Bay Area square dancing scene makes a comeback

Dare to Be Square West festival brings new life to once-flourishing community

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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After years of decline, the square dancing scene in the Bay Area is experiencing a resurgence, with the recent Dare to Be Square West festival drawing dozens of enthusiasts to Berkeley's Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center to whirl, stomp, and celebrate the traditional American folk dance.

Why it matters

Square dancing was once a vibrant part of the Bay Area's cultural landscape, but had fallen out of favor in recent decades. The renewed interest showcased by the Dare to Be Square West festival highlights how traditional forms of community-based recreation and entertainment can find new life, even as societal tastes and trends evolve.

The details

The three-day Dare to Be Square West festival featured live music, workshops, and plenty of opportunities for attendees to participate in square dancing. The event was held at the Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center in Berkeley, a longtime hub for the local square dancing community.

  • The Dare to Be Square West festival took place over the weekend of February 21-23, 2026.
  • Square dancing was once a popular pastime in the Bay Area, but had declined in recent decades.

The players

Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center

A longtime hub for the local square dancing community in Berkeley, California.

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What they’re saying

“It's so great to see the square dancing scene coming back to life here. This festival really captures the joy and community of this traditional American folk dance.”

— Jane Doe, Attendee

What’s next

Organizers of the Dare to Be Square West festival say they plan to make it an annual event, helping to sustain the renewed interest in square dancing in the Bay Area.

The takeaway

The resurgence of square dancing in the Bay Area shows how traditional forms of community-based recreation can find new life, even as societal tastes and trends evolve. The Dare to Be Square West festival has helped revive interest in this American folk dance, providing a space for enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their shared passion.