July 25–27, 2025

Mark your calendars

Lowell Folk Fest is back—and it’s bringing a global soundtrack to the streets of Massachusetts.

For three glorious days, downtown Lowell transforms into a high-energy celebration of traditional music, food, and community. This isn't just any festival—it's one of the largest free folk festivals in the U.S., drawing thousands each year for a cultural mashup unlike any other. From Cambodian dancers to Cajun fiddlers, gospel choirs to flamenco duos, every stage tells a different story.

🎶 2025 Highlights

This year’s lineup includes performers from five continents, with can’t-miss acts like:

Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet (Louisiana Cajun legends)
Red Baraat (Brooklyn’s dhol-and-brass party machine)
Angkor Dance Troupe (Lowell’s own Cambodian cultural gem)
Yeison Landero (Colombian cumbia king)
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials (gritty Chicago blues)

Plus local favorites like Boston’s Bullock Brothers and a colorful Trinidadian carnival parade lighting up the streets.

🌍 Travel Tip: If you loved our roundup of Free & Cheap Things To Do in Boston, the Lowell Folk Fest is your next summer essential.

🚗 Getting There

Just 40 minutes north of Boston, Lowell is easy to reach by car or commuter rail. Garage parking ranges from $15–$20 a day, but the HCID Garage offers a $30 weekend pass (huge if you’re staying all three days). Prefer not to drive? The MBTA Lowell Line drops you a short walk from the festival grounds, and there’s a free LRTA shuttle running throughout the weekend.

👉 Pro Tip: Skip the street meters if you’re planning to stay longer than two hours. Garages are a better bet—and trust us, you’ll want to stay all day.

🥘 Don’t Miss the Food

This isn’t just a music fest—it’s a culinary passport. Expect everything from Nepali momos to BBQ ribs to Polish pierogies, all served street-fair style. Many booths are run by local churches and cultural groups, so your plate is literally seasoned with tradition.

👟 What to Bring

A blanket or camp chair
Sunscreen (you’ll be dancing in the streets)
Comfortable shoes for venue-hopping
Appetite for new music and old-school festival vibes

If you're building out your summer to-do list, don’t miss our Top 10 Boston Summer Events—this one's always near the top.

✨ Why We Love It

What started as a local celebration in the 1970s has grown into a world-class event with serious soul. Many of the organizers have been involved for decades, and new generations are keeping the tradition alive. It’s free, it’s joyful, it’s Lowell at its best.

🎭 Want more offbeat adventures? Check out our guide to 20 Unique Things To Do in Boston for more summer inspo.

See you at #LowellFolk 2025

Bring your dancing shoes. Leave with a full heart. Sweeeeet.

The Lowell Folk Festival Returns