The Ozarks’ Folk Party of the Year Is Back
Three days of toe-tapping music, mountain dancing, and Ozark tradition await when the Original Ozark Folk Festival returns to Eureka Springs September 4–6, 2025.
For nearly eight decades, this festival has been the crown jewel of Ozark music celebrations, turning the historic mountain town into a vibrant hub where banjos meet bass lines and strangers become dance partners. Whether you’re a folk music devotee or simply love a good mountain party, this weekend delivers all the authentic Ozark charm you can handle.
Where the Music Happens
Historic Auditorium becomes the main stage for headlining acts that’ll have you singing along before the first chorus ends. Hedgehoppers with Still on the Hill kick things off Thursday night, setting the perfect tone for what’s ahead. Friday brings the winner of this year’s Songwriting Contest to the spotlight, followed by The HillBenders—a group that knows how to make traditional folk feel fresh and exciting.
The Steel Wheels roll through on Saturday with their signature sound, followed by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
THE DEETS
📍 Where: Historic Auditorium & Basin Park, Eureka Springs
📅 When: September 4–6, 2025
💲 Cost: Varies by show. Check Ozark Folk for complete music lineup.
Basin Park Comes Alive
While the auditorium hosts the headliners, Basin Park transforms into a folk music playground.
Mountain Alice, Meadow Makers, The Bayard Band, and The Creek Rocks will fill the park with music that ranges from traditional mountain tunes to contemporary folk interpretations. Between performances, you can join the Jig Dance and Traditional Percussion Workshop.
The weekend culminates with a Community Dance featuring the Old 78s, where everyone from first-time visitors to longtime festival veterans comes together for a good time.
More Than Music
The Original Ozark Folk Festival isn’t just about the performances—it’s about preserving and celebrating the cultural traditions that make the Ozark Mountains special. Local artisans showcase their crafts, storytellers share tales that have been told around mountain campfires for generations, and the entire downtown area becomes a living museum of Ozark heritage.
Walking through Eureka Springs during festival weekend feels like stepping into a celebration that’s been going on for 78 years—and will continue for 78 more.
Great music, dancing in the park, and a downtown alive with Ozark tradition—that’s what awaits you in Eureka Springs this September. See you there!
