Exciting Lineup Revealed for the 63rd Philadelphia Folk Fest
The anticipation is building as the first wave of performers for this year’s Philadelphia Folk Fest has been officially announced. Known for its rich tradition of showcasing diverse musical talents, the festival continues to attract fans from all over the country. This year’s event promises to be a celebration of folk, bluegrass, and more, with an impressive lineup that includes both seasoned veterans and emerging artists.
Headline Act: Leftover Salmon
The festival will be headlined by the renowned bluegrass and country jam band Leftover Salmon from Boulder, Colorado. The group is currently touring in support of their 2025 album Let’s Party About It. Their energetic performances have made them a favorite among festivalgoers, and their presence this year is sure to draw a large crowd.
Festival Dates and Location
The 63rd edition of the Philadelphia Folk Fest will take place at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, near Schwenksville in Montgomery County. The festival will run over three days, starting with a traditional Thursday night campers-only concert on August 13, followed by the main events on August 14-16.
Additional Acts Announced
Alongside Leftover Salmon, several other notable acts have been confirmed for the lineup. Veteran folk musician Tom Rush, a familiar face at the festival, will return to perform. Mary Gauthier, a celebrated country-folk songwriter, is also set to appear. Additionally, Georgia-born blues-rock singer-guitarist Eddie 9V, who recently released a new album on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label, will be part of the event.
Louisiana accordion player and bandleader Terrance Simien will bring his signature Zydeco sound to the stage with his band, the Zydeco Experience. Another highlight is the Colorado-based acoustic band Big Richard, composed of four women who aim to “play rage fiddle tunes and smash the patriarchy.” Their unique approach to music is sure to resonate with audiences.
Regional and Genre Diversity
Celtic band Runa, featuring members based in Philadelphia, Nashville, and Chicago, will also perform. The Brooklyn-based bluegrass-swing trio Damn Tall Buildings adds another layer of diversity to the lineup. These acts showcase the festival’s commitment to celebrating a wide range of musical traditions.
Acoustic Duo Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert
Kudos to the festival organizers for booking Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert, a highly regarded acoustic duo. Kane, formerly of the 1980s country group the O’Kanes, and his songwriting partner and fiddler Gellert, have released four critically acclaimed albums, with their most recent work, Volume 4, coming out last year.
Philly Songwriter John Flynn Returns
Philly-based songwriter John Flynn, who served as emcee in 2025 and continued the beloved tradition of Dad jokes started by the late Gene Shay, will return as host. He will also perform during the festival, adding a personal touch to the event.
More Acts to Be Announced
More acts are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, keeping the excitement alive for fans. Early bird tickets and additional information can be found on the official website, folkfest.org.
