Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-06-04
Photo: Courtesy of Lowell Folk Festival
The Lowell Folk Festival has announced additional artists for its 39th edition, taking place July 24-26 in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. One of America’s most popular free music festivals, the event will once again showcase traditional music and dance from North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Newly announced performers include Alash, carrying on the striking Tuvan throat-singing tradition known as xöömei; Authentic Unlimited, the award-winning bluegrass ensemble founded by former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; and acclaimed vocalist Catherine Russell, a native New Yorker born into jazz royalty and now one of today’s most captivating interpreters of the Great American Songbook.
The lineup also features The Chankas of Perú, who carry on the ancient Andean scissors dance tradition; New Hampshire’s Eastern Sound Orchestra, one of New England’s most enduring Polish polka ensembles; and Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, bringing Louisiana zydeco to Lowell.
Other newly announced artists include Boston-based Indian classical musicians Kunal Gunjal and Amit Kavthekar; Michela Musolino & Rosa Tatuata, performing traditional songs of Sicily, Calabria, and southern Italy; the Middlesex County Volunteer Fife & Drum Band, who will lead the opening parade on Friday night; the Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers, known for unaccompanied gospel harmony singing; Haitian dancer, choreographer, drummer, and educator Peniel Guerrier; Rio Grande Valley trío romántico group Tres en Punto; and the Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers, representing the culture of “the people of the first light.”
Previously announced artists Elida Almeida, Melissa Carper & Emily Gimble, Dat Mighty 9, John Doyle & Friends, Fabiola Mendez, and Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks join the lineup.
In addition to dozens of musical performances across four stages, the Lowell Folk Festival offers family programming, food, arts, and community experiences throughout downtown Lowell. The Discovery Lowell Playspace, anchored by the Discovery Museum in Acton, gives young festivalgoers a space for interactive activities. Global Foods offers cuisine prepared and sold by local nonprofits representing cultures found across New England, while the Experience Lowell Marketplace, in partnership with Mosaic Lowell, features local artists, craft makers, and arts organizations.
The Lowell Folk Festival is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation, City of Lowell, Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Lowell National Historical Park, National Council for the Traditional Arts, and Revolutionary Valley.
For information about the 2026 Lowell Folk Festival, including musical artists, schedules, sponsorship, exhibitors, and other programming, visit lowellfolkfestival.org.
