"My wish is that long after I'm gone, people will still gather in this magical place called Newton Hills and celebrate life, nature, and, of course, good music at the Sioux River Folk Festival." -Gaynor Johnson

WEATHER UPDATE: Due to severe weather concerns, Saturday and Sunday will take place in the Canton Performing Arts Center, 800 N Main St, Canton, SD 57013

2023 Folk Festival, August 4, 5, 6

See Folk Fest photos by John Marius Nelson on flicker — See Folk Fest photos by **John Marius Nelson** on flicker

Tickets

Weekend Pass $40 l Friday Night Pass $20 l Saturday all day $30 l Sunday all day $10

Tickets are available at the gate and online (weekend pass only) with credit card.
Kids under 14 FREE!

Join us at beautiful Newton Hills State Park August 4, 5, and 6

Severe weather update: Saturday and Sunday shows have been moved to Canton Performing Arts Center, 800 N Main St, Canton, SD 57013

We have a spectacular lineup!

Songs From The Road Band
Laney Lou and the Birddogs
Stillhouse Junkies
Pleasure Horse
Humbletown
Daniel & The Deliverance
Johnny Berkness & The Blind Owl Band
The Crabgrass Crew
Tomboy
Janice Gilbert
Don McKenna - Eclectic Americana
Just Friends
The Brass Holes

2023 Schedule

Image of schedule (see text schedule below)

Friday, Aug. 4, 2023
6:00 - 6:40pm Folk On Winner
7:00 - 8:00pm The Crabgrass Crew
8:20 - 9:30pm Pleasure Horse
9:50- 11:00pm Stillhouse Junkies

Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023
10am - noon (yoga/informal music workshops)
12:00-12:50pm Don McKenna-Eclectic Americana
1:10 - 2:00pm Frozen Dead Guy Band
2:20-3:30pm Daniel & The Deliverance
3:50 - 5:00pm Humbletown
5:00 - 6:00PM DINNER BREAK & CAMPGROUND CONTEST
6:00 - 6:30pm Janice Gilbert
6:40 - 6:50pm Campground Contest Winner
7:10 - 8:00pm Johnny B & The Blind Owl Band
8:15 - 9:15pm Laney Lou & The Bird Dogs
9:15 - 9:30pm HOF/Raffle winners/etc.
9:50 - 11:00pm Songs From The Road Band

Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023
11:00am Just Friends
12:00pm Tomboy
1:00pm Songs From The Road Band

Campground Contest

In the early days of Folk Fest, it didn’t take much time around the campfire to realize that the friends of Friends are a talented bunch. And every year we give acoustic vocal and/or instrumental acts (solo or group) their 15 minutes of fame.

During the Saturday afternoon break, judges will rate the registered acts and award the victor with a 15-minute set shortly after dinner. And, as if that weren’t enough, our championed troubadour also receives a small cash prize!

To register, please send an email that describes your music, along with contact information to sdfotm@gmail.com and include “Campground Contest” in the subject line. You can also simply sign up at the festival.

Past Campground Contest Winners:
2022 Janice Gilbert
2021 Mike Lee
2019 Karl Henry
2018 Rick Borg & Walt Peterson
2017 Ethan Pauley
2016 Reanna Rohrer
2015 Collin Jones (aka “Shorthand Charlie”)
2014 Darren KiHoi
2013 Highwine (Xavier Pastrano, Emily Jelen, & Aaron Clark)
2012 Andy Shaw
2011 Ellen Noonan & Nate Anderson
2010 Craig, Crystal, & Marcus
2009 Eric Porter & Rick Janes
2008 Northern Sky
2007 Matt D
2006 Snakebeard Jackson

Campground Reservations

The Sioux River Folk Festival is held at beautiful Newton Hills State Park, south of Canton, SD.

Reservations can only be made online or toll-free, through 1-800-710-CAMP and can be made only 90 days in advance. (Tip: Some folks have started calling 90 days in advance of the Monday or Tuesday BEFORE the Folk Fest in order to reserve the space for the entire week.) You will need to call early to reserve your spot. All Camping fees must be paid at the time of your reservation. Missed the window to reserve a spot? Volunteers may camp in the musician’s campground even if the rest of the campground is full! (You’ll still pay your tent camping fee.) Contact sdfotm@augie.edu if interested in volunteering.

Food Vendors

2023 Vendors: Coming soon!

2023 Folk Fest