You’ll Want To Attend The Oldest And Largest Musical Festival In Alaska At Least Once

There's one sure-fire way to know that spring is finally coming to Alaska - just listen for the sweet sounds of folk music. The Alaska Folk Festival is the oldest of its kind in the state, and the largest, too. It's happening next week, so make sure to clear your calendar now so you don't miss it.

Head to Centennial Hall Convention Center this April for the Alaska Folk Festival. The festival got its start in 1975, and is the oldest of its kind in the state.

You'll find the convention center at 101 Egan Dr., Juneau, AK 99801.

The festival offers an entire week of concerts, dances, and workshops, all highlighting folk music and folk musicians. It's a good time for all, and people come from all over the world for this musical celebration.

The festival supports both professional and amateur musicians, and also brings in a special guest artist. This year's guest is Los Texmaniacs. The band won a Grammy Award for Tejano Album of The Year in 2010, and we can't wait for the concerts on Thursday night at 8 p.m. and Sunday night at 9 p.m.

Brian DeMarcus will serve as a guest caller for the dances this year, and he'll also offer a workshop about calling square dances and contras. He's just one of several talented callers who will be at the festival.

The dances are definitely well-attended, and they run on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, starting at 7 p.m., and going past midnight.

The coffee jams are another favorite. They're held at several different venues, including coffee shops around town. Enjoy open mic performances, food, dancing, and music.

For a list of the venues for coffee jams, Click here.

The Alaska Folk Festival is supported 100 percent by donations and volunteers.

The festival starts Monday, April 8th, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., and the last performance is on Sunday, April 11th at 9 p.m. when Los Texmaniacs brings down the house. The festival is free to attend!

For more information, including a complete calendar of events for 2019's festival, visit the Alaska Folk Festival's website. Have you attended this festival in previous years? Tell our readers about your experience!

If you're looking for another spring festival, you might want to check out this Viking festival held in May.