Rocky Mountain Folks Festival is an annual three-day celebration of folk, Americana, and roots music held each summer along the banks of the Saint Vrain River in Lyons, Colorado. Produced by Planet Bluegrass, the festival has become one of the most beloved and enduring folk gatherings in the United States, known for its intimate atmosphere, world-class songwriting, and deep sense of community.
Since its founding in 1990, Folks Festival has carved out a singular space within the folk world—one that honors the tradition’s legendary voices while consistently championing emerging artists. Each year, the lineup blends revered songwriters and performers with rising talents, creating a multigenerational dialogue rooted in storytelling, social consciousness, and shared humanity.
Set at Planet Bluegrass Ranch beneath the Colorado foothills, the festival’s natural setting is central to its identity. Attendees gather not just for the music, but for the experience itself: lawn seating under open skies, late-afternoon river breezes, and an audience culture defined by attentive listening and collective respect for the songs being shared.
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival is also deeply aligned with Planet Bluegrass’ long-standing commitment to sustainability and community. Operating under a “Leave No Trace” ethic, the festival is a recognized leader in environmentally responsible event production, blending music, stewardship, and education into a unified experience the organization calls “Sustainable Festivation.”
Over more than three decades, Folks Festival has hosted a vast and diverse array of artists spanning folk, Americana, country, blues, and roots music, while maintaining a clear focus on songwriting as the connective thread. For artists and fans alike, the festival is not simply a stop on the summer circuit—it is a homecoming, a listening space, and a reminder of the enduring power of songs to bring people together.
As we like to say, there are many folk festivals—but only one Folks Festival.
