Six stages of music and tales: Fox Valley’s folk fest celebrates its 50th year

This year, the Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival is celebrating 50 years with more than 20 of the finest national and international folk music and storytelling acts across six stages.

The annual festival, hosted by the Fox Valley Folklore Society in cooperation with the Geneva Park District, features a main stage, concert stages and storytelling, as well as a Kids’ Zone, community dancing, and an evening of “Spine-tingling Tales.” There also will be hands-on workshops and jam sessions.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Sept. 6-7, at Wheeler Park, 822 N. First St. (Route 31) in Geneva. On Sunday, there will be a community barn dance from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by “Spine-Tingling Tales” until 9 p.m.

Suggested donation is $40 for ages 12 or older, or $25 for those on a fixed income and students; family and weekend rates available. All ages are welcome. Bring a flashlight if you’re attending the “Spine-Tingling Tales” on Sunday night. For the schedule, visit fvfs.org/festivalschedule. Limited parking is available along Route 31, but there is plenty available just south of Wheeler Park; go to Stevens Street and follow parking signs.

Storytelling workshop

On Saturday, Sept. 5, acclaimed storyteller Heather Forest will offer insights into the inner workings of the art of storytelling, focusing on the basic tools of voice, body, imagination and metaphor. Forest also will be performing at the festival.

“The Magic of Words” will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tobias Music, 5013 Fairview Ave. in Downers Grove.

Through demonstration, discussion, and playful improvisation, participants will explore a range of storytelling methods, story composition, character expressiveness, and inventive ways to liberate spontaneous, evocative, descriptive speech. Participants will consider ways to effectively rehearse, self-assess, and improve their telling over time.

Sign up via fvfs.org/workersteatro-1. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $35.

Preview broadcast

At 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, WFMT-Chicago’s “Folkstage” host Marilyn Rea Beyer will present a preview of the Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival, featuring Chris Vallillo, Heather Forest, Zoe Mulford, Joy Clark & Claudia Schmidt playing to a live studio audience. Tune in to WFMT, listen live online, or listen on demand after the broadcast.

On stage

To mark the 50th year, the festival will be welcoming newcomers as well as performers who have been there since the beginning.

Perennial favorite and legacy members February Sky, the folk duo of Phil Cooper and Susan Urban, will be performing on Monday only; Cooper first appeared at the festival in its second year. Other longtime festival friends include the Volo Bogtrotters, who aren’t touring much anymore, performing on Sunday only; and autoharpist Bryan Bowers, a longtime favorite who first appeared at the festival in 1997. Perennial fest favorite Trillium is returning on Sunday, bringing the Celtic touch.

Joy Clark, who recently performed at the 2026 Folk Americana Roots Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, will be making her debut at the Fox Valley festival.

Other performers include: Chicago’s acclaimed singer/songwriter Anne Hills; Zoe Mulford, based in Manchester, England, performing on Sunday only; Cajun fiddler Gina Forsyth; Chicago-based favorites Jonas Friddle with Anna Jacobson; Mean Mary, known for performing on banjo and 11 other instruments; hammered dulcimer singer Bill Robinson, winner of numerous Country Music Association awards; Sons of the Never Wrong on Monday only; roots musician and folk historian Chris Vallillo; and Matt Watroba, a Folk DJ Hall of Fame inductee. Another Sunday-only performance will be by Andy Cohen, Eleanor Ellis and William Lee Ellis. The trio released the album “Whistlin’ Past The Graveyard” this past spring.

Kray Van Kirk returns to the festival on the storytelling and music stage. He recently released a new CD of songs about heroes, dragons, and the courage of ordinary people.

The festival also features storytelling programs with various artists including: singer-songwriter and storyteller Claudia Schmidt; Janice Del Negro, who retells old tales from new perspectives; the Rev. Robert Jones, a musician and storyteller; and folk legend, poet, musician and storyteller Verlon Thompson, joining the festival on Sunday only. Forest, who also leads the workshop on Sept. 5, will be performing.

Artisan Market

While listening to the music, stroll over to the Artisan Market and check out the various vendors, including: Ana Banana Gifts; Artistic Creations by Agnes featuring decorative gourd art; Arvid Meyer with handmade wood items; Boho Llama with mini handmade bouquets; Full Moon Michaela with healing stones and wearable art; Greg Orlando and 33 Acoustics with handmade instruments; Guido’s Daughter with tea cup bird feeders and vintage inspired treasures; Hemp Club with handmade, nature-inspired jewelry; Julie’s Jewels, a family jewelry business in its 56th year; Lavender & Loom for handmade gifts and treats; Lindsey The Ladysmith with pieces made with hand-forged metals and raw stones; Nature’s Handywork with jewelry designs featuring wildflowers gathered along the Fox River trails; Paper Kite Art with beaded and paracord items; Plank Road Folk Music Society; Reyes Glass with one-of-a-kind glass pieces; Scrafts with hand-drawn wood burnings; Tangled Yarn with crocheted blooms and buddies; Threadmoor with custom handbags and totes; and Whimsical Wishes featuring fairy-inspired creations.