2024 FESTIVALS
May 2-5, 2024 --- Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (Pittsboro, NC)
Donna the Buffalo, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Cimafunk, Sierra Hull and others. Location is Pittsboro, North Carolina. For more information: https://www.shakorihillsgrassroots.org
May 3-5, 2024 --- Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (Breaux Bridge, LA)
Bands include Rusty Metoyer, Pine Leaf Boys, Keith Frank, Chubby Carrier, Geno Delafose, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Corey Ledet, Horace Trahan, Leroy Thomas, Joe Hall, Poisson Rouge. Location: Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge. bbcrawfest.com.
May 9-12, 2024 --- Gator By the Bay Festival (San Diego, CA)
More than 100 performances on 7 stages. Headliners include Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie, Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, CJ Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, Rosie Flores, Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers, and Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces. Saturday Night Dance in the adjacent Sheraton Hotel 9 p.m. to midnight features several headlining artists, often on the stage together. Up-to-date info at gatorbythebay.com.
May 23-26, 2024 --- Jacksonville Jazz Festival (Jacksonville, FL)
Free multi-day riverfront festival features award-winning artists performing on two stages in the heart of Jacksonville. Artists include Kenny Barron Trio, Brian McKnight, Stanley Clarke, Jamison Ross, Gregory Porter, Josh Vietti, Robin Thicke. https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com
May 24–26, 2024 --- Florida Folk Festival (White Springs, FL)
71st annual Florida Folk Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, FL The festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. https://www.floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival
June 6-9, 2024 --- Orange Blossom Dance Festival (Orlando, FL)
Shawn Swaithes and Donna Bonham Steinfeld wish to invite you to a fun-filled weekend of dancing! Country and swing competitions and performances, workshops and social dancing. https://www.orangeblossomdance.net
June 7-9, 2024 --- Bayou Boogie Festival 2024 (Marlborough, CT)
Bands: The Revelers, Ruben Moreno and Zydeco Re-evolution, Pine Leaf Boys, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew. Produced by Steve Riley. Location: Chateau Le Gari' Winery, 303 S. Main Street, Marlborough, CT. https://steverileyproductions.com/shows.html
July 4-7, 2024 --- Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland, OR)
Artists include Curley Taylor, KC Jones, Sunpie Barnes & Louisiana Sunspots, Daiquiri Queens, Wayne Singleton. https://waterfrontbluesfest.com
July 7-12, 2024 --- Cajun and Classic Country Week (Elkins, WV)
Visit augustaartsandculture.org
July 18-21, 2023 --- Finger Lakes Grassroots Music & Dance Festival (Trumansburg, NY)
4 days, 4 stages, 80 bands. Donna The Buffalo and others. Visit grassrootsfest.org
July 19-21, 2023 --- Camp Zydecow 2024 (Cherryfield, ME)
2 day Cajun Zydeco Extravaganza in Downeast Maine (Cherryfield, close to Acadia National Park). Artists include Jimmy Jo and the Jumbolayahs, Planet Zydeco, Le Winston Band, Yvette Landry and Paula Bradley, Bruce Daigrepont and Gina Forsyth, Dennis Stroughmat with Guests. Awesome potluck and jam on July 19. $175 for fun and frivolity, $25 extra for lobster dinner. Pre-rejgistration only. Contact supeck6@gmail.com, phone 860-460-8348.
August 1-4, 2024 --- Buffalo By the Bayou
Artists include Joe Hall, Steve Riley, Ruben Moreno. At Buffalo Gap Retreat. https://www.buffalogapretreat.com/general-8-1
August 16-18, 2024 --- Cotati Accordion Festival (Cotati, CA)
https://cotatifest.com
August 30-Sept. 1, 2024 --- Rhythm & Roots Festival (Charlestown, RI)
Rhythm & Roots Festival is a recurring music festival held in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
Visit https://rhythmandroots.com
October 11-13, 2024 --- Festivals Acadiens et Creoles (Lafayette, LA)
Visit festivalsacadiens.com
October 11-13, 2024 — Suwannee Roots Revival (Live Oak, FL)
Bands booked include Donna The Buffalo, Peter Rowan Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, Yonder Mountain String Band, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, The Ain’t Sisters, Sloppy Joe, and Magic Moon Traveling Circus. Music workshops, yoga, activities for kids, food and crafts. Visit suwanneerootsrevival.com
October 25 & 26, 2024 — South Louisiana Blackpot Festival & Cookoff (Lafayette, LA)
Dates not yet posted. blackpotfestival.com
November 1-3, 2024 --- Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival (Pensacola)
The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the best-regarded, most popular arts festivals in the United States. The three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the nation's best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists. The Festival is ranked #30 in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Location: Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida.https://www.ggaf.org
November 2-3, 2024 --- Halifax Art Festival (Daytona Beach)
2nd oldest continual art festival in the state of Florida and attracts well over 30,000 visitors annually. This free festival, open to the public, on historic downtown Beach Street from Orange Avenue to Bay Street n front of the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach. The Festival will have over 200 juried artists and artisans exhibiting original two-dimensional art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, wood, metal, and glass pieces for purchase. The Festival has expanded to celebrate seasoned as well as emerging artists and craftsmen. There will be two distinct exhibit areas. International street cuisine and good old-fashioned festival food will be featured for the hungry festival attendees. Beach Street cafes and restaurants will be open and featuring festival specials. There will, also, be live entertainment with musicians playing a variety of popular music. Website: http://halifaxartfestival.com/
