Festival

PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE TO APPLY!!!  It is so much easier if the applications come in continuously over the application period, rather than all at once at the end. We are strict about these deadlines — NEFFA is a gigantic operation, and without structure everything would fall apart. THANK YOU in advance […]

NEFFA is ramping up our family events programming for 2026! We are particularly eager for applications involving family-oriented participatory events and activities – dancing, creative drama, storytelling/acting, singing, mummers’ plays, juggling, circus arts, craft demonstrations, etc. If you have ideas for performers, please pass on this invitation directly to your network and encourage them to

We are particularly eager for applications involving folk traditions underrepresented at NEFFA, especially from Asia, Africa, and South America. If you know performers in these traditions, please pass this invitation along – personal networks are always the best! New to the Festival? Check out our Festival Page for the kinds of events we look for

NEFFA activities continue year-round. You don’t have to wait until next April – you can attend a contra dance on many Thursdays at the Concord Scout House (see https://www.neffa.org/thursday-contras/), and there are many other opportunities to sing, dance, and make music all over New England. The Ralph Page Dance Event will take place in Worcester,

The New England Folk Festival (NEFFA) will be held on April 24-26, 2026 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, 181 Royal Plaza Dr West, Marlborough, MA 01752. For more information, please see our Festival homepage. NEFFA is an all-volunteer festival made possible by contributions of time and talent from our hundreds

We love to see your images of the Festival! In a week or two, we will be posting the recordings from the Seminar Room to videos.neffa.org. But there was much more happening at NEFFA! With thirteen program spaces, a marketplace, hallway jamming, and thousands of friendly faces in joyous reunion, our photographers couldn’t be everywhere.

Whew – we did it again! I hope everyone had a great time! Please fill out our evaluation form (available online here: https://www.neffa.org/neffa-festival-eval/ ) – we need to know what worked for you, as well as what needs improvement. It truly takes a village to raise the magical Brigadoon that is the New England Folk

Start or renew your membership at the Festival! Admissions alone do not pay for the entire Festival – it is a huge undertaking with many costs, and we need your support now more than ever as we recover from the pandemic and continue the transition to the Festival’s new home in Marlborough with the many

We have just gotten confirmation that the All Star Bar and Grill, the restaurant and bar in the Royal Plaza Best Western Hotel, will be open on Sunday of NEFFA this year. We’re very excited to have a convenient post-Festival hangout spot available! We encourage you to stay for a meal or a drink on

Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of a sound board?Have you ever wondered who those people are who help performers on and off the stage? Come to a FREE workshop to find out! The Sound Team will be offering free workshops to all on Friday, April 25. 5:00pm, Introduction to Sound in Princess (in