First presented in 1934, the National Folk Festival is the oldest multicultural arts celebration in the nation. This “movable feast” of American heritage has traveled to 27 communities around the country to celebrate traditional music, dance, storytelling, crafts and food. Now entering its 65th year, the festival is being held in Bangor, Maine, one of the smallest cities ever to be host to this national event. The National Folk Festival is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Bureau, the city of Bangor, Eastern Maine Development Corp. and the Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine.

In 2002, the city of Bangor welcomed the 64th National Folk Festival to town and staged a tremendous celebration of traditional arts. More than 80,000 people came to hear music from Cajun to dieselbilly, Quebecois, Gaelic, Portuguese, salsa and more.

This is the second year of the National’s three-year stay in Bangor. We welcome an entirely new lineup of artists to the Bangor riverfront and invite festival visitors to experience performances of klezmer, Acadian, Korean, honky-tonk, Russian, mariachi, Armenian music and others.

Festival admission

Admission is free for all festival programming, including performances, demonstrations and children’s activities.

Festival parking

People familiar with downtown Bangor are invited to use any street-side parking, surface lots or the Pickering Square Parking Garage.

Those less familiar with the Queen City should park at the Bass Park complex off Buck Street. Volunteer parking attendants will be on-site to help direct festival attendees. Free shuttle service will transport people to the National Folk Festival site on the Penobscot River waterfront.

Information booths, festival schedules

General festival information, the performance schedule and area information will be available at four information booths – near the Railroad Stage portal, the Food Court, the Heritage Stage and in West Market Square.

What if it rains?

Most festival stages and presentations are covered by tents. If the weather appears threatening, bring an umbrella. The show will go on, rain or shine, unless there is concern for public safety.

Bicycles

Valet bicycle parking will be available on the Folk Festival site in a bike parking area overseen by The Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

Maine state law requires a headlight and rear red reflectors visible from at least 500 feet when riding at night. Flashing taillights and light-colored and-or reflective clothing are highly recommended. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 16, but everyone should wear a helmet to prevent head injury.

What to bring

You may want to bring sunscreen and sunglasses. A credit card may come in handy to purchase festival memorabilia and CDs of performing artists.

Collapsible chairs and a blanket would come in handy. Some stages will have seating, but others, such as the large Railroad Stage, will require that you bring your own seating.

Don’t forget your prescription medications and, just in case, bring your insurance and Medicare cards.

Pets

Do not bring pets (other than service animals) to the festival. The large crowds – many of whom will be seated on the ground – will appreciate your leaving animals at home. Your pets will be more comfortable at home than amid festival crowds.

Bucket Brigade

The volunteers who make up the Bucket Brigade (aka Bucket Heads) are a corps of community volunteers who encourage festival-goers to support the National Folk Festival.

You will see the Bucket Brigade at the festival stages throughout the festival site. Donations dropped into the buckets will help cover the cost of the festival.

Medical and emergency services

Minor medical emergencies will be treated at the First Aid Center on the festival site located near the harbor master’s office on the waterfront. Emergency medical services will be located on-site.

Medical services are sponsored and coordinated by Eastern Maine Healthcare.

Lost people

Children who lose track of their caretaker should find a festival volunteer or staff member, who will escort them to the First Aid Center. All lost people will be directed to the First Aid Center unless their party has made arrangements to meet elsewhere.

Restrooms

Portable restroom facilities and hand-washing stations are located at numerous spots throughout the festival site. See map for facilities closest to you.

Handicapped accommodations

Handicapped parking facilities will be available at Bass Park.

Several stage performances and demonstrations will be translated into American Sign Language. See pages 32-33 for a schedule or check at an information booth.

Baby-changing station

The baby-changing station on the festival site will be located in Pickering Square.

Schedule subject to change

Programs and performances were accurate at press time but could change. Check stage signs and information booths for performance and schedule updates.