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Mountain View Today
By the People, for the People
Mountain View Mayor Spotlights Arkansas Folk Festival
Annual event kicks off the region's peak music season in the Ozarks
Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:14pm
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The Arkansas Folk Festival's vibrant celebration of traditional Ozark music and culture brings the community together for a weekend of joyful performances and artisanal crafts.Mountain View TodayThe 64th annual Arkansas Folk Festival is officially underway in Mountain View, Arkansas, with the mayor highlighting the importance of the event and the local Music Roots program that provides free music education to area youth. The festival features a variety of traditional performances, community events, and an artisans market over the weekend.
Why it matters
The Arkansas Folk Festival is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the musical heritage of the Ozark region, drawing thousands of visitors to Mountain View each year. It also serves as an anchor for the town's busy summer music season, with venues like the Ozark Folk Center hosting regular performances throughout the warmer months.
The details
The festival kicked off on Friday and runs through Saturday, featuring a Saturday morning parade, performances by the local Music Roots youth ensemble, a folk fashion stroll, and an artisans market with handcrafted goods, antique cars, and food vendors. The weekend will culminate in the Next Generation Concert at the Ozark Highlands Theater, which serves as a fundraiser to support continued music education for local students.
- The 64th annual Arkansas Folk Festival officially kicked off on Friday, April 17, 2026.
- The festival runs through Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The players
Roger Gardner
The mayor of Mountain View, Arkansas, who discussed the importance of the Arkansas Folk Festival and the town's Music Roots program that provides free music education to local youth.
Committee of 100
A local organization that partners with the Ozark Folk Center to run the Music Roots program, providing free instruments and instruction to students starting in the fourth grade.
Ozark Folk Center
A cultural institution in Mountain View that hosts regular musical performances and serves as a venue for the Arkansas Folk Festival, including the Next Generation Concert fundraiser.
What they’re saying
“'Folk Fest kind of kicks off our music season of the year. We've got a big lineup all summer long... Friday and Saturday night music will be blowing and going.'”
— Roger Gardner, Mayor of Mountain View
“'If you learn to play music, you'll play the rest of your life.'”
— Roger Gardner, Mayor of Mountain View
What’s next
The Arkansas Folk Festival will continue to host musical performances and community events throughout the summer and fall, with the Ozark Folk Center and other local venues offering regular shows on Friday and Saturday nights.
The takeaway
The Arkansas Folk Festival is a cherished tradition that celebrates the musical heritage of the Ozark region, providing a platform for local youth to learn and perform traditional instruments and music. The festival's enduring popularity underscores Mountain View's commitment to preserving its cultural identity and passing on these traditions to future generations.
