LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL to Feature Global Performers at 39th Annual Free Event

The Lowell Folk Festival has announced additional performers for its 2026 lineup, expanding the roster for the 39th annual event, which will take place July 24–26 in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. The free festival will feature artists representing a wide range of musical and cultural traditions from around the world.

Among the newly announced performers are members of Alash, who will present the traditional Tuvan throat-singing style known as xöömei; bluegrass ensemble Authentic Unlimited; jazz vocalist Catherine Russell; Peruvian scissors dance troupe The Chankas of Perú; New Hampshire polka group Eastern Sound Orchestra; zydeco musician Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie; Indian classical musicians Kunal Gunjal and Amit Kavthekar; Sicilian folk ensemble Michela Musolino & Rosa Tatuata; the Middlesex County Volunteer Fife & Drum Band; the Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers; Haitian dancer and choreographer Peniel Guerrier; Mexican trio Tres en Punto; and the Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers.

These artists join previously announced performers including Elida Almeida, Melissa Carper & Emily Gimble, Dat Mighty 9, John Doyle & Friends, Fabiola Mendez, and Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks.

In addition to musical performances across multiple stages, the festival will feature family programming through the Discovery Lowell Playspace, international food vendors presented through Global Foods, and local artists and organizations showcased in the Experience Lowell Marketplace.

The Lowell Folk Festival is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation, the City of Lowell, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Lowell National Historical Park, the National Council for the Traditional Arts, and Revolutionary Valley.

Newly Announced Performers

Alash

The ensemble performs the traditional Tuvan throat-singing style known as xöömei, a vocal technique in which singers produce multiple pitches simultaneously.

Authentic Unlimited

Formed by former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the award-winning bluegrass group has earned a Grammy nomination and multiple International Bluegrass Music Association honors.

Catherine Russell

The acclaimed jazz vocalist and daughter of Louis Armstrong collaborator Luis Russell will bring selections from her acclaimed solo recording career.

The Chankas of Perú

The group preserves and performs the UNESCO-recognized danza de las tijeras (scissors dance), a traditional Andean performance practice.

Eastern Sound Orchestra

The long-running New England ensemble specializes in East Coast-style Polish polka music.

Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie

The Louisiana accordionist and bandleader brings his blend of zydeco and Creole traditions to the festival.

Kunal Gunjal & Amit Kavthekar

The duo will present Indian classical music featuring the santoor and tabla.

Michela Musolino & Rosa Tatuata

The ensemble performs traditional folk music from Sicily and southern Italy.

Middlesex County Volunteer Fife & Drum Band

The Massachusetts-based ensemble will lead the festival's opening parade.

Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers

The vocal group performs unaccompanied gospel harmony traditions rooted in the American South.

Peniel Guerrier

The Haitian dancer, choreographer, drummer, and educator will present performances rooted in Haitian cultural traditions.

Tres en Punto

The Texas-based trio performs trío romántico, a romantic musical tradition from northern Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley.

Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers

Representing Indigenous communities from southeastern Massachusetts, the group shares music, dance, and cultural traditions of the Wampanoag people.

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