The decision to bring in The Roots for the Saturday night act at the folk festival was brilliant. We’ve never seen so many people downtown. The weather cooperated and The Roots played and played for at least an hour and a half. The crowd was very well behaved and kind.

I (“Mrs. GDP) wandered through the crowd asking people if I could stand in front of them to get a picture. Not only did they let me, we often struck up a conversation and they ALWAYS asked if I needed help getting down. People were so polite. During this joyful night with good music, it was as if we all came together as one giant friend group. Several people said they really appreciated having a concert they could bring the family to that was free. For nationally-recognized groups, it is nothing to for concert tickets to cost $100- $300. NC Folk Fest 2026 will be one to remember!

Happy Monday!