Great River Folk Fest brings 48 years of folk culture to the Driftless Region

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- The Great River Folk Fest kicked off Friday night at Riverside Park.

The three-day festival features folk musicians and artists from all across the nation and region as well as dancing, artwork, and crafts.

The Great River Folk Fest started in 1976 as a way to cultivate folk culture in the driftless region. It's been going strong for 48 years.

Festival Chair, Doug McVey, says the songwriting in folk music is what makes for a unique experience.

"The words are important. We don't have people playing who just do cover songs. Everyone is doing their own songs. It's just, it's just got a really good vibe to it," says McVey.

The Great River Folk Fest runs Friday through Sunday evening. It is the longest running nonprofit music festival in La Crosse.

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