Lowell Folk Festival 2026

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Dates:	Friday, July 24, 2026 - Sunday, July 26, 2026
Hours:	Varies
Ages:	Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	Free
Category:	Fairs & Festivals

The 39th annual Lowell Folk Festival returns to downtown Lowell on July 24-26, 2026, for three days of free music and culture from around the world.

With nearly 150,000 attendees annually, the Lowell Folk Festival is one of the largest and longest-running free folk festivals in the country. This year's festival is also part of Lowell's Bicentennial celebration.
2026 Performers

The first round of announced performers includes:

Elida Almeida -- Cape Verdean singer-songwriter whose viral 2015 ballad launched international acclaim, known for her buoyant energy and deeply rooted funaná and batuque style.

Melissa Carper & Emily Gimble -- Carper's old-school country sound has earned her the nickname 'Hill Billie Holiday.' She performs with guitarist Myrah Burnette and pianist/violinist Emily Gimble.

Dat Mighty 9 -- New Orleans Black Masking Carnival music brought to life by Romeo Bougere, Big Chief of the 9th Ward Hunters, performing as an eight-piece band steeped in funk, hip hop, and R&B.

John Doyle & Friends -- A powerhouse Irish folk ensemble featuring John Doyle, Eamon O'Leary, Duncan Wickel, and Lily Henley, playing traditional ballads and tunes rooted in Irish and Appalachian heritage.

Fabiola Mendez -- Puerto Rican cuatro virtuoso and Berklee graduate, performing with her quartet to bring jibaro music to new audiences worldwide.

Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks -- Mississippi Delta bluesman James 'Super Chikan' Johnson plays homemade guitars and brings juke joint energy with his all-female band. He can also be seen in the 2025 Academy Award-winning film Sinners.

Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

For Families
The Discovery Lowell Playspace, anchored by the award-winning Discovery Museum in Acton, offers interactive activities for kids and families throughout the festival.

Food & Marketplace
Global Foods at three locations throughout downtown Lowell features cuisines from a variety of cultures, prepared and sold by local non-profits. The Experience Lowell Marketplace, in partnership with Mosaic Lowell, showcases local artists, craft makers, and cultural organizations.

Big fan of festivals are ya? Find out more about some of the most popular Boston festivals that take place throughout the year.

WEBSITE

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lowellfolkfestival.org

LOCATION

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67 Kirk Street, lowell, MA, 01854 map
Phone: 978-275-1764

Downtown Lowell
246 Market Street
Lowell, MA 01852