Philadelphia Folk Festival returns with lineup details announced.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival is set to return for its 63rd edition, scheduled for the weekend of August 14-16, 2025, at the Old Pool Farm located in Upper Salford Township, Montgomery County. This highly anticipated event will kick off with a special Thursday night concert exclusively for campers on August 13.
Among the headline acts announced, Boulder, Colorado’s renowned bluegrass and country jam band Leftover Salmon will take center stage, promoting their upcoming album titled “Let’s Party About It.” Leftover Salmon is known for their energetic performances and unique blend of musical styles, which promises to engage the festival crowd.
Joining Leftover Salmon are several notable performers, reflecting the rich tapestry of musical talent within the folk genre. Veteran folk artist Tom Rush, a frequent participant in the festival, will grace the stage alongside accomplished country-folk songwriter Mary Gauthier. Blues-rock sensation Eddie 9V will also perform, bringing his distinctive sound following the anticipated release of a new album under Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label.
The festival will showcase a diverse lineup, including Louisiana’s accordion maestro Terrance Simien and his band, the Zydeco Experience. The Colorado acoustic group Big Richard, consisting of four talented women committed to “playing rage fiddle tunes and smashing the patriarchy,” will also be featured. Additionally, Runa, a Celtic ensemble with members from Philadelphia, Nashville, and Chicago, will contribute to the festival’s cultural richness. Brooklyn’s bluegrass-swing trio, Damn Tall Buildings, adds to the eclectic mix of artists.
Moreover, the festival celebrates the artistry of Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert, an accomplished acoustic duo known for their heartfelt songwriting and musical depth. Their collaborative work has earned them critical acclaim, and they will be presenting selections from their latest album, “Volume 4,” released in 2024.
Returning as emcee for this year’s festival is Philadelphia’s own John Flynn, who will uphold the beloved tradition of incorporating humor reminiscent of the late Gene Shay, a cherished figure in the festival’s history, with his light-hearted Dad jokes and engaging presence.
Additional performers are expected to be announced in the following weeks as preparations for the festival intensify. For those interested in attending, discounted early bird tickets are currently available. Comprehensive details can be found on the official festival website, folkfest.org. As anticipation builds for this iconic celebration of folk music, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early to ensure participation in this longstanding cultural event.
