NEFFA runs other programs besides a Festival in 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.
Letter from the President Read More »
NEFFA is an all-volunteer festival made possible by contributions of time and talent from our hundreds of performers and volunteers. We thank you for your participation and welcome your performer applications.
Apply Now: Excellent Festival Performers, Fire Up Your Engines! Read More »
Calling all performers! Applications to perform at the 2027 Festival open on September 15 and will close on October 15. 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.
9/15: Time for epic performers to assemble amazing applications! Read More »
For several years now, NEFFA has been considering how best to nurture and develop the community that is so central to our mission. In 2024, we conducted a wide-ranging community survey, in partnership with Think Again consultants. At the 2026 Festival, we presented the results of that survey and began to open up this conversation
NEFFA Community Survey Results Read More »
NEFFA’s annual Festival is one of the highlights of our year, and we are grateful to the thousands of performers, volunteers, and attendees who make it possible. This year, several incidents were reported involving inappropriate behavior on the dance floor. In our Code of Conduct we say that “we aim to create inclusive, safe, and
NEFFA Code of Conduct Read More »
Miss a session at this year’s Festival — or want to relive a favorite moment? NEFFA’s video archive on Vimeo now has over 500 videos, and the 2026 Festival Seminar Room recordings are now available in a dedicated Vimeo showcase. The Seminar Room livestream ran Friday 7–10pm, Saturday 10am–10pm, and Sunday 10am–5pm, capturing concerts and
NEFFA 2026 Festival Videos Read More »
NEFFA runs on volunteer energy — and there’s a place for you. NEFFA is more than the Festival! If you’re interested in the Ralph Page Dance Weekend, the Thursday Contra Series, Community Stewardship conversations, or in learning about the other things that NEFFA does, contact president@neffa.org for more information. You can click the Volunteer Signups
Stay Connected to NEFFA: Volunteer! Read More »
Mark your calendars! The 2027 New England Folk Festival will take place April 23–25, 2027 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA. We are aware that Passover begins on April 21, 2027, and have planned accordingly to allow community members who observe to attend. Performer
Save the Date for 2027 Read More »
Lost a water bottle? Took the wrong jacket by mistake? Forgot your dance shoes (or maybe just one of them)? We can’t promise to find lost earrings, but we have buckets of Lost and Found items from the Hotel and the Trade Center. If you’re missing an item, or found something you meant to drop
Festival Lost and Found Read More »
We value your opinion! Please take a few minutes to fill out this evaluation and help us plan for next year’s Festival. Responses will be accepted through Friday, May 8.
Please Fill Out Your Festival Evaluation Read More »
