Join us for Fiddle & Folk Festival!
(formerly Fiddlers' Fair & Making Music Weekend)
Explore New York State’s musical roots, and the influence on today’s music! Celebrate the Sounds of New York’s Past and Present
Join us for the Fiddle & Folk Festival—a lively weekend of music, craft, and community that honors the rich folkways traditions of New York State. From foot-stomping fiddle tunes and handcrafted instruments to storytelling, dance, and the voices of a new generation, this festival invites guests of all ages to explore how music connects us across time. Rooted in history and alive with creativity, the Fiddle & Folk Festival brings together performers, makers, and music lovers in an immersive celebration of heritage and sound.
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Tuning Into Folkways
This lively, reimagined celebration of folkways traditions spans four themed stages, each illuminating a different element in New York State’s rich musical heritage. You won’t want to miss a note!
Exhibition Barn
Listen as the fiddle’s story unfolds. Performers explore how this iconic instrument evolved across cultures and communities.
Great Meadow Stage
Discover the soundscape of the 19th century. From dulcimers to concertinas, jaw harps to mandolins, this stage brings to life the folk instruments and rhythms that shaped early American music.
Quaker Meeting House
Where music meets memory. Ballads, spirituals, and sea shanties preserve shared histories and lived experience, offering a reflective space for storytelling in song.
Village Square Stage
Step into the heart of folk tradition where music meets motion. This stage celebrates the social side of sound—square dances, waltzes, and reels—spotlighting how music moves us, together.
Brooks Grove Methodist Church
A gathering place for community favorites. This stage features beloved regional performers and crowd-pleasing ensembles, offering a heartfelt blend of tunes that connect generations and bring neighbors together.
Land Office Stage
Bright futures take the stage. Student musicians showcase their talent and creativity, carrying traditional sounds forward with fresh perspective and youthful energy.
Performers Include:
View performer biographies here!
Lynne Belluscio
Joel Boyer
Michelle Burack
Karen Canning
Pat Carey
Nils Caspersson
Ben Chrysler
Trina Clickner
Linc Cromwell
Zachary Deuel
Hannah Garfield
Chris Glatty
Bill Gregg
Sue Hengelsburg
Billie Henrie
Jackie Hobbs
Laurie Hunt
Henry Jankiewicz
Jim Kimball
Jordan Kleiman
Gabrielle Kosoy
Howie Lester
Margaret Mathews
Cathy McGrath
Ralph Minervino
Drew Moore
Curt Osgood
Tom Owens
Dan Palmer
Sean Peak
Dennis Reed
Lainie Reed
Jon Rubins
David Russell
John Ryan
Catherine Sloboda
Laurence Sugarman
Kathy Vandemortel
Dave Vieira
Allegra Whiting
Micah Wiesner
John Wobus
Donovan Family
Treble Trio
Making the Music
Ever wonder how a fiddle gets its voice or how a banjo comes to life? Step into the world of instrument crafting with live demonstrations from the talented artisans of Lowly Mountain Banjos and Race Orchestral Strings. Watch as traditional techniques bring wood, string, and skill together in real time—whether it’s violin-making, bow rehairing, or shaping a banjo from scratch. These hands-on exhibits offer a rare glimpse into the artistry behind the music, with opportunities to ask questions, try your hand, and maybe even get a tune-up in the on-site instrument repair clinic.
Find Your Folk
Jam sessions welcome ALL. Whether you’re a seasoned picker or just finding your rhythm, the Jam and Slow Jam areas are the heart of the festival’s community spirit. Bring your instrument, pull up a chair, and join fellow musicians in spontaneous sessions celebrating shared tunes and old-time camaraderie.
New to jamming? The Slow Jam space offers a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment where everyone’s encouraged to join in, learn by ear, and feel the joy of making music together. No stage, no pressure—just pure, unplugged fun.
Music in Motion
From balls and barn dances to porch jams, music has always invited people to move. From contra and square dances to spirited reels–whether you know the steps or just feel the rhythm–our callers and musicians will guide you. Come for the music, stay for the joy of moving together.
Sounds of the Village
Throughout the weekend, you’ll hear live organ music ringing out from two of our historic churches—Saturday in St. Feehan’s and Sunday in Brooks Grove Church. At Hamilton House, experience the unusual and enchanting tones of the Grand Harmonicon, a rare instrument sure to surprise and delight. Families can stop by the Romulus Female Seminary for a hands-on activity exploring rhythm and musical timing—fun and accessible for all ages. And over at the Davis Opera House, young voices will take center stage during a lively kid’s sing-along, celebrating the joy of community music-making. And don’t miss a special display in the John L. Wehle Gallery featuring locally made historical instruments, accompanied by live performances from hammered dulcimerist Sue Hengelsburg.
Nature's Homemade Song
Can’t play an instrument? You can still make music with our 19th-century noisemakers – whimmy diddles, buzzsaws, and limber jacks. Or, savor the biophony and geophony of over 5 miles of trails. Rely on your ears to experience the music of nature in our new auditory scavenger hunt!
Share Your Sound - Be Part of the Music!
Whether you’re a seasoned performer steeped in tradition or a student just beginning your musical journey, the Fiddle & Folk Festival invites you to take the stage – or take to the porches! We’re calling all folkways instrumentalists and musical storytellers – any age and experience level – to bring the rich musical heritage of New York State to life.
- Student musicians (currently taking lessons) receive FREE admission—a perfect chance to perform, learn, and connect with a vibrant community of artists and music lovers.
- Groups of students—school ensembles, private studios, homeschool collectives—are especially encouraged to sign up and share your sound together!
- Seasoned performers and passionate amateurs, we want to hear from you too—especially small ensembles that reflect the collaborative, social spirit at the heart of folk traditions.
Registration closed August 1st
Ticket Information
Museum Members | FREE
Adults: $23 online until 3 pm Friday August 15 | $25 onsite
Seniors 62+ and Students 13 – 18: $20 online until 3 pm Friday August 15 | $22 onsite
Youth (4 – 12): $17 online until 3 pm Friday August 15 | $19 onsite
Age 3 & & Under | FREE
GCV&M Member admission is FREE and guaranteed for this weekend. Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!
FAQs
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Please have your ticket(s) either printed out OR pulled up on your phone screen and ready for scanning for quick and easy check-in. Pro-tip: take a screenshot of each of your tickets to have ready and pulled up on your phone screen! Please note: Wifi can sometimes be spotty at the front of the Museum.
Pre-registered student musicians receive free admission to the Fiddlers’ Fair! Those under age 18 also receive admission for 1 chaperone.
Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.
Please dress accordingly for the predicted weather conditions.
We recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes – there is a lot to see and do, and surfaces in the Historic Village (brick paths, cobblestone, grass), can be uneven.
While there are ample picnic tables and places to sit around the Museum grounds (as well as chairs in the larger musical venues), we do recommend bringing a chair or a blanket if you’d like to find a spot to camp out and enjoy the tunes!
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.
