Upcoming folk festivals: GottaGetGon, PMN Summer Gathering, CTSMF, Old Songs, and more!

[Jeff Keller]

Although YTS and NEFFA are past, there are plenty of folk festivals and camps yet to come!

Fri-Mon May 22-25: GottaGetGon Folk Festival
Where: The Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St, Ballston Spa, NY
https://www.pickingandsinging.org/gottagetgon2025

The GottaGetGon is a family-friendly  camping folk music festival put on by the volunteers of the Pick-in' and Singin' Gatherin' every Memorial Day Weekend since 1970. It welcomes adults, teens, and children to enjoy a weekend sharing music and friendship.
Four headliners will offer formal concerts and workshops. Everyone participates in casual jamming on the campgrounds throughout the festival. All concerts and workshops are under cover in 4H buildings and pavilions so it’s on, rain or shine.

Fri-Sun May 29-31: People's Music Network Summer Gathering

Where: Grotonwood Camp & Conference Center, 167 Prescott St, Groton, MA

https://peoplesmusic.org/event-6646329

The event begins with arrival and participatory singing on Friday, May 29, 2026. On Saturday and Sunday (May 30 & 31), they’ll have participatory workshops and song swaps, and a Saturday night Round Robin Collaborative Concert – all highlighting the role of music in progressive social change. Expect numerous opportunities to share music, sing together, and to join efforts to bring music into the heart of struggles for justice and freedom today.

Click on the Summer Gathering Overview for details about Schedule, Workshops, Logistics (Food, Housing and Other), Directions, Transportation and more.

Fri-Mon Jun 12-15: Connecticut Sea Music Festival
Where: Essex, CT
https://CTSeaMusicFest.org/
  Friday
    9am-4:15pm: Sea Music Symposium (free)
    7pm: First concert
  Saturday
    10am-4:30pm: Music and workshops (free)
    7pm Sat. evening concert Sunday
    9:30am - 2:30pm Music and workshops (free)
    3pm: Final concert
  Monday
    evening: Survivors' Night at the Griswold Inn in Essex, CT (free)

Fri-Sun  Jun 26-28: Old Songs Festival
Where: Altamont Fairgrounds, 129 Grand St, Altamont, NY
https://festival.oldsongs.org

https://volunteer.oldsongs.org

Sat-Thu Aug 8–13: Harmony of Song & Dance at Pinewoods
Where: Pinewoods Dance Camp, 80 Cornish Field Rd, Plymouth, MA
https://camp.cdss.org/camp-weeks/harmony-of-song-dance-at-pinewoods/

Thu-Mon Aug 13-17: SEA session at Pinewoods
Where: Pinewoods Dance Camp, 80 Cornish Field Rd, Plymouth, MA
https://camp.cdss.org/camp-weeks/sea-session-at-pinewoods/
Songs and English and American dance inspired by the deep blue!

Sat-Fri Aug 29 - Sep 4: Traditional Music & Dance at Pinewoods
Where: Pinewoods Camp, 80 Cornish Field Rd, Plymouth, MA
Traditional Music and Dance Camp at Pinewoods
http://www.tradmadcamp.org/
"Workshops, dances, concerts, one-shots, camper concerts, jamming, singing, swimming in two lovely ponds, relaxing, learning, and generally having fun."

Sat-Sun Sep 26-27: Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
Where: Portsmouth, NH
https://pmffest.org
PMFF is a lovely, free folk festival spread around beautiful Portsmouth, NH!
There is camping available Fri-Mon for volunteers and performers.

Fri-Sun Oct 16-18: Raise the Rafters Traditional Song Weekend
Where: Camp Magruder, 17450 Old Pacific Hwy, Rockaway Beach, OR
https://rtrsong.org
Join your voice in song at a weekend singing retreat in beautiful Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp!
Raise The Rafters is an event to celebrate and pass on the tradition of social singing. Together, we'll share and sing work songs, labor and union songs, drinking and pub songs, sea chanteys, and other songs that have stood the test of time (as well as newer songs written in traditional styles)! As an event dedicated to passing on traditions, we welcome attendees of any age, prior singing experience, and background.