Original Ozark Folk Festival 2025 Eureka Springs' Favorite Folk Celebration

Every Labor Day weekend, Eureka Springs transforms into a vibrant hub of music, dance, storytelling, and artisan traditions at the Original Ozark Folk Festival. Now in its 78th year, this “Eureka Springs folk festival” honors the rich cultural tapestry of the Ozark Mountains by bringing together local musicians, craftsmen, dancers, and families for three days of immersive fun. Whether you’re an acoustic guitar fanatic, a square-dance newbie, or an art fair browser, the Ozark Folk Fest offers something for everyone.

• Community Spirit: From third-graders performing the Hedgehoppers square dance to multi-generational jam circles, the festival fosters genuine connections.
• Accessible Fun: Free admission for spectators means you can wander Basin Spring Park or peer into the Historic Auditorium without breaking the bank.
• Live Music Galore: Four headliner nights plus daytime workshops give you over 20 acts across genres—bluegrass, Americana, old-time, and more.
• Ozark Arts & Crafts Fair: Local artisans showcase handmade jewelry, wood carvings, folk paintings, and traditional Ozark quilts—all under the shade trees of Basin Spring Park.

Kick off the festival in the Historic Auditorium with the annual third-grade Hedgehoppers performance—an Ozark tradition since 1947. After the kids’ energetic square dance, stay seated for Still on the Hill, a duo keeping Ozark story-songs alive with clawhammer banjos and jaw harps.

Slide off your shoes and join the Barefoot Ball in the Auditorium’s lower level. Front Porch brings mountain-bluegrass energy that’ll have your toes tapping, then Patti Steel’s genre-bending fusion of roots, jazz, and blues turns the stage into a dance party.

Stroll the shaded paths of Basin Spring Park to discover hand-thrown pottery, patchwork quilts, leatherwork, and wood carvings from regional artisans. This Ozark arts fair is perfect for snagging one-of-a-kind souvenirs—think hand-painted tin signs or a cozy local wool throw.

• Jig Dance & Traditional Percussion (11:00 AM): Learn the basic footwork of Ozark jig and how to play washboard rhythms.
• Mountain Alice Fiddle Tunes (12:30 PM): Fiddle wizardry meets Ozark folk classics in this interactive session.
• March to August Appalachian Revival (2:30 PM): Discover the roots of Appalachian ballads and modern folk reinterpretations.
• Korey McKelvy Duo Harmony Workshop (3:45 PM): Master vocal harmony techniques inspired by traditional Ozark duets.
• Matt Axton & Bad Moon’s Country-Folk Storytelling (5:00 PM): Explore songwriting that weaves local lore into lyrics.

• 7:00 PM – Singer-Songwriter Showcase Winner: A rising star chosen from our summer competition.
• 7:45 PM – Handmade Moments: A folk-rock ensemble blending banjo, mandolin, and soaring vocal harmonies.
• 9:00 PM – The HillBenders: Nashville’s bluegrass trailblazers deliver inventive arrangements and high-octane pickin’.

Missed a tent or want a second look? The Arts & Crafts Fair returns on Saturday with live folk dance demos, storytelling circles, and “Make-and-Take” craft booths for kids. At 5:30 PM, join the Community Square Dance led by The Old 78s—no partner needed!

• 7:30 PM – The Steel Wheels: Virginia’s Americana quintet hits the stage with roots-savvy anthems and soulful grooves.
• 9:00 PM – Ozark Mountain Daredevils: Country-rock icons behind “If You Wanna Get to Heaven” and “Jackie Blue” close out the festival with a high-energy set you won’t forget.

Formed in Springfield, MO, in 1972, the Daredevils blend country storytelling with rock rhythms. Their closing-night performance anchors the festival in Ozark pride.

Known for tight arrangements and dynamic stagecraft, this quintet brings a fresh spin to folk, bluegrass, and soul—perfect for fans of “newgrass” and americana-rock.

From impeccable harmony to jaw-dropping chops, The HillBenders fuse traditional bluegrass with contemporary flair, making banjo and fiddle break into spontaneous dance.

Emerging favorites like Handmade Moments showcase the festival’s commitment to homegrown talent. Alongside them, local bands—Meadow Makers, Bayard Band, The Creek Rocks—keep traditions thriving.

Whether you’re curious about flatfoot jig, how to strum a clawhammer banjo, or the basics of square dance calls, the festival’s daytime workshops offer expert instruction in a friendly, all-ages environment.

Family and visitors unite for an afternoon square dance in Basin Spring Park. Live music, no partner needed, and instruction provided—just bring comfy shoes (or bare feet!).

• General Admission: Always free for spectators.
• Auditorium Concert Tickets: $20–$35 per night; multi-night passes available.
• VIP Lodging & Concert Packages: Basin Park Hotel offers a limited number of packages with premium seating, breakfast credit, and late checkout.

• Historic Auditorium (36 S. Main St.): Main concert venue with tiered seating and excellent acoustics.
• Basin Spring Park: Open-air fairgrounds with shaded seating, drinking fountains, and food trucks.
• Parking: Free lots near Basin Spring Park; additional paid parking downtown. Shuttle service runs Friday and Saturday evenings.

Enjoy brunch with live music views at Basin Park Bistro or rustic comfort fare at Mud Street Café, both just steps from festival grounds.

Pull up to rotating food trucks in Basin Spring Park serving pulled-pork sliders, gourmet tacos, artisanal ice cream, and craft sodas—fuel for a full festival day.

