Humboldt Folklife Society

06/19/2026

*Save the date for this year's Humboldt Folklife Festival July 18-25
*Kickoff party Saturday 7/18 with Huckleberry Flint and opening act Kingfoot!
*Three more nights of music, a barn dance, and an all day free festival featuring two stages of music, workshops, singalongs, food trucks, a kid's Wonder Wagon, and more!
*Tickets on sale to the general public 7/4, or become/renew membership for a pre-sale ticket code starting 6/20! More info at humboldtfolklife.com

See you this summer!
(Original artwork by )

06/17/2026

A big shout out to our 2026 Folklife Festival sponsor so far, The City of Blue Lake, 6 Rivers Optical, and The Zwerdling Law Firm, LLP, The Ink People, Humboldt Creative Alliance, and funded by Measure J! If YOU would like to become a sponsor, go to humboldtfolklife.com/sponsorship!

06/13/2026

It's time for our 2026 Membership Drive! Membership gives Folklife the funds to teach, celebrate, and encourage participation in folk and traditional arts. Members receive discounts on tickets for all HFS co-sponsored events as well as both summer festivals. Renew or join before July 4th and get access to pre-sale tickets (starting June 20th) for the Folklife and Buddy Brown Blues festivals two weeks before the general public, plus get a free Humboldt Folklife Society Mug!
humboldtfolklife.com/renew-support

05/19/2026

The lineup for the 2026 Humboldt Folklife Festival and Buddy Brown Blues Festival is live on our website! And this year we have added a bonus kick-off party with Kingfoot and Huckleberry Flint! Get all the info at humboldtfolklife.com, tickets go on sale to the general public July 4th! It's gonna be a great summer!

05/18/2026

We mourn the passing of one of the legends in Humboldt County music, Brooks Otis. Brooks was a frequent performer at Folklife Festivals and swing dances, hosted many board meetings, and edited the Folklife newsletter for many years. In 2018, we honored him with a Folklife Steward award for his many contributions. He will be greatly missed.

05/03/2026

Our next barn dance is coming up this Friday 5/9 @ 7p at Arcata Veterans Hall - American Legion Post 274 ! Last one until during the 2026 Humboldt Folklife Festival on 7/24! All ages, no partner needed, no experience necessary. Come hang with us!

04/27/2026

Our friends at RCMF have another stunning festival planned

And, it's here! Announcing the Redwood Coast Music Festival 2026 official poster. Renowned Humboldt County artist Matt Beard has once again created a stunning work of art that perfectly captures the spirit of our music festival.

"Music Breaks Down Walls" portrays our Redwood Coast and local Eureka architecture transformed by the waves of energy that our performers and attendees bring each year.

RCMF is a celebration of music and dance featuring a wide range of American Roots music, including jazz, blues, swing, rockabilly, zydeco, and country as well as traditional New Orleans jazz with dance floors in every venue. A destination event, the festival takes place in Eureka, California, a charming coastal town known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts community.

Matt Beard is a local treasure and you will find him painting our 2027 artwork live to the music at the Eagle House venue balcony during the event this year. Poster design by the talented board member/graphic artist Teresa Goodlin. Also our gratitude to photographer extraordinaire Mark Larson for capturing this performance by RCMF headliner Gino & The Lone Gunmen
Eureka - we've got a HUGE party coming our way Oct 1 - Oct 4.

11/10/2025

Our next Barn Dance is this Friday 11/14!! Come on down to the Arcata Vet's Hall from 7-10p and swing your partner along to the musical stylings of . Our caller just got back from and can't wait to teach you what she has learned!

$10 for members, students, seniors and vets
$15 general
Kids under 12 free
No experience necessary!
No partner needed!
Snacks and beverages available!
See you there!

11/06/2025

Tomorrow night! Friday Nov 7th, Arcata Playhouse welcomes Jeffrey Foucault and his eclectic mix of American country, blues, rock 'n' roll, and folk music. Accompanied by Erik Koskinen, this will be a night of fabulous artistry. Tickets available at playhousearts.org. Hope to see everyone there!