"My wish is that long after I'm gone, people will still gather in this magical place called Newton Hills and celebrate life, nature, and, of course, good music at the Sioux River Folk Festival." -Gaynor Johnson

2026 Sioux River Folk Festival, July 31 - August 2

See Folk Fest photos by **John Marius Nelson** on flicker

Tickets

Weekend Pass $50 l Friday Night Pass $25 l Saturday all day $35 l Sunday all day $15

Tickets are available at the gate and online with credit card.
Kids under 14 FREE!

Join us at beautiful Newton Hills State Park July 31, August 1, and 2

2026 Schedule

Friday, July 31, 2026
6:00 - 6:40pm
7:00 - 8:00pm Raylee and Pickle
8:20 - 9:30pm JAS Quintet Featuring Jami Lynn
9:50- 11:00pm High Horse with Kat Wallace

Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
10am - noon (yoga/informal music workshops)
12:00 - 12:40pm Johnny Friedow
1:00 - 1:45 pm Charli Fickbohm
2:00 - 2:45 pm Rosie Daze Band
3:00 - 3:45 pm Trevin Nelson Band
4:00 - 5:00pm Stoddard and Mal
5:00 - 6:00PM DINNER BREAK & CAMPGROUND CONTEST
6:00 - 6:30pm Bill Peterson’s Fiddle Extravaganza
6:40 - 6:50pm Campground Contest Winner
7:10 - 8:00pm Squid City Slingers
8:15 - 9:15pm Tomahawk County
9:15 - 9:30pm HOF/Raffle winners/etc.
9:45 - 11:00pm Jacob Jolliff and Michael Daves

Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
11:00am The Driftless 4
12:00pm Jami Lynn
1:00pm Trevin Nelson Band

Campground Contest

In the early days of Folk Fest, it didn’t take much time around the campfire to realize that the friends of Friends are a talented bunch. And every year we give acoustic vocal and/or instrumental acts (solo or group) their 15 minutes of fame.

During the Saturday afternoon break, judges will rate the registered acts and award the victor with a 15-minute set shortly after dinner. And, as if that weren’t enough, our championed troubadour also receives a small cash prize!

To register, please send an email that describes your music, along with contact information to sdfotm@gmail.com and include “Campground Contest” in the subject line. You can also simply sign up at the festival.

Past Campground Contest Winners:
2025 Charli Fickbohm
2024 Johnny Friedow
2023 Tony Moger
2022 Janice Gilbert
2021 Mike Lee
2019 Karl Henry
2018 Rick Borg & Walt Peterson
2017 Ethan Pauley
2016 Reanna Rohrer
2015 Collin Jones (aka “Shorthand Charlie”)
2014 Darren KiHoi
2013 Highwine (Xavier Pastrano, Emily Jelen, & Aaron Clark)
2012 Andy Shaw
2011 Ellen Noonan & Nate Anderson
2010 Craig, Crystal, & Marcus
2009 Eric Porter & Rick Janes
2008 Northern Sky
2007 Matt D
2006 Snakebeard Jackson

Campground Reservations

The Sioux River Folk Festival is held at beautiful Newton Hills State Park, south of Canton, SD.

Reservations can only be made online or toll-free, through 1-800-710-CAMP and can be made only 90 days in advance. (Tip: Some folks have started calling 90 days in advance of the Monday or Tuesday BEFORE the Folk Fest in order to reserve the space for the entire week.) You will need to call early to reserve your spot. All Camping fees must be paid at the time of your reservation. Missed the window to reserve a spot? Volunteers may camp in the musician’s campground even if the rest of the campground is full! (You’ll still pay your tent camping fee.) Contact sdfotm@gmail.com if interested in volunteering.

Food Vendors

Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen, Rolling Hills Pizza, Windy City Bites, Rainy Day Coffee Company, Canton After Prome (ice cream), Down Home Honey

2026 Folk Fest