“Go Dutch” at the 69th Annual Kutztown Folk Festival
Celebrate authentic Pennsylvania Dutch culture this summer
KUTZTOWN, PA (April 2, 2018) — The Kutztown Folk Festival returns from June 30-July 8, 2018. Originating in 1950, this annual nine-day celebration of Pennsylvania Dutch culture is America’s oldest folklife festival. Experience the region’s unique heritage and enjoy authentic Pennsylvania Dutch folklife demonstrations, artisan crafts and antiques, one-of-a-kind food and drink, six stages of live entertainment, and family fun for all ages.
The Kutztown Folk Festival is widely recognized as must-see summertime experience:
USA Today, One of “America’s Top Celebrations”
National Geographic, “Great American Eating Experience”
Destinations, 2016 “Best of the Best” in Pennsylvania Culture
Where Traveler, “The Most Authentic Folk Festivals in America”
The 2018 Kutztown Folk Festival adds a variety of new events and activities to the schedule of long-time festival favorites, including:
Authentic Folklife: For the first time, the Kutztown Folk Festival will host an authentic Harvest Home celebration at the Union Church. Step back in time and witness this fascinating Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of adorning the local church with harvest decorations, fruits, and vegetables in celebration of a successful harvest and safe storage of food before winter. Food will then be dispersed to local families in need.
Exclusive to the 2018 festival, the National Museum of Industrial History will feature a 100 year old, fully operating printing press. Festival attendees will be able learn the history of the printing press and create their own one-of-a-kind printed festival souvenir!
Artisan Crafts and Antiques: Over 200 nationally recognized, juried folk artists and craftsmen come from across America to attend the Kutztown Folk Festival. See unique works of art created before your eyes and take home an authentic piece of the Pennsylvania Dutch’s fascinating heritage. Shop the collection of 2,500 locally handmade quilts in the world-famous Quilt Barn before attending America’s largest quilt sale!
Food and Drink: Enjoy family style dinners the old-fashioned way – cooked over an open fire! New for 2018, visitors can enjoy an old fashioned BBQ chicken picnic style meal. Other authentic Pennsylvania Dutch food includes potpie, fritters, sausage, shoo-fly pie, schnitz n knepp, and homemade bread from an original 19th century bread oven. Beer and wine are also widely available at the festival.
Live Entertainment: Follow the authentic sounds of the past to one of six stages at the festival to enjoy good old-fashioned entertainment from fiddlers, folk singers, comedy, square dancing, live theater, country auctions, and the world-famous strolling Sauerkraut Band.
Family Fun: New for 2018, families will be able to explore a 30’x20’ garden sized model train exhibit presented in conjunction with the Allentown and Auburn Railroad, along with train memorabilia and educational displays. Kids can also enjoy the Children’s Farmyard Theater, petting zoo, craft areas, pony rides, hay maze, horse-drawn carousel, and more! Even better, festival admission is free for children 12 and under!
The 2018 Kutztown Folk Festival will run from June 30 – July 8 with the following hours:
June 30 & July 1; July 6 & 7: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
July 2-5; July 8: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission:
Adult: $14.00
Senior (55 & older): $13.00
Students (13-17): $5.00
Children (12 & Under): FREE
Weekly Pass: $24.00
Parking: Free
About the Kutztown Folk Festival
The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. Held in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, the nine-day festival draws visitors from all over the world, entertaining families while providing insight and understanding of the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. The Kutztown Folk Festival features authentic folklife demonstrations, a wide variety of Pennsylvania Dutch food; over 200 nationally recognized, juried folk artists and traditional American craftsmen; over 2,500 locally hand-made quilts on display and for sale; antiques and collectables; six stages of entertainment; music and dancing; and a wide range of children's activities.