Every August, the banks of the Perkiomen Creek are filled with the joyous sounds of music. The fields of Old Pool Farm fill with fans of folk and Americana music as they gather for one of the premier outdoor music festivals: The Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Since 1962, the oldest continually operating outdoor music festival (at least until they took a one-year break in 2023) has put forward world-class music and fun activities. But the festival is back! The 61st edition kicks off on Friday, August 16th and continues through Sunday, August 18th at Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville. Every August, this is a highlight on the summer concert calendar.
The 3 day festival packs in over 50 musical acts, craft artisans and food vendors. The family-friendly event welcomes guests young and old to enjoy the music and festivities.
One of the things that struck me the most about the festival is that it is entirely organized and run by volunteers. Unlike other festivals with corporate underwriting from big name beer and media companies, the Philly Folk Fest is still put together by a local non-profit and staffed by people from the community.
We’ve attended and have a few tips for first-time (or even repeat) visitors. We recommend arriving early each day and staying for the duration. You might not be familiar with some of the smaller acts that perform on the various stages, but this is a great chance to learn new music.
It’s also a chance for you to spread your blanket and claim space at the main stage (so you don’t need to pay extra for VIP reserved seating). In the front section, you can sit on blankets or low-style beach chairs. But in the upper section, you can bring any chair you want!
A couple of other tips. You can bring your own food or drink (no glass bottles and no alcohol), or hit up the food stalls at the top of the hill. There’s a good selection from burgers to Mexican and plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. If you’re trying to save money, consider packing a lunch and then getting dinner from the local vendors.
The entire festival grounds are a farm, so don’t go barefoot. If you are prone to allergies or breathing problems, you might consider bringing a mask if dust gets kicked up. Also leave an extra bottle of water in your car so you can wash the dust off your windshield when you leave!
Finally, the artists also do autograph sessions near the Philadelphia Folk Society store tent. You can pick up a disc and get it autographed on the spot. If nobody is waiting for a signature, it’s also a chance to chat with some of the artists.
Lineup
The 2024 edition of the festival is being headlined by John Oates (of Hall & Oates fame) and Gangstagrass (a cross-over mashup of rap and bluegrass). But there are over 50 acts across each of the 7 musical stages.
Past performers have included Graham Nash, Joan Baez, Punch Brothers, The War and Treaty, Old Crow Medicine Show, and even hip-hop legends Arrested Development.
Tickets
The event is held August 16-18th. Tickets are available as single-day passes, or the “All Festival” passes that are valid for all three days. Day passes are $100-120 based on the day. All Festival passes can be had for $250. There is a slight discount for children (ages 5-17). Children 4 years old and under are free. The festival also has a Family Four Pack for 2 adults and 2 child families.
There are several add on options available, including reserved seating for the weekend at the main stage and also reserved parking for the weekend. Tip: It’s worth splurging for the reserved parking. It will save you lots of walking and you can stash stuff in the car if you don’t want to carry it around (or leave chairs in the car and get them for the evening performances).
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Philadelphia Folk Festival website.
Location
The festival is held at Old Pool Farm, 1323 Salford Station Road, Harleysville, PA 19438. It is located at the corner of Salford Station Road and Clemmers Mill Road. The easiest access is from Salford Station Road.
GPS Coordinates: 40.2891° N, 75.4522° W
Camping and Accommodations
One of the hallmarks of the festival is on-site camping for the weekend. There are both tent and RV sites available. Tent camping is $300 per adult for the weekend (which includes the festival). RV sites can be added for an additional charge.
As an enticement to camp, there’s a dedicated stage in the campers area and the festival kicks off a day early (Thursday, August 15th) with evening performances only for campers.
Don’t want to camp? The nearest hotels to the festival grounds are in Limerick or Lansdale. South of the festival grounds in Limerick, the closest hotels are the Holiday Inn Express Limerick or the Hampton Inn Limerick. If you are coming from the East and I-476/Northeast Extension, the closet hotels are the Holiday Inn Lansdale or the Courtyard Philadelphia Lansdale.
