July 29, 2023
The world comes to Western North Carolina for Folkmoot USA, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023!
In 2023, they'll celebrate the dance and music of Mexico, India, Ivory Coast, Ireland, England, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Japan.
Our favorite Folkmoot event is International Day in downtown Waynesville, a big street festival with performances, international crafts, and much more. Read more about International Day.
Folkmoot means “Meeting of the People” in old English, and they certainly provide opportunities for cultural exchange. Audiences are invited to meet the performers before and after performances and during other Festival events.
Don't forget to check out the year-round offerings at the Folkmoot Friendship Center! Stop by and see artists at work in many converted classrooms, including stained-glass, weaving, quilt-blocks, and more. For more information, visit their website.
Folkmoot's 40-year History
In 1973, Dr. Clinton Border, a Waynesville surgeon, accompanied a local square dance team to a folk festival in Sidmouth, England. There began the dream that would, 11 years later, become Folkmoot USA. Border was convinced that Western North Carolina, which was already steeped in tradition and dedicated to the preservation of its own heritage, was the perfect location for an international folk festival in the United States. In Folkmoot’s 35-year history, the organization has hosted 8,000 performers from almost 150 countries. Folkmoot performers are primarily college students who serve as cultural ambassadors for their countries. The Folkmoot Festival is a strong example of international cultural diplomacy.
See more things to do in Waynesville.
More Info
International Day
Jul 30, 2022This street festival in downtown Waynesville is the ultimate cultural exchange with international and regional artwork, international dance and music from Folkmoot USA, and great food. 10 AM-5 PM… read more
This street festival in downtown Waynesville is the ultimate cultural exchange with international and regional artwork, international dance and music from Folkmoot USA, and great food. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Waynesville, NC
Downtown's quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries, and general store take you back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot USA. attracts entertainers from all over the world. The… read more
Downtown's quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries, and general store take you back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot USA. attracts entertainers from all over the world. The Museum of NC Handicrafts is housed in the historic Shelton House. On summer Friday nights, come down for the Mountain Street Dances.
Visit NC Smokies Visitor Guide
Order the 56-page free "Visit NC Smokies" guide to Haywood County, home to small towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde - in the Great Smokies, Pisgah National… read more
Order the 56-page free "Visit NC Smokies" guide to Haywood County, home to small towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde - in the Great Smokies, Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Maggie Valley
This longtime mountain resort town has kept much of its local charm with vintage motels and plenty of gift shops with arts and crafts. Tour Wheels Through Time collection of classic cars and… read more
This longtime mountain resort town has kept much of its local charm with vintage motels and plenty of gift shops with arts and crafts. Tour Wheels Through Time collection of classic cars and motorcycles. Ski at Cataloochee. Festivals include Hillbilly Jam and Elk Fest.
