A 50+ Year Tradition at the Kerrville Folk Festival
There is no shortage of great places in and around Comfort, Texas, where you can hear live music performed by some of the Texas Hill Country's most talented musicians — from classic dance halls and honky tonks to the summertime music scene at our local wineries and hometown bars. But nowhere will you experience a slice of Americana quite like the Kerrville Folk Festival has provided since 1972.
One of the longest continually running music festivals in the country, the Kerrville Folk Festival has been a mecca for music fans for more than 50 years. Each year in late spring, it draws roughly 30,000 people to the Quiet Valley Ranch, about a 30-minute drive west of Hotel Giles.
The 2023 festival, set for May 25 to June 11, brings together the best singer-songwriters and acoustic musicians all in one place. For 18 days and nights, crowds will be treated to more than 100 talented performers — from emerging Americana and folk artists to nationally known, seasoned musicians. Some of the big names that have graced the stage at the Kerrville Folk Festival include Willie Nelson; Peter, Paul and Mary; Judy Collins; Dixie Chicks; The Indigo Girls; Emmylou Harris; and David Crosby.
One of the highlights of the Kerrville Folk Festival is its Grassy Hill New Folk Competition. The competition is open to emerging songwriters in a variety of genres, including folk, Americana, blues, bluegrass, country, Cajun, gospel and others. A panel of industry professionals selects 24 finalists from among hundreds of entries, and six winners are chosen to perform a 20-minute set on the festival's main stage. The New Folk Competition has helped launch the careers of many successful musicians, including Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith and Robert Earl Keen.
What makes the Kerrville Folk Festival so special is its unique sense of community and family, with many people returning year after year. From the moment you arrive at the festival grounds, you'll be greeted with warmth and kindness by fellow music lovers from all walks of life. There's a laid-back, inclusive vibe that makes it easy to strike up conversations and make new friends.
Through the years, the Kerrville Folk Festival has earned a reputation for being a place where musicians can come together to share their music, collaborate with each other and inspire new generations of musicians. Book your stay at Hotel Giles in May or June; grab your single-day ticket, weekend pass or full 18-day festival access; and then immerse yourself in amazing live music that will speak to your soul. It's an uplifting experience you won't soon forget!
