July 19 - 20, 2024
The world comes to Western North Carolina for The North Carolina International Folk Festival! Folkmoot USA produces one of the largest and longest-running dance festivals in the world, and it continues to draw thousands of visitors to Haywood County in July.
This year, the festivities begin with an International Evening on Friday, July 19 from 4 PM to 9 PM at Sorrell’s Park located at 8 Sorrells Street in Canton. The event is free and includes a dance parade inspired by international and Appalachian communities. The evening wraps up with a live performance. Food trucks will be there with international cuisine to savor!
Then, International Day follows the next day, Saturday, July 20, 10 AM - 4 PM on Main Street, Waynesville. Enjoy continual performances by Appalachian and international Cultural performers on two stages, free kid activities, and many tasty food options. For more information, visit their website.
The festival celebrates the dance and music of Appalachian and international cultural performers.
Folkmoot means “Meeting of the People” in old English, and they certainly provide opportunities for cultural exchange. Audiences are invited to meet the performers before and after performances and during other festival events.
Folkmoot's History
In 1973, Dr. Clinton Border, a Waynesville surgeon, accompanied a local square dance team to a folk festival in Sidmouth, England. There began the dream that would, 11 years later, become Folkmoot USA. Border was convinced that Western North Carolina, which was already steeped in tradition and dedicated to the preservation of its own heritage, was the perfect location for an international folk festival in the United States. The organization has hosted 8,000 performers from almost 150 countries. Folkmoot performers are primarily college students who serve as cultural ambassadors for their countries. The Folkmoot Festival is a strong example of international cultural diplomacy.
See more things to do in Waynesville.
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Maggie Valley
This longtime mountain resort town has kept much of its local charm with vintage motels and plenty of gift shops with arts and crafts. Tour Wheels Through Time collection of classic cars and… read more
This longtime mountain resort town has kept much of its local charm with vintage motels and plenty of gift shops with arts and crafts. Tour Wheels Through Time collection of classic cars and motorcycles. Ski at Cataloochee. Festivals include Hillbilly Jam and Elk Fest.
Waynesville, NC
Downtown's quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries, and general store take you back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot USA. attracts entertainers from all over the world. The… read more
Downtown's quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries, and general store take you back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot USA. attracts entertainers from all over the world. The Museum of NC Handicrafts is housed in the historic Shelton House. On summer Friday nights, come down for the Mountain Street Dances.
Visit NC Smokies Visitor Guide
Order the free "Visit NC Smokies" guide to Haywood County, home to small towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde - in the Great Smokies, Pisgah National Forest and… read more
Order the free "Visit NC Smokies" guide to Haywood County, home to small towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde - in the Great Smokies, Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
International Day
This street festival in downtown Waynesville is the ultimate cultural exchange with international and regional artwork, international dance and music from Folkmoot USA, and great food. 10 AM-5 PM… read more
This street festival in downtown Waynesville is the ultimate cultural exchange with international and regional artwork, international dance and music from Folkmoot USA, and great food. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
