about us

This is who we are.

Through music, craft, food, and storytelling, the Arkansas Folklife Festival is a place where heritage comes to life—and where all Arkansans can see themselves reflected in the cultural landscape of their home.

Outdoor community event with people gathered around, some in line, near tents and a stage with musicians playing in the background.
String band performing on stage in a wooden barn with musicians playing instruments and a singer wearing a cowboy hat.
Band performing on a decorated wooden stage with painted animal and floral cutouts, while a crowd watches inside a wooden-beamed venue.
Five people painting a large pink sign with red and green letters in an indoor room filled with books and posters.
Musician sitting and playing a harp on a stage decorated with string lights and drums in the background.
Band performing on stage with a keyboard player, drummer, bassist, male vocalist in sunglasses, and female vocalist in blue pants.
Group of people holding hands and square dancing on a stage with purple lighting.
Group of people in aprons gathered outside a brick building at dusk with picnic tables and a barbecue grill nearby.
Group of dancers in black dresses with red, orange, and white trim performing a traditional dance on a wooden floor with an audience seated in the background.
Four-member band playing a show in a warehouse with guitars, drums, and sound equipment.
A man playing a banjo and a woman playing a violin seated on chairs on a wooden stage with a red curtain backdrop.
A discussion panel with four people seated facing an audience in a room with quilt and framed pictures on the wall.
Three women seated around a round table writing and drawing on a large sheet of paper in a library setting.
Red vintage Arkansas tractor displayed outdoors on a brick surface surrounded by plants and buildings.
Three people working at a food stall preparing and serving traditional dishes, with one man holding a fried snack on a paper napkin.
Our Mission

Celebrating the living traditions that bind us

The Arkansas Folklife Festival honors the authentic voices, stories, and skills that have shaped our communities. We gather to celebrate music, food, craft, and the people who keep these traditions alive. This is a festival for everyone—a place where families discover the roots of our culture and where artists share the work of their hands and hearts.

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Our Culture

Explore the place that made us

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Our Team

Festival leadership

Some of the people working behind the scenes to build this festival.

Rachel Reynolds
Executive Director

Rachel Reynolds is a folklorist, fiddler, and community-based cultural organizer who uses culture as a tool for empowerment and transformation.

Mandy Bowen
Participant Hospitality and Volunteer Coordinator

Mandy Bowen is a retiree who served over 21 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and is now helping to get the first-ever Arkansas Folklife Festival upright and floating.

Danielle Woods
Finance Director

Danielle Woods is a detail-driven organizer who enjoys turning complex, fast-moving projects into clear, manageable systems that run smoothly behind the scenes.

Susan Erwin Prowse
Marketing DIrector

Susan Erwin Prowse is a singer, entrepreneur, and marketing strategist who empowers artists and communities through music, education, and creative business strategy.

Photo of Olivia Trimble standing in front of a painted wall
Olivia Trimble
Event Design

Olivia Trimble is the founder of Sleet City Creative, where she creates and facilitates public art, hosts workshops, and curates art events around Northwest Arkansas.

Wrenbird Design
Design and Creative Strategy

Founded by Britni and Karl Eggers, Wrenbird Design is a woman-owned design studio dedicated to helping brands grow through intentional design and clear strategy.

Join our team

We’re looking for passionate people to help us grow.

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Community

Where we gather together

Families discover roots. Elders share wisdom. Youth learn traditions.

Outdoor community event with people gathered around, some in line, near tents and a stage with musicians playing in the background.
Community Engagement Events

Stay connected with our community.

The festival welcomes families from across Arkansas, offering engaging activities and spaces for everyone to connect and enjoy together.

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volunteer with our team.

Join us in making the Arkansas Folklife Festival a success! Your passion for music, food, and crafts can help bridge generations and keep our traditions alive. Volunteer today and be part of this vibrant celebration.

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Keep up to date.

Get the latest news, updates, and artist announcements from the festival. Sign up today.

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Our Heritage

Part of America 250

The Arkansas Folklife Festival is excited to announce our participation in Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals, a series of programs and exchanges marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and showcasing the nation’s remarkable cultural landscape.

  • Celebrating living traditions

  • Voices of our communities

  • Stories passed down through generations

Visit Smithsonian Folklife

Questions

Find answers about the festival, its mission, and what makes it special.

What is the Arkansas Folklife Festival?

It’s a free community celebration of folk arts, music, food, and craft traditions. The festival takes place June 26-28, 2026 in Riverfront Park in North Little Rock, Arkansas. We gather musicians, craftspeople, culinary experts and more to honor authentic cultural practices and build connections across Arkansas.

How does this connect to America 250?

We’re part of the national America 250 celebration marking 250 years of American history. Our festival highlights the folk traditions that have shaped Arkansas communities and continue to define who we are.

Is the festival really free?

Yes! Admission is completely free for all three days. We believe folk arts belong to everyone, and we want families of all backgrounds to experience our celebration.

Where exactly is Riverfront Park?

Riverfront Park is located in North Little Rock along the Arkansas River. Visit our Plan Your Visit page for parking details, transit information, and a grounds map.

Can I bring my family with young children?

Absolutely. The festival is designed for families. We have activities for all ages, shaded areas, and family-friendly programming throughout the weekend.

Are there food vendors at the festival?

Yes. We feature food vendors showcasing traditional and contemporary folk cuisine. Check our Food Vendors page for menus and details about what to expect.

How can I volunteer?

We'd love your help. Visit our Get Involved section to learn about volunteer opportunities, download our toolkit, and sign up for a role that fits your interests.

Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. We offer ADA parking, accessible routes throughout the grounds, ASL interpretation, quiet spaces, and service animal accommodations. See our Accessibility page for full details.

How do I stay updated about the festival?

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates about artists, schedule changes, and special announcements. You can subscribe on our home page or in the footer.

Can I sponsor or partner with the festival?

We welcome sponsors and partners who share our commitment to folk arts. Visit our Sponsors page to learn about sponsorship tiers and partnership opportunities.

Need more help?

Reach out to us directly with your questions.

Contact us

Be part of something real

The festival happens because people like you show up and care about keeping traditions alive.

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