Central Ohio Folk Festival moves to new date, new location
In addition to a change of date, the Central Ohio Folk Festival will give attendees a change of scenery when it returns for the 29th year.
Instead of its usual early May at Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center, the fest will move to the first weekend in June at the newly opened Bank Run Metro Park in Lockbourne.
The new event site offers an outdoor stage, a vaulted-ceiling pavilion that seats 300 and an abundance of open green space to accommodate the growing event, which showcases national and regional touring acts, as well as local artists.
The festival will be anchored by a headliner concert featuring the Tray Wellington Band. Known for his role in the Black reclamation of banjo music, Wellington infuses traditional bluegrass with jazz, blues and hip-hop.
The award-winning North Carolinian received the Steve Martin Banjo Prize in 2024 for his novel approach to bluegrass.
Those planning to check out the concert from the lawn should bring blankets or chairs.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy live performances in five open jam tents or make their own music by participating in community songs and drum circles.
Family-friendly fun will be plentiful, with a broad variety of kids' crafts, performances and storytelling, and the popular instrument petting zoo.
Musicians – and anyone who's simply curious – can take part in workshops for different skill levels to learn everything from Irish rebel songs to the fundamentals of flatpicking guitar.
Details: The Central Ohio Folk Festival will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 6 and 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 7, at Bank Run Metro Park, 1570 Rohr Road, Lockbourne.
One general-admission ticket covers both days and costs $10 in advance, $15 at the site. Headliner preferred seating costs $20. Ages 17 and younger are free. ( columbusfolkmusicsociety.org )
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com .
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Central Ohio Folk Festival moves to new venue in Lockbourne
