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Grantee: Spokane Folklore Society

Project Title: 30th Anniversary of Spokane Fall Folk Festival
Year awarded: 2025, Round 1

The Spokane Folklore Society will once again bring its beloved Fall Folk Festival to Spokane Community College on the second weekend of November, continuing a three-decade tradition of celebrating regional folk arts. With support from a SAGA grant, the organization will offset facility rental costs, allowing the festival to remain free and open to the public. The event spans two days, featuring live performances on multiple stages, dance workshops, participatory sing-alongs, craft demonstrations, and informal jam sessions—inviting audiences not just to observe, but to join in. More than 100 performers representing a wide array of traditions—including African, Celtic, Hawaiian, Middle Eastern, American Folk, and bluegrass—will be selected from an open application process.

Since 1996, the Spokane Folklore Society has used the festival to promote local musicians, dancers, and craftspeople while fostering cultural inclusion and community connection. The event draws over 7,000 attendees each year and is powered by a dedicated committee and over 140 volunteers. Local radio partners KPBX and KYRS further extend the festival’s reach by broadcasting performances and interviews. With disability access, public transit availability, and free admission, the Fall Folk Festival offers a rare and welcoming opportunity for people of all backgrounds to connect, create, and celebrate the folk traditions of the Inland Northwest. The 30th annual Fall Folk Festival will be taking place on November 8 & 9, 2025 in SCC’s Lair.