November 8-10, 2024 (Projected) --- Cracklin Festival (Port Barre, LA)
The annual Cracklin Festival is held the second weekend in November every year. Ice chests, glass containers, and pets are not allowed. https://cracklinfest.com
November 22-24, 2024 --- Suncoast Jazz Festival (Clearwater Beach, FL)
Featuring Tom Rigney & Flambeau, and several danceable jazz ensembles with a dance floor. The Friday Night Swing Dance starts with a Lindy swing dance lesson with Forrest and Andrea Phoenix about 6:15 p.m., followed by several dance bands playing until midnight. Visit suncoastjazzfestival.com
December 7-8, 2024 (Projected) --- Balboa Park December Nights (San Diego)
Balboa Park December Nights, the nation’s premier holiday festival. https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
Dec. 7, 2024 — Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival (Lakewood Ranch, FL)
The festival is replacing the Bradenton Blues Fest with 7 bands planned from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. New location will be Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch. Artists will include Danielle Nichole Band (Kansas City), Vanessa Collier (Dallas), Monster Mike Welch (Boston), Kat Riggins (Miami), Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s (Brooklyn), Dylan Triplett (St. Louis), Melody Angel (Chicago). Advance tickets are $75 each. lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com
Includes New Years Eve, 2024 (Projected) --- Floorplay Swing Vacation (Orlando, FL)
Rosen Plaza Resort, 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. West coast swing workshops, competitions, late-night social dancing. Visit https://floorplayswingvacation.com
These unique listings are compiled by Jim Hance directly from prominent band and festival websites. Changes in lineups and times are common. Refer to both the event websites and websites of your favorite artists appearing at the festivals prior to making your travel plans.
Donna the Buffalo, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Cimafunk, Sierra Hull and others. Location is Pittsboro, North Carolina. For more information: https://www.shakorihillsgrassroots.org
May 3-5, 2024 --- Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (Breaux Bridge, LA)
Bands include Rusty Metoyer, Pine Leaf Boys, Keith Frank, Chubby Carrier, Geno Delafose, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Corey Ledet, Horace Trahan, Leroy Thomas, Joe Hall, Poisson Rouge. Location: Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge. bbcrawfest.com.
May 9-12, 2024 --- Gator By the Bay Festival (San Diego, CA)
More than 100 performances on 7 stages. Headliners include Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie, Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, CJ Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, Rosie Flores, Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers, and Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces. Saturday Night Dance in the adjacent Sheraton Hotel 9 p.m. to midnight features several headlining artists, often on the stage together. Up-to-date info at gatorbythebay.com.
May 23-26, 2024 --- Jacksonville Jazz Festival (Jacksonville, FL)
Free multi-day riverfront festival features award-winning artists performing on two stages in the heart of Jacksonville. Artists include Kenny Barron Trio, Brian McKnight, Stanley Clarke, Jamison Ross, Gregory Porter, Josh Vietti, Robin Thicke. https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com
May 24–26, 2024 --- Florida Folk Festival (White Springs, FL)
71st annual Florida Folk Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, FL The festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. https://www.floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival
June 6-9, 2024 --- Orange Blossom Dance Festival (Orlando, FL)
Shawn Swaithes and Donna Bonham Steinfeld wish to invite you to a fun-filled weekend of dancing! Country and swing competitions and performances, workshops and social dancing. https://www.orangeblossomdance.net
June 7-9, 2024 --- Bayou Boogie Festival 2024 (Marlborough, CT)
Bands: The Revelers, Ruben Moreno and Zydeco Re-evolution, Pine Leaf Boys, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew. Produced by Steve Riley. Location: Chateau Le Gari' Winery, 303 S. Main Street, Marlborough, CT. https://steverileyproductions.com/shows.html
July 4-7, 2024 --- Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland, OR)
Artists include Curley Taylor, KC Jones, Sunpie Barnes & Louisiana Sunspots, Daiquiri Queens, Wayne Singleton. https://waterfrontbluesfest.com
July 7-12, 2024 --- Cajun and Classic Country Week (Elkins, WV)
Visit augustaartsandculture.org
July 18-21, 2023 --- Finger Lakes Grassroots Music & Dance Festival (Trumansburg, NY)
4 days, 4 stages, 80 bands. Donna The Buffalo and others. Visit grassrootsfest.org
July 19-21, 2023 --- Camp Zydecow 2024 (Cherryfield, ME)
2 day Cajun Zydeco Extravaganza in Downeast Maine (Cherryfield, close to Acadia National Park). Artists include Jimmy Jo and the Jumbolayahs, Planet Zydeco, Le Winston Band, Yvette Landry and Paula Bradley, Bruce Daigrepont and Gina Forsyth, Dennis Stroughmat with Guests. Awesome potluck and jam on July 19. $175 for fun and frivolity, $25 extra for lobster dinner. Pre-rejgistration only. Contact supeck6@gmail.com, phone 860-460-8348.
