Every year the Kerrville Folk Festival welcomes musicians from around the world to Texas. Like its cousin in Newport, Kerrville focuses on folk and acoustic music.
Discovering this fest feels like finding the heartbeat of Americana. You might hear some familiar favorites, or your new favorites, at this annual gathering.
Whether you’ve never experienced folk music in person or are an old-school picker, Kerrville is fresh every year. National headliners and diamonds in the rough all agree it’s the place to be.
Let’s explore!
The Kerrville Folk Festival Is One of the Biggest in the USA
The golden age of festivals might be gone, but you can count on a few. The Kerrville Folk Festival celebrated fifty years in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, over 1500 artists graced this the hill country stage over the years.
Eighteen days of festing featuring a deep roster of Americana heroes is worth the trip alone. Tickets cover the whole event or single-day passes. In addition, you can purchase workshops and experiences a la carte. If you’ve got the time, two weeks of workshops, picking circles, and adventures, such as cycling, trail runs, and yoga, await the brave.
2023 promises another not-to-miss experience with headliners from around the world. Groups such as Anaïs Mitchell, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Milk Carton Kids, and the John Doe Folk Trio scratch the surface.
Just an hour from historic San Antonio, and two from Austin, folks come to the Quiet Valley Ranch in mid-May. Stretching into early June, the festival brings the best of acoustic music together in one place. True music lovers can’t miss this chance to see their favorite artists up close and personal.
From the Muse: Check out the full lineup on the Kerrville Folk Festival website to plan your trip.
Can You Camp at the Kerrville Folk Festival?
Camping isn’t just allowed at the Kerrville Folk Festival; it’s encouraged. Each festival ticket comes with camping rights, and it’s certainly the best way to experience it. If you plan to stay for the duration, you can even come before the start to stake your claim. Twenty acres provide plenty of space for tent campers, but RVs are a different matter.
Quiet Valley Ranch has 92 RV sites, and they fill up fast. If you’re dedicated to the RV lifestyle, then you’ll most likely end up on a waiting list. Fifty-seven sites offer full hookups, while the rest are only water and electricity.
Important things to know if you’re planning a trip: no pets, no stereos, and no drugs.
Pro Tip: If you love attending music festivals, the Fairhope Music Festival is the Ideal Fall Road Trip to Alabama.
How Many People Attend the Kerrville Folk Festival?
With a reputation the size of Texas, the festival draws 30,000 visitors each year. Despite the size of the fest, many performances are intimate affairs. Anywhere from 800 to 3,000 folks gather for each performance.
We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance for this one because prime camping spots get snatched up early!
Other Fun Things To Do Near the Kerrville Folk Festival
Visitors to the Kerrville Folk Festival come with one thing in mind, music. But the hill country offers much more than just one of the largest folk music festivals in the world. Check out our favorite things to do in the area.
Enjoy the Sounds of Nature at Riverside Nature Center
The Riverside Nature Center on the Guadalupe River allows visitors to experience the unique landscape. Over 140 species of trees and 200 species of wildflowers populate the gardens. Butterflies, birds, and other wildlife bring the park to life. In addition, trails run along the river and expose the rugged beauty of the river.
Riverside Nature Center is open daily from dawn to dusk and is free of charge.
Explore the Schreiner Mansion
Downtown Kerrville is worth a visit if you’re in the area. Captain Charles Schreiner moved to the region with his family in 1852. A successful rancher and merchant, Schreiner had the mansion built in 1879. It’s the first building in Kerr County built from the local limestone and stands off Peterson Plaza in Kerrville.
Tours run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and tickets, which range from $5 to $7, support the Callioux Foundation. The non-profit supports students in attending college and the revitalization of Kerrville.
Have Some Laughs at the VK Garage Theater
VK Garage Theater is a black box theatre in Kerrville that keeps the locals laughing. The Playhouse 2000 community theatre produces most shows. Their season is a mix of contemporary dramedy, Shakespeare classics, and a few knee-slappers for good measure.
Check out the Playhouse 2000 website for specific information about dates and tickets.
Best Places to Stay Near the Kerrville Folk Festival
Since the festival sites fill up so quickly, RVers might need to look elsewhere. Check out these spots nearby the festival for accommodations.
By the River RV Campground
The Guadalupe River in central Texas brings much-needed moisture to the arid region. And, By the River RV Campground is perfect for RVers looking for a quiet, out-of-the-way spot. Situated on a river fork, sites are spacious and relatively isolated.
A small pool, laundry services, and trails round out the amenities. Drought is common in the area, so don’t expect campfires. Reservations are encouraged, and prices are high during peak season.
River Run Bed & Breakfast Inn
For the best of Kerrville, the River Run Bed and Breakfast gives you the best access to downtown. Walking distance from the Riverside Nature Center, the bed and breakfast has delightful views of the Guadalupe. Plenty of nearby restaurants, such as Mamacitas, provide a taste of Texas. Spacious rooms and a beautiful great room bring visitors back every year.
La Quinta
Just off I-10, the Kerrville La Quinta is a reliable standby if camping isn’t your style. This one gives you just about what you’d expect from a chain hotel. Kerrville’s not a big town, so this inn puts you central to the action. The Western Art Museum, Stonehenge II, and the river are all nearby.
Complimentary breakfast is available in the morning, and an indoor pool will cool you off from that famous Texas heat.
Pro Tip: Give these 10 Country Songs About the Road a listen while driving around Texas.
Is a Road Trip to the Kerrville Folk Festival Worth It?
Americana and Folk music lovers will tell you that live is the only way to experience the best. Intimate performances and lifelong relationships make Kerrville memorable. Whether you’re coming in for the day or camping out for the duration, you won’t be sorry.
The Kerrville Folk Festival, a Texas institution for fifty years, is the perfect way to enjoy the hill country.
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