Evanston Folk Fest

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Evanston Folk Fest

🗓️ September 12 & 13 2026
📍 Evanston, IL
A celebration of folk music

08/28/2026

Don't miss out on loads of family fun at Evanston Folk Festival all weekend long. We're excited to announce day-time programming with Phoebe Sanders and Joel Frankel! We'll also have yard games and family activities provided by Pinstripes, a community artwork project with Art Makers Outpost, family friendly performances, and more!

🌈 Saturday
Family Stage @ 12:00pm - Phoebe Sanders: Family-Friendly Performance and Puppet Workshop - Phoebe Sanders is a California-based banjo player. She primarily plays clawhammer style old time music, but she is best known on the internet for her banjo-powered puppets. From traditional wooden jig dolls to paper reindeer to life-sized cardboard creatures, Phoebe is pioneering a new way of bringing music to life.

🌈 Sunday:
Family Stage @ 12:00pm - Rosh Hashanah Family-Friendly Sing-Along with Joel Frankel - Singer, songwriter and children's entertainer Joel Frankel has been captivating listeners of all ages with his engaging original songs for nearly two decades. By combining his musical talents with his background in education, Joel presents an energized, creative performance that is stimulating for kids and appreciated by adults. For this year’s folk fest, Joel will perform a program of traditional Jewish music and more.

As a reminder, children under the age of 12 receive free admission to the festival. Children aged 12 - 16 will require a half-priced children’s ticket for admission, which will be available for purchase at the entry gate.

08/20/2026

We’re just a few short weeks away from Evanston Folk Festival 2026 and we couldn’t be more excited! We’d like to take a moment to say THANK YOU to our generous sponsors and community partners. We could’t do what we do without you. We’ll see you all out on the lakefront soon! 🌊

Sun Cruiser
Angry Orchard
Wintrust
rythmdrinks
Straightaway Cocktails
D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.
Revolution Brewing
Geoff Brown | Evanston Realtor
Hornitos® Tequila

Garrett Popcorn
J. Blanton Plumbing
Muller Honda
Gearhead Outfitters
Evanston Lumber
Pinstripes
Evanston SPACE

08/19/2026

In case you missed it, Tent Talks are returning! The Chicago Public Media Tent Talks, powered by Wintrust, bring together thought leaders and visionaries to explore songwriting craft and history of folk music and storytelling via panel discussions, speakers, and interviews. We hope you’ll join us for some great conversations. Swipe to check out this year’s programming! 📚

08/18/2026

Don't forget to join us for a FREE Evanston Starlight Series at Independence Park featuring Soft Opening next week on August 25! Evanston's very own Soft Opening features Nora O'Connor, Liam Davis, Gerald Dowd, Alton Smith, and Mark Bransfield recreating the soft rock songs of the 70's. We'll also be there selling fee-free tickets for Evanston Folk Festival 2026!

Here's what to know before you go:
☀️ Concerts begin at 6:00pm.
☀️ Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks.
☀️ In the event of rain, concerts will be canceled. The decision to cancel will be made by 4:00pm on the show date. Check the Evanston Parks & Recreation page for updates.

08/14/2026

YOU'RE INVITED! Join us on Saturday, September 5 for a FREE Labor Day party on the Space patio from 12pm-4pm. Stop by to pick up your 2-day EFF wristbands in advance of the festival, and stick around for the party!

DJ Faithful Anchor will be spinning Folk, Americana and more. We'll have free hamburgers and hot dogs (while supplies last), and more fun activities TBA! So come on by and check it out.

08/12/2026

We're officially a month away from Evanston Folk Festival 2026! Can you believe it? We're so excited to return to the beautiful Dawes Park in just a few short weeks. We'll see you soon, Evanston!

08/08/2026

You might have noticed some of our recent artist additions...Unfortunately Lizzie No, Hayden Pedigo, and Edna Vazquez are all no longer able to play Evanston Folk Festival 2026. But fret not, because they have been replaced by some amazing other artists who we have already introduced - Jordan Patterson, Mason Jennings, and Y La Bamba. You definitely won't want to miss their sets next month. Stay tuned for schedules coming your way soon!

08/07/2026

LAST CALL! Very limited Tier 1 priced Saturday tickets remain. If you're still thinking about attending, now's the time to buy! Grab your Saturday passes before prices increase on Wednesday, August 12 at 12pm CT.

Three stages featuring 30+ artists, family friendly programming and activities, Evanston’s finest food and “better than your average” festival cocktails, sweeping views of Lake Michigan — what more could you want?

08/05/2026

We love music fans of ALL ages at Evanston Folk Festival! Did you know that children under the age of 12 receive free admission to the festival? Children aged 12 - 16 will require a half-priced children’s ticket for admission, which will be available for purchase at the entry gate, even if the event is sold out in advance. So bring along the whole fam!

Plus, there will be plenty of kids activities on-site. It's truly the perfect way to spend the weekend with the family!

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08/03/2026

Let's all wish the wonderful a happy birthday today! We'll truly never get over her set from our inaugural Evanston Folk Fest. 🌸

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Evanston, IL

Website

https://app.hive.co/l/3v4itc

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