Things you might not have known about Folkmoot USA, the Waynesville-based international folk festival: It was started by a square-dancing surgeon in 1984. Groups from 100 different countries have performed. And each year, the festival features an entirely new program of performers. This year’s festival runs through July 26, and includes a free daytime festival on Main Street in downtown Waynesville.
The lively and colorful music and dance performances take place all across Western North Carolina, so if you’re not feeling Bele Chere, head out of town for some very different festival entertainment. The remaining schedule:
• Thursday, July 23. Performers from Scotland, Netherlands and Serbia. Smoky Mtn. Center for Performing Arts, Franklin. 7:30 p.m. Adults $14; Children (12 & under) $7.
Also on Thursday: Performers from Israel, Spain, Togo, Romania, Greece and Mexico. Haywood Community College, Waynesville. 7:30 p.m. Reserved seating: $25, $20; general admission $15; Children (12 & under) half price.
• Friday, July 24. Extravaganza matinee, with performers from Spain, Greece, Mexico, Israel, Romania, Togo and Serbia. Stompin’ Ground, Maggie Valley. 2 p.m. Reserved seating: $25, $20; general admission $15; Children (12 & under) half price.
On Friday evening: Extravaganza, with performers from Spain, Greece, Mexico, Israel, Romania, Togo and Serbia. Stompin’ Ground, Maggie Valley. 7:30 p.m. Reserved seating: $25, $20; general admission $15; Children (12 & under) half price.
• Saturday, July 25. International Festival Day, featuring performers from Serbia, Spain, Netherlands,Togo, Greece, Israel, Romania and Mexico. Main Street, Waynesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
Also on Saturday: Performers from all countries. Haywood Community College, Clyde. 7:30 p.m. Reserved seating: $30, $25; general admission $20; Children (12 & under) half price.
• Sunday, July 26. Candlelight closing, featuring performers from all countries. Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska. 7 p.m. Reserved seating: $30, $25; general admission $20; children (12 & under) half price.