Cap off evening shows with cocktails and small plates at The Crescent Hotel’s Crystal Dining Room or sip moonshine flights at Local Flavor Café.

Wander the winding, limestone-laid streets of “Stairstep Town,” peek into boutique shops, and discover hidden courtyards around every corner.

Marvel at Thorncrown Chapel’s glass-and-wood design nestled in the Ozark woods, then book a Crescent Hotel ghost tour to hear spine-tingling tales of America’s Most Haunted Hotel.

• Pig Trail Scenic Byway: A 19-mile loop on AR-23 through dense forest and river overlooks—widely rated as one of USA Today’s top U.S. driving routes.
• Buffalo National River: Launch a kayak, fish for trout, or hike to Hawksbill Crag before looping back to Eureka Springs.

• Pack Smart: Folding chairs, sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and a printed festival map are must-haves.
• Dress in Layers: Early September evenings can cool off fast—bring a light jacket or shawl.
• Photo Ops: Golden-hour shots at Basin Spring Park and Thorncrown Chapel make for unforgettable social media posts—use hashtags #OzarkFolkFest2025 and #EurekaSpringsFolk.
• Family & Pet Policies: Children of all ages are welcome; pets on leashes are allowed in outdoor areas—just watch out for hot engine bays at nearby car shows if you overlap events.

The Original Ozark Folk Festival pumps tourism dollars into local hotels, restaurants, and shops, extending the summer season and spotlighting regional artisans.

Supported by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, local arts councils, regional breweries, and folk-music foundations—look for sponsor booths offering demos, tastings, and giveaways throughout Basin Spring Park.

Nestled just minutes from the Historic Auditorium and Basin Spring Park, Eureka Sunset Cabins is your ideal home base for the Original Ozark Folk Festival. After three days of music, crafts, and dancing, return to a cozy cabin or boutique suite that blends Ozark charm with modern comforts.

• Rustic-Chic Cabins: Enjoy wood-burning fireplaces, full kitchens, and private decks overlooking forested hills → All Cabins
• Luxury Suites: Relax in king-size beds, spa-style bathrooms, and vaulted ceilings with contemporary decor → All Suites

Plan your Folk Festival weekend now—rates fill up fast around Labor Day!

• Home & Availability: Check rates, read guest reviews, and view property photos → Eureka Sunset Cabins Home
• Questions & Special Requests: Reach out for personalized recommendations or group bookings → Contact Us

The 78th Original Ozark Folk Festival runs Friday–Sunday, September 4–6, 2025. Main concerts are in the Historic Auditorium (36 S. Main St.), and the Ozark Arts & Crafts Fair is in Basin Spring Park (Centennial Lane and Spring St.), Eureka Springs, AR.

General admission to Basin Spring Park and outdoor workshops is always free. Auditorium concert tickets range from $20–$35 per night, with kids 12 and under free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

You can buy single-night or multi-night passes online via the Historic Auditorium box office website or in person at the Auditorium’s ticket window during festival weekend. Advance online purchase is recommended to guarantee seating.

– Thursday (Sept 4): Hedgehoppers at 6 PM, Barefoot Ball at 7:30 PM.
– Friday (Sept 5): Folk Fair 11 AM–6 PM; workshops 11 AM–5 PM; Main Stage 7 PM–10 PM.
– Saturday (Sept 6): Folk Fair 11 AM–6 PM; Community Square Dance 5:30 PM; headliners 7:30 PM–10:30 PM.

Free parking is available in lots adjacent to Basin Spring Park and the Auditorium. Paid public lots in downtown Eureka Springs are within walking distance. A free shuttle runs Friday–Saturday evenings between major lots and festival venues.

Children of all ages are welcome. Pet dogs on leashes are allowed in outdoor areas (Basin Spring Park and parking lots) but are not permitted inside the Historic Auditorium.

Book early at partner hotels like Basin Park Hotel or Crescent Hotel & Spa for festival packages. Budget-friendly cabins at Loblolly Pines and Victorian B&Bs (Arsenic & Old Lace, Peabody House) are also popular choices within a short walk or shuttle ride of venues.

Workshops and the Community Square Dance are first-come, first-served. Show up 30 minutes before each session at the Basin Spring Park workshop tent to sign in. No advance sign-up is required, and all ages are welcome.

From 11 AM–6 PM each day, local food trucks serve pulled-pork sliders, gourmet tacos, artisanal ice cream, and craft sodas. Water refill stations and coffee stands are located in Basin Spring Park and near the Auditorium.

Pack a folding chair, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and festival map. Dress in layers for cool mornings and potential evening breeze. Comfortable shoes or barefoot-friendly footwear are ideal for dancing and park strolls.

Whether you’re drawn by the toe-tapping tunes, the handcrafted treasures, or the warm Ozark welcome, the Original Ozark Folk Festival 2025 promises a weekend overflowing with music, memory-making, and genuine community spirit. Come for the headliners, stay for the square dances, and leave with a piece of Ozark tradition in your heart.

• Official Festival Homepage – Learn More
• Festival Schedule & Events – Learn More
• Eureka Springs Chamber Event Listing – Learn More
• Basin Spring Park Ozark Folk Fair – Learn More
• The Auditorium Venue Info – Learn More
• Tickets & Box Office (ThunderTix) – Learn More
• Official Facebook Event Page – Learn More
• Visit Eureka Springs Events Calendar – Learn More