August 1-4, 2024 --- Buffalo By the Bayou
Artists include Joe Hall, Steve Riley, Ruben Moreno. At Buffalo Gap Retreat. https://www.buffalogapretreat.com/general-8-1
August 16-18, 2024 --- Cotati Accordion Festival (Cotati, CA)
https://cotatifest.com
August 30-Sept. 1, 2024 --- Rhythm & Roots Festival (Charlestown, RI)
Rhythm & Roots Festival is a recurring music festival held in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
Visit https://rhythmandroots.com
October 11-13, 2024 --- Festivals Acadiens et Creoles (Lafayette, LA)
Visit festivalsacadiens.com
October 11-13, 2024 — Suwannee Roots Revival (Live Oak, FL)
Bands booked include Donna The Buffalo, Peter Rowan Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, Yonder Mountain String Band, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, The Ain’t Sisters, Sloppy Joe, and Magic Moon Traveling Circus. Music workshops, yoga, activities for kids, food and crafts. Visit suwanneerootsrevival.com
October 25 & 26, 2024 — South Louisiana Blackpot Festival & Cookoff (Lafayette, LA)
Dates not yet posted. blackpotfestival.com
November 1-3, 2024 --- Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival (Pensacola)
The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the best-regarded, most popular arts festivals in the United States. The three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the nation's best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists. The Festival is ranked #30 in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Location: Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida.https://www.ggaf.org
November 2-3, 2024 --- Halifax Art Festival (Daytona Beach)
2nd oldest continual art festival in the state of Florida and attracts well over 30,000 visitors annually. This free festival, open to the public, on historic downtown Beach Street from Orange Avenue to Bay Street n front of the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach. The Festival will have over 200 juried artists and artisans exhibiting original two-dimensional art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, wood, metal, and glass pieces for purchase. The Festival has expanded to celebrate seasoned as well as emerging artists and craftsmen. There will be two distinct exhibit areas. International street cuisine and good old-fashioned festival food will be featured for the hungry festival attendees. Beach Street cafes and restaurants will be open and featuring festival specials. There will, also, be live entertainment with musicians playing a variety of popular music. Website: http://halifaxartfestival.com/
November 8-10, 2024 (Projected) --- Cracklin Festival (Port Barre, LA)
The annual Cracklin Festival is held the second weekend in November every year. Ice chests, glass containers, and pets are not allowed. https://cracklinfest.com
November 22-24, 2024 --- Suncoast Jazz Festival (Clearwater Beach, FL)
Featuring Tom Rigney & Flambeau, and several danceable jazz ensembles with a dance floor. The Friday Night Swing Dance starts with a Lindy swing dance lesson with Forrest and Andrea Phoenix about 6:15 p.m., followed by several dance bands playing until midnight. Visit suncoastjazzfestival.com
December 7-8, 2024 (Projected) --- Balboa Park December Nights (San Diego)
Balboa Park December Nights, the nation’s premier holiday festival. https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
Dec. 7, 2024 — Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival (Lakewood Ranch, FL)
The festival is replacing the Bradenton Blues Fest with 7 bands planned from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. New location will be Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch. Artists will include Danielle Nichole Band (Kansas City), Vanessa Collier (Dallas), Monster Mike Welch (Boston), Kat Riggins (Miami), Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s (Brooklyn), Dylan Triplett (St. Louis), Melody Angel (Chicago). Advance tickets are $75 each. lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com
Includes New Years Eve, 2024 (Projected) --- Floorplay Swing Vacation (Orlando, FL)
Rosen Plaza Resort, 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. West coast swing workshops, competitions, late-night social dancing. Visit https://floorplayswingvacation.com
These unique listings are compiled by Jim Hance directly from prominent band and festival websites. Changes in lineups and times are common. Refer to both the event websites and websites of your favorite artists appearing at the festivals prior to making your travel plans.
Photo of crowd at Gator By the Bay stage at the top of page by Joe MacDonald.