Kutztown Folk Festival Celebrates Pennsylvania Dutch Culture

Originating in 1950, the Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest folklife festival in America. The festival began as a unique hands-on destination that let "outsiders" experience firsthand what it means to be part of a Pennsylvania Dutch family. Visitors from around the world travel to Kutztown, Pennsylvania to discover the traditions of one of only two ethnic groups that recreated their entire culture in America.

With activities and entertainment for the entire family, this nine-day festival, has everyone talking, including:

• USA Today, One of “America’s Top Celebrations”
• Washington Post, “One of the most unique festivals on the East Coast”
• National Geographic, “Great American Eating Experience”
• Destinations, “2016 Best of the Best” attraction and event

Popular Events and Activities:

• Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods including schnitz n knepp, corn pies, pork schnitzel, potato cakes, pepper cabbage, cinnamon buns and apple and peach dumplings
• Live Entertainment on 6 stages, including fiddlers, folk signers, country dancers, and the world-famous strolling Sauerkraut Band
• Over 200 nationally recognized juried folk artists and traditional American craftsmen
• America’s Largest Quilt Sale plus 2,500 locally handmade quilts on display and for sale
• Hex Sign Painting Demonstrations

New Events and Features for 2017:

• The 15-piece Shippensburg Blaskapelle German Brass Band, the largest band ever performing at the festival, playing rolling beer-drinking songs, traditional melodies, and lively polkas and waltzes on July 8th
• Tinsmith’s Shop, a workshop where festival visitors can view craftsman Ken Smith transforming raw sheet tin material into functional pieces such as mugs, coffee pots, lanterns, and more
• Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center and the Mennonite Heritage Center displaying and providing presentations and classes on the PA German art form known as Fraktur
• 20,000 pound 1910 Case Steam Traction Engine providing power to many Sonan Brothers antique agricultural pieces of equipment

This year's Kutztown Folk Festival will run from July 1st through July 9th, 2017 with the following hours:

• July 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th: 10 am to 6 pm
• July 1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th: 10 am to 8 pm

You can purchase tickets online or at the gate. Looking to save some cash? You'll find a printable $2.00 off admission coupon on their website. You'll find a FREE printable 2017 festival brochure on their website too!

About the Kutztown Folk Festival: The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. The weeklong festival draws visitors from all over the world, entertaining families while providing insight and understanding of the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. The Kutztown Folk Festival features a wide variety of Pennsylvania Dutch food; over 200 nationally recognized, juried folk artists and traditional American craftsmen; over 2,500 locally hand-made quilts on display and for sale; antiques and collectables; 5 stages of entertainment; music and dancing; and a wide range of children's activities.