena McKennitt, John Butler Trio, Patty Griffin, Colin Meloy, and many more to the 2013 Folks Festival lineup, tickets and camping continue to sell at a record pace. Get your 3-day passes and camping right now...
In the 23 years since we started our modest "summit on the song" in Estes Park the festival has moved (to the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons), grown, and created its own culture and spirit, while remaining true to our initial vision for spending a glorious Colorado summer weekend celebrating stories and songs - from around the musical and geographic world.
The Festival
Lyons locals often look forward to the Folks Festival as their time to finally relax and enjoy summer. In contrast to the hot licks and hyper tempos of RockyGrass, the mellower moods of Folks Fest are the perfect antidote for the warm Colorado sun. Claim your space with a blanket or tarp, set down your low-back chair, and settle in for unforgettable days of music.
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| Josh Ritter at the 2011 Folks (photo Benko Photographics) |
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The festival opens with the prestigious Folks Songwriter Showcase, where a juried group of the most gifted new songwriters from around the world compete for a spot in the 2012 lineup. Songwriting workshops continue throughout the festival in the intimacy of the new Wildflower Pavilion. Music runs on the main stage from morning 'til after 10pm each night, projected through the best sound at any festival in the country.
Festivarians at the Folks Festival welcome newcomers with a space on their tarp and conversation about summer and song. Children create their masterpieces in the sandy beach next to the stage while parents dream their own masterpieces to the sound of acoustic guitars and lyrical songs.
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| Brandi Carlile at the 2011 Folks Fest (photo Benko Photographics) |
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Pack a picnic - you're welcome to bring in food and drinks, just no alcohol or glass. Or enjoy a wide variety of food options (from fish tacos to ice cream, dumplings to bbq) from our food vendors, as well as beer and wine, and free filtered local water.
As the sun sets over the Rocky Mountain Foothills the campgrounds come alive with festivarians from around the country eager to sing their latest creations or share in the creation of new ones with new friends. Whether you are a musician or a music lover, camps from around Colorado and around the country welcome you in with a hearty hug. Connect with your past and future tarpmates on the Folks Fest board at Festivarian.com.
A Summer Day in Lyons
In August the St. Vrain is transformed from a hub of recreation to a cooling wet paradise. The shallow depths of the river are filled with damp armchairs and constantly evolving rock sculptures.
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| Bob Weir, Chris Robinson & Jackie Greene in 2011 (photo Benko Photographics) |
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The relaxed pace leaves time to explore the spectacular environment of Lyons, Colorado. The historic quarry town is located just 15 miles north of Boulder in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The small town (population 1,600) is known for its antique stores, restaurants, artists, and musicians – NPR's All Things Considered calls Lyons "the Nashville of the Rockies."
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| St. Vrain River (photo Benko Photographics) |
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Numerous camping options nearby include: on-site at the festival grounds or under the cliffs at Meadow Park (a quick five-minute walk to the festival). Convenient parking is available at Bohn Park, just a 10-minute walk (or free shuttle bus ride) to the festival grounds.
Non-musical activities in and around Lyons include numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking at Hall Ranch, Heil Valley Ranch and Rabbit Mountain; touring through Rocky Mountain National Park (40 minutes up the hill from Lyons); or enjoying our rivers for swimming, tubing, or simply cooling off for a few minutes.
Stay connected with your Folks Festival tarpmates in the Festivarian Forum and on Facebook.