Lake Erie Folk Fest celebrates 10th anniversary at Case Western Reserve

Annual music festival returns to Cleveland university after a pandemic hiatus.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Lake Erie Folk Festival, a beloved annual celebration of traditional music in Northeast Ohio, is marking its 10th year with a return to its longtime home at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The festival, created and produced by the Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Association in partnership with WRUW-FM, will feature daytime events and concerts on February 14th.

Why it matters

The Lake Erie Folk Fest has become a cherished tradition for music lovers in the Cleveland area, showcasing the region's rich folk music heritage. After being forced to take a break during the pandemic, the festival's return to its university venue is seen as an important milestone in the local arts community's recovery.

The details

The Lake Erie Folk Festival features a variety of live musical performances, workshops, and other activities highlighting traditional folk, bluegrass, old-time, and roots music. The event is organized by the Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the region's musical traditions, in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University's campus radio station WRUW-FM.

  • The Lake Erie Folk Festival was created 10 years ago.
  • The festival will return to Case Western Reserve University on February 14, 2026.

The players

Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Association

A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the musical heritage of Northeast Ohio.

WRUW-FM

The campus radio station of Case Western Reserve University, which partners with the Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Association to produce the Lake Erie Folk Festival.

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What’s next

Organizers are planning a full day of live music, workshops, and family-friendly activities for the 10th anniversary celebration on February 14th.

The takeaway

The return of the Lake Erie Folk Fest to its longtime home at Case Western Reserve University is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional music in the Cleveland area and the hard work of the local organizations that have kept this beloved festival going for a decade.