NEFFA 2027 Festival Performer Applications Open September 15
Calling all performers! The 2027 New England Folk Festival will be held on April 23-25, 2027 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA 01752. The New England Folk Festival, widely known by the name NEFFA, is an annual folk festival that blends dance, music, crafts, and food from many places and cultures. The Festival is run by the New England Folk Festival Association, a cultural and educational, volunteer-run, non-profit organization. The talent of our performers is also provided on a volunteer basis.
Each year the festival welcomes applications from over a thousand performers for close to 300 events from participatory dance and song and instrumental jams to ritual morris and sword dancing and folk dance performances, as well as discussions and learning workshops, storytelling, family events and activities, and more.
NEFFA wants YOU! Musicians, dance leaders, storytellers, and tradition bearers from all backgrounds are invited to share your artistry as volunteer performers with one of the country’s most participatory and welcoming folk communities. We especially encourage emerging folk artists to apply and bring fresh energy and new traditions to the Festival. Whether you’re a returning favorite or a first-time participant, join us April 24–26, 2027, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, for a weekend of joyful connection, cultural celebration, and community spirit.
Applications to perform at the 2027 Festival open on September 15 and will close on October 15. Please review our webpage on How to Apply as a Festival Performer and plan your submissions now—each performer contact is welcome to submit up to five applications for different events of various types (dance, concert, jam, discussion, &c). We look forward to seeing your applications in September and October. Don’t wait—apply early and often!