17th Annual Franklin Area Folk Festival

A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage

Highlights of the Franklin Area Folk Festival include special quilts on display (like the famous Cabarras Quilt, The Celebrate America Autograph Quilt, etc.), flint napping, woodworking/woodcarving, Border Collies’ demonstrations, old-time music and more. Performances of mountain music, gospel and bluegrass tunes exemplify a very important cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. In addition to performance stages inside and outside, we are partnering with Old Time Music groups to provide jammin’ sessions. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in! Once known as the Quilting Capital of the World, displays from the Smoky Mountain Quilter’s Guild including a kids’ make-it/take-it project will help showcase this important heritage.  

Kids Activities begin at 10:00 am
At the Kids’ Activity Tent located mid-field, kids of all ages are encouraged to play old-fashioned lawn games such as egg races, sack races, and tug-o-war. At designated times under the tent, kids can try their hand at various heritage skills like milking the “cow”, corn shellin’ and making heritage crafts. Plus, additional kid focused activities will be scattered around the grounds with lots of opportunities for hands-on interaction. Plans include: the Smoky Mtn. Quilter’s Guild Make-it/Take-it sewing item, Border Collie demonstrations, homemade craft projects, exhibits of traditional toys, close encounters with friendly goats, pottery projects in the pottery room, weaving in the hall by Cowee Textiles, clothes washing station and much more.

Kids young and old are sure to enjoy this fun filled, historic day as we embrace life as it was in the early days. Nestled in Cowee West’s Mill Historic District at 51 Cowee School Drive in Franklin, NC, the Center is a unique showcase for demonstrating the everyday skills, crafts and music of our ancestors.

11:00am - 1:30pm: Learn to Square Dance at the Franklin Area Folk Festival at Cowee School Auditorium. Live music by Kornbread Kreek. Caller Sarah Burkey

3:00pm - 4:00pm: Franklin Area Folk Festival Jammin' Sessions. Led by Kornbread Kreek. Inside Auditorium. Bring your instruments and join us!

Date: August 19, 2023

Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Historic Cowee School - 51 Cowee School Drive,Franklin, NC, 28734

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