ncff named 2026 best of NC festivals winner

The North Carolina Folk Festival has been named the 2026 Best of North Carolina Festivals winner by Guide to NC, earning statewide recognition as one of North Carolina’s premier annual events. 

Held each September in downtown Greensboro, the free three-day festival welcomes more than 135,000 attendees annually and features artists from across North Carolina and around the world. With more than 40 performers spanning 20+ genres, the event celebrates the many sounds, stories and traditions that shape folk music. 

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the 2026 Best of North Carolina Festivals winner,” said Jodee Ruppel, Executive Director of the NC Folk Festival. “This award reflects the passion of our artists, volunteers, sponsors, partners and festivalgoers who make this event such a special experience each year. We’re proud to showcase North Carolina’s cultural richness while welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond.”

The NC Folk Festival has become a signature cultural event for Greensboro and the state, drawing visitors, boosting downtown businesses and creating a welcoming space where music, food, art and community come together. In 2025, the festival was also named a Signature Event of the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. 

The 2026 North Carolina Folk Festival will take place September 18-20 in downtown Greensboro and will once again be free to attend. Festival organizers encourage music lovers, families and visitors from across the state to mark their calendars and experience this award-winning celebration firsthand. 

For more information, visit www.ncfolkfestival